Zee launches Bengali movie channel

The 24-hour movie channel will go on air from September 23. The tagline of the channel is 'Jibon Ekhon Superhit'.

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has announced the launch of a free to air, 24-hour Bengali movie channel, christened Zee Bangla Cinema. This is the network's 26th channel.

The network already has seven channels in the regional space, including Zee Marathi, Zee Talkies, Zee Bangla, Zee Telugu, Zee Kannada, Zee Cinemalu and ETC Punjabi. Zee Bangla Cinema, the eighth channel in the regional bouquet, will be launched on September 23 with the telecast of Shatru, a film released in 2012.

Other movie titles from the channel's library include Bhooter Bhobishyot, Teen Yaarir Kotha, Elar Char Adhyay, Aparajita Tumi, Ajob Prem Ebong, Dutta vs Dutta, Uro Chiti, Fighter, Mouchak, Chaplin, Kagojer Bou, Tokhon Teish, Trishna, Chander Bari, Gorosthane Sabdhan, Patalghar, Banshiwala and many more.

It may be noted that the network already has a Bengali GEC running successfully since September, 1999. The network recently launched a channel in the Arab market, called Zee Alwan.

Punit Goenka, managing director and CEO, ZEEL, says, "With a strong Bengali audience in India and abroad, the Bangla film market has expanded exponentially. Zee Bangla Cinema's entry aims to tap this growing potential. We are sure that ZEE's pioneering presence in the regional space will be further strengthened with the addition of this new movie channel."

The channel boasts the tagline, 'Jibon Ekhon Superhit'. Zee Bangla Cinema's content will also include film news, music releases and muhurats. The channel aspires to create a 'thrilling movie viewing experience' for its audiences across the country and overseas.

Sujay Kutty, business head, Zee Bangla Cinema, says, "The success of Zee Bangla in the regional GEC genre reaffirms our expertise of gauging content preferences. Zee Bangla Cinema offers a true representation of the time and life of Bengal. With an enviable film library, the channel aims to bring the experience of a multiplex right at the homes of the Bengali audience."

The unveiling of the channel will be supported by a 360 degree campaign across radio, TV, print, digital and outdoor, along with on-ground activations.