KOLKATA: Early this month, Odisha-based Sarthak Entertainment Group, launched general entertainment channel, Ollywood TV. While the 24x7 cable channel reaches almost all cable TV homes in Odisha, the group is now looking to make it a satellite channel starting September this year.
“We have got all approvals for setting up the satellite channel from September this year,” confirmed Sarthak Entertainment Group marketing manager Debi Prasad Padhi.
Meanwhile, Ollywood TV isn’t the only GEC from the group; another GEC, Sarthak TV, completed four years since its inception and has to its credit three mega serials, reality shows like Rajo Queen and Gruha Laxmi, and lots of new and entertaining content to satiate the Odiya TV viewer. “We are available across the country through different DTH platforms like Tata Sky, Airtel, Videocon and Dish TV. We aim to come up with many more entertaining programmes in the days to come,” said Padhi about Sarthak TV.
Quoting from the latest, week 16 report released by TAM on GECs in Odisha, Padhi said that Sarthak TV had gained big by reporting a gross rating point (GRP) of 207 points. While in the week 15, the GRP reported was 204 points.
Why another GEC when Sarthak TV is doing well as compared to other GECs in Odisha? “We want to launch new reality shows and serials apart from airing our own serials. We have more than 250 Odiya movies in our library. If there is anyone who can win in the GEC space in Orissa, it is the one who can entertain audiences via innovative formats,” said Padhi. “We are far ahead of others in the genre. In terms of content, people want soaps, drama, aspirational and progressive shows.” He further cited examples of serials doing well as ‘To Aganara Tulasi Mu’, ‘Pari’, ‘Badhu’, ‘Mahadev’, and ‘Prithviraj Chauhan’.
Three decades ago, there was very little scope for entertainment for the people of Odisha, but that has changed now. “We are the only organisation in Odisha equally successful in TV broadcasting, producing movies and music. We will continue to entertain Odiya speaking people even more in the years to come,” Padhi signed off.
