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Bringing TV Programs to the Top of BARC Ratings is No Easy Task

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It’s no simple feat to take TV programs to the top of TAM ratings, especially in today’s competitive landscape. There are numerous channels that Malayalam viewers love, but not all programs on those channels become favorites. However, when a program captures their interest, viewers stay glued to it until the very end. This is how many programs gain popularity.

There’s a kind of magic behind making TV shows successful. Each channel employs its own strategies, and the skills of the people working behind the scenes play a crucial role in this. Among those who have played a major role in popularizing numerous programs and serials is Gireesh Chandran, a native of Thiruvananthapuram. Now celebrating his silver jubilee in the TV industry, Gireesh Chandran began his career as an Assistant Producer in 2005 at Asianet’s Entertainment Channel.

Two decades later, the same strategist who once worked against Surya TV to improve Asianet’s ratings has now joined Surya TV as the Head of Programming, bringing fresh ideas and success strategies to elevate the channel once again.

First Show: Believe It or Not

In 2005, when Gireesh Chandran joined Asianet as an Assistant Producer, his debut program was Believe It or Not. During this period, TV channels were fiercely competing for audience attention. Remarkably, Gireesh’s very first program became a massive hit, earning him a secure spot at Asianet for the next 20 years.

Following this success, he took charge of other shows like Suprabhatham and Akathtalam. Later, he joined Asianet’s Fiction Department, where he worked alongside Fiction Head Sharath Chandran.

Serials That Rewrote Asianet’s History

At the time, Surya TV dominated the market with hit serials like Minnukettu, Kayamkulam Kochunni, Kavyanjali, and Kaanakkinavu, all scoring TAM ratings between 15-20 points. Meanwhile, Asianet’s prime-time slots were struggling with ratings below 5 points.

Determined to change this, Gireesh dedicated himself to research and strategic planning, working like a relentless machine to find ways to improve Asianet’s performance. His efforts ultimately resulted in serials that reshaped the channel’s destiny.

Swami Ayyappan – The Game-Changer

The mega-hit serial Swami Ayyappan marked a turning point for both Asianet and Surya TV. Gireesh was behind the planning and execution of several hit serials that followed, including Ente Manasaputhri, Rahasya, Nombarappoovu, and Swami Ayyappan. These shows paved the way for Asianet’s remarkable comeback.

One of Gireesh’s standout contributions was Autograph, a show that became an all-time top non-prime-time serial at 6:30 PM, breaking records and rewriting history.

The Rise of Gireesh in the TV Industry

With Autograph, Gireesh became a prominent figure in the television industry. Despite facing heavy criticism and even smear campaigns, Gireesh’s potential was recognized by Asianet’s management, particularly by channel head K. Madhavan, who continued to provide him with key opportunities.

Gireesh’s dominance in the serial industry continued, with the classic mega-hit serial Kumkumapoo emerging from his creative vision. This serial was scripted by Pradeep Panicker and directed by Praveen Kadakkavoor, with G. Jayakumar producing. Gireesh successfully introduced Jayakumar—known for producing Malayalam films—into the TV industry through Kumkumapoo.

Subsequently, Gireesh played a significant role in launching major serials like Parasparam, Chandana Mazha, and Neelakuyil, all of which became huge commercial successes under Jayakumar’s production.

Key Collaborations and Notable Serials

Gireesh also mentored producer Ramesh Babu from Raison Pictures, who later produced successful serials such as Sthreedhanam, Bharya, Mounaragam, and Patharamatt.

Gireesh’s strategic moves helped numerous children’s serials like Kuttichathan and Balaganapathi climb the rating charts.

His ability to identify fresh talent and provide opportunities to new production houses, directors, and scriptwriters contributed significantly to Asianet’s golden run in the industry.

Major Productions Led by Gireesh Chandran

Here are some of the most prominent productions guided by Gireesh:

Autograph – Director: Sujith Sundar, Scriptwriter: Anil Babu
Kumkumapoo – Scriptwriter: Pradeep Panicker, Director: Praveen Kadakkavoor, Producer: G. Jayakumar
Sthreedhanam – Producer: Ramesh Babu, Director: Krishna Moorthy
Balaganapathi – Producer: Sudheer Babu
Karuthamuthu – Producer: Al Thahir
Ammayariyathe – Producer: Faisal
Malikappuram – Producer: Sharanya Subrahmaniam
Geetha Govindam – Producer: Bobby
Chandana Mazha – Scriptwriter: Cherunniyoor Jayaprasad
Parasparam – Director: Manju Dharman
Chandrakaantham – Scriptwriter: Unni
Karuthamuthu – The Most Remade Serial

Among Gireesh’s many achievements, Karuthamuthu holds the distinction of being the most widely remade serial across multiple languages.

Top-Rated Serials That Dominated the Charts

Gireesh’s influence is evident in numerous serials that claimed the number one position in Malayalam television:

Ente Manasaputhri
Autograph
Harichandhanam
Kumkumapoo
Chandana Mazha
Paarijatham
Parasparam
Vanambadi
Sthreedhanam
Karuthamuthu
Ammayariyathe
Santhwanam
Mounaragam
Ammakkili
Swami Ayyappan
Gireesh Chandran’s exceptional contributions and strategic expertise have made him a driving force behind some of the biggest hits in Malayalam television history. His ability to blend creative storytelling with clever programming strategies continues to inspire the industry.

Makeup artist Ranjith Gopinathan suspended from FEFKA

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Film makeup artist Ranjith Gopinathan, who was caught in Idukki with hybrid cannabis, has been suspended from FEFKA. Ranjith Gopinathan, known as RG Wayanad, was caught with 45 grams of high-potency cannabis.

The Excise had received confidential information that drug dealing was taking place widely at film locations centered around Vagamon. Based on this, a vehicle inspection was conducted on the Kanjar-Vagamon road. Ranjith was caught by the Excise while he was going to the film location called Attahasam, where filming was taking place, in a wagon. 45 grams of high-potency hybrid cannabis kept in a bag in the trunk of the car was seized. A search of Ranjith’s house in Kochi found cannabis stems and seeds. An excise search was also conducted at the makeup studio in Panampilly Nagar.

An investigation is underway to find those who gave Ranjith hybrid cannabis, worth more than one crore per kilo. Ranjith has worked as a makeup artist in many films including Elesham, Romanjam, Jaaneman, etc.

Syria’s civil war intensifies; death toll passes 1,000

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Damascus: Civil war intensifies in Syria. The number of people killed in clashes between supporters of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and security forces has exceeded 1,000.

The victims were members of the minority Alawite sect. About 750 of the dead were civilians. In addition to these, 125 security personnel were also killed. It is reported that 148 people from armed groups supporting Assad were killed.

The country is currently experiencing the most severe violence since the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024.

There are also reports that many people have already fled the area in the wake of the conflicts. The Alawites make up about ten percent of the Syrian population. The Alawites are a sub-sect of Shiite Muslims.

Kendriya Vidyalaya Admission 2025 to 2026 ; Guide for Parents | Dates, Documents & Online Application

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Kendriya Vidyalaya Admission 2025 to 2026

The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) has announced its admission schedule for the 2025-26 academic year, signaling the start of an important journey for many families. If you’re a parent seeking admission for your child, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the process. We request you to check https://kvsangathan.nic.in/en/admission/ updated information

Key Dates and Deadlines:

  • Online Applications (Class 1 and Balvatika):
    • From March 7, 2025, to March 21, 2025.
  • Admissions for Class 2 and Above:
    • From April 2, 2025, to April 11, 2025.
  • First List of Selected Candidates:
    • April 17, 2025.

Essential Steps for Parents:

  1. Visit the Official Website: https://kvsangathan.nic.in
    • The official KVS website (kvsangathan.nic.in) is your primary source of information. Stay updated on all announcements and guidelines.
  2. Understand the Age Criteria:
    • Ensure your child meets the age requirements:
      • Class 1: 6 years old as of March 31, 2025.
      • Balvatika 1: 3 to 4 years old.
      • Balvatika 2: 4 to 5 years old.
      • Balvatika 3: 5 to 6 years old.
  3. Prepare Required Documents:
    • Gather the necessary documents beforehand:
      • Child’s birth certificate.
      • Recent passport-sized photograph.
      • Address proof (Aadhaar card, voter ID, utility bill).
      • Caste certificate (if applicable).
      • Transfer certificate (if applicable).
  4. Online Application Process:
    • The application process for Class 1 and Balvatika is entirely online.
    • Visit the KVS online admission portal and carefully fill in the application form.
    • ensure that all scanned documents are of the correct size and format.
  5. Stay Informed About Selection Lists:
    • Keep track of the dates for the release of selection lists.
    • Be prepared for potential waiting lists and subsequent rounds of admissions.
  6. Admissions for Higher Classes:
    • Information regarding admissions to class 2 and above will be available on the individual Kendriya Vidyalaya websites. So it is important to check with the local school.

Important Tips:

  • Read the official KVS admission notification thoroughly.
  • Ensure you have a stable internet connection during the online application process.
  • Keep copies of all submitted documents and application forms.
  • Remain aware that admission is based on seat availability.

By following these steps, you can increase your chances of securing admission for your child in a Kendriya Vidyalaya.

ED issues notice to 11 Indians deported from US

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New Delhi: The ED has issued notices to 11 Indians deported from the US for illegal immigration. The ED has issued notices to 10 people from Punjab and one from Haryana. They have been asked to appear for questioning at the ED’s Jalandhar office on various dates.

The action is part of a case investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The ED has asked them to appear for questioning as part of its investigation against 15 agents involved in the illegal smuggling of people from India to the US.

The process of deporting illegal immigrants began after Donald Trump took office as US President in January. In February, a military aircraft landed in India with illegal immigrants three times.

Musk’s rocket explodes, flights diverted

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Florida: Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starship mega rocket exploded. The upper part of it exploded. This caused flights to be diverted in America.

The upper part of the ship exploded and broke into pieces minutes after taking off from Starbase near Boca Chica Beach, Texas. This caused the space to be filled with rocket debris. This caused flights to be delayed and some to be diverted.

America made this preparation considering the possibility of damage to planes due to rocket debris. This action taken by the US Federal Aviation Administration delayed flights from four airports in Florida for about an hour.

Services at Miami Airport were also affected. Several flights that were supposed to fly over Mexico were also diverted.

SpaceX said it was coordinating with safety officials after the rocket exploded.

SpaceX has confirmed that communication with the ship was lost after separation from the booster during Starship’s eighth test launch. The same thing happened during the last Starship test.

Accused in several cases; Kannur native deported under Kappa

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Kannur: A young woman accused in several cases, including a drug case, has been deported under Kappa. Fatima Habiba (27), a native of Thiruvangad, Thalassery, was deported. Fatima is on the police’s rowdy list. The action was based on the report under the Kappa Act of the Kannur District Commissioner.

There is a ban on entering Kannur district for one year. Anyone who enters the district in violation of the order will be punished with imprisonment for up to three years. The order was issued by the Kannur Range DIG. Fatima was arrested in October for smuggling 24 grams of brown sugar.

Ban on celebrations in Schools after SSLC, Plus Two exams

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Thiruvananthapuram: The Department of Public Education has banned celebrations by children in schools on the last day of SSLC and Plus Two exams. The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Director of Public Education S. Shanavas. Instructions will be sent to District Education Officers and Higher Secondary Deputy Directors.

After the final exams, students bid farewell on campus with Holi-style celebrations, which often lead to clashes. School management should strictly instruct children to return home immediately after the exams.

Parents should ensure that they reach home at the usual time. It has been noticed that some students are drinking alcohol, smoking and using prohibited tobacco products in the school toilets, so they will not be allowed to enter here after the exams. Children will not be allowed to stay on campus after the final exams. The decision will be strictly implemented, he said.

Food poisoning in Mangaluru jail; several prisoners hospitalized

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Mangaluru jail

Food poisoning in Mangaluru jail, Karnataka. Inmates who fell ill after eating food from the jail were admitted to the District Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru. Out of 350 inmates, 45 have been infected with food poisoning.

The inmates experienced stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness after eating lunch on Thursday. With this, the inmates were admitted to the hospital. One of them collapsed and is in a critical condition and is in the ICU.

On Wednesday morning, they were given rice and sambar for breakfast and lunch. The cause of the food poisoning is being investigated. Samples have been sent for testing to determine whether the poisoning was caused through food or drinking water. City Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal visited the hospital. With over 45 prisoners currently out of jail, City Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal has deployed additional security personnel at the district Wenlock Hospital.

Officers from Shivamogga and Udupi have also been shifted to Mangaluru to help manage the situation. Officials said the condition of the prisoners is stable and they will be discharged from the hospital in a phased manner.

Former SP Sujith Das’ suspension withdrawn

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Thiruvananthapuram: The suspension of former Malappuram SP Sujith Das has been withdrawn. The action was taken after the suspension period expired. The suspension followed the allegations of P.V. Anwar. The committee headed by the Chief Secretary recommended his reinstatement.

Sujith Das’ suspension was withdrawn but he was not given the next posting. P.V. Anwar alleged that the SP had close links with gold smuggling gangs.

Anwar had released the SP’s audio recording. Anwar released the SP’s audio recording demanding that the case filed by Anwar regarding the felling of trees in the camp office premises be withdrawn when he was the Malappuram SP. This had led to major controversies. Meanwhile, the review committee announced that the investigation against Sujit Das is in the final stages.