Come August, Indian television will have its own ‘History’ channel called Epic TV, which will offer content that will showcase the country’s history, folklore and mythology. The channel, which is yet to get regulatory approval, is a part of Epic Television Network promoted by Mahesh Samat, who quit as head of Walt Disney India last year to start his own venture.

Talking to Business Line , Samat, an alumnus of IIM-Calcutta, said that he has roped in a few high profile investors including auto major Mahindra Group’s Chairman Anand Mahindra.

The channel is said to open a new category in Hindi entertainment, termed as ‘segmented’, that presents thematic content focused on a particular genre, thereby, offering increased choice and different viewing opportunities.

The latest FICCI Frames KPMG report has also indicated that digitisation is expected to open up more avenues for broadcasters to launch subscription-driven, specialty channels in India.

“Digitisation has opened up lot of opportunities in terms of diverse viewership in the country. We have through our survey have found that there is a strong affinity for such content in both urban and rural India. We are looking at offering three hours of fresh content every day,” Samat said. The company is also looking at acquiring movies in these genres. He also said that the channel will not be free-to-air.

He, however, refused to divulge any financial details on the company, which became operational from December last.

Samat said this full HD channel will be available on all DTH and digital platforms across all major markets in India.

One of the shows on Epic is based on Indu Sundaresan’s novel The Twentieth Wife that is about Mehrunissa, the twentieth wife of emperor Jehangir.

Priyanka.pani@thehindu.co.in

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