Cinema Central

“We have tied up with Lionsgate, an agency that purchases the rights to Hollywood films and international television shows for airing. As of now, we are going to try it out without charge; if the slot witnesses success, we will make it permanent,” says Tripurari Sharan, Directorate General, Doordarshan. He said that the slot that will be introduced by the end of March, will telecast popular Hollywood hits from two to three years ago and before.

As for the independent movie slot of 11pm on Sunday that was introduced in October last year, Sharan says the slot is yet to pick up. “We received 175 entries for that and 74 films have been shortlisted. But that slot is a long-term investment for us; we are not going to take any step just yet to make changes on that one,” added Sharan.

Among other steps taken to resurrect the channel’s popularity, it has tied up with channels such as Star Plus and Zee to simulcast Satyamev Jayate (the second season is now on air) and Mahabharat respectively. On the other hand, it has also introduced some new infotainment shows, the kind that National Geographic and Discovery airs, such as Lakshaya: Ek Living Planet, which addresses environmental issues.