Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has expanded its presence in Southeast Asia with the launch of Sony VIZHA, a new Tamil General Entertainment Channel (GEC) on Malaysian pay-TV operator Astro.

Available on Astro channel 220 and its streaming platform, Astro GO, the channel brings a mix of contemporary Tamil entertainment to audiences across Malaysia. The launch also marks SPNI’s first linear channel debut on Astro, strengthening its international reach and expanding its Tamil entertainment offerings in the region.

According to an SPNI press release issued on October 27, 2026, Sony VIZHA has been developed around the philosophy ‘Ithu Namma Vibe’ (This is our vibe). Named after the Tamil word for ‘celebration’ or ‘festival’, the channel aims to celebrate Tamil Nadu as it is experienced today, reflecting its language, culture, traditions, aspirations and distinctive way of life.

Sony VIZHA brings together Tamil stories, talent, music and contemporary entertainment through a varied content line-up featuring global formats, fiction shows, movies and more. With programming designed to reflect the evolving preferences of Tamil-speaking households, the channel aims to connect with audiences through culturally relevant stories and entertainment that resonates emotionally. English subtitles will also be available, helping the channel reach a wider audience.

The channel’s programming includes two globally recognised entertainment formats adapted for Tamil audiences: ‘Tamil Idol’, associated with A.R. Rahman, and ‘Celebrity MasterChef Tamil’, featuring Samantha Ruth Prabhu as a celebrity judge. The fiction line-up includes ‘Notebook 90’s – Kadhal Flashback’, ‘Crime Patrol – Kutrangal Tharum Echarikkai’ and ‘Madam Police – Naanga Irukka Bayamen’, alongside a diverse selection of movies.

The launch marks an important step in SPNI’s international expansion strategy, extending its distribution reach in Southeast Asia while strengthening its Tamil entertainment portfolio across international markets. Through Sony VIZHA, the network aims to bring a blend of familiar cultural themes, popular talent and contemporary storytelling to Tamil-speaking viewers beyond India.

Commenting on the launch, Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer and Business Head – Sports and International, Sony Pictures Networks India, said, “The launch of Sony VIZHA on Astro in Malaysia marks a strategic step in expanding our international presence and strengthening our engagement with Tamil-speaking audiences beyond India. With a compelling mix of global IPs, renowned talent and culturally relevant storytelling, Sony VIZHA reflects our commitment to delivering differentiated content that connects with audiences across markets. Our partnership with Astro further advances this ambition, enabling us to extend our Tamil entertainment offerings to more viewers in the region.”

Prem Anand Rajahram, Vice President – Indian Customer Business, Astro, said the launch marked the beginning of a strategic partnership between Astro and SPNI. He added that Astro was proud to be Sony VIZHA’s first international partner, bringing the channel to Malaysian audiences alongside its debut in India.

“With a compelling mix of reality entertainment, movies, original dramas, and culturally relevant storytelling, Sony VIZHA further strengthens our premium Indian content proposition,” Rajahram said. He added that Astro looked forward to building on the partnership with SPNI to enhance the entertainment experience for its customers and reinforce its position as a destination for Indian entertainment in Malaysia.

Sony VIZHA is now available to viewers in Malaysia on Astro channel 220 and through Astro GO, giving audiences access to its mix of Tamil reality entertainment, fiction, movies and other programming.