Astro launches new Tamil channel Sony Vizha ahead of Deepavali, unveils exclusive line-up at open house

Themed “Ondrinaindhu Kondaduvom”, which translates to “Together We Celebrate”, the evening featured live cultural performances, dance showcases and musical acts by Malaysian talents.

By Malay Mail

First Published: Wednesday, 21 Oct 2026 10:09 AM MYT

PETALING JAYA, Oct 21 — About 150 guests, including local entertainers, media and partners, gathered at Astro’s Deepavali Open House on Saturday for an early look at what the broadcaster has planned for the festive season.

Astro chief content officer Agnes Rozario and vice-president of Indian content business Prem Anand Rajahram were among those present at the event, held at the Jasmine Signature Ballroom here.

Themed “Ondrinaindhu Kondaduvom”, which translates to “Together We Celebrate”, the evening featured live cultural performances, dance showcases and musical acts by Malaysian talents, alongside a preview of Astro’s Deepavali 2026 programmes.

At the centre of the line-up is Sony Vizha, a new premium Tamil-language channel that debuted on Monday at 10.30pm on Channel 220.

The channel will carry blockbuster movies, reality shows, game shows, original drama series and concerts. True to its name, Vizha, Tamil for “celebration”, it will also feature content on Tamil culture, music, storytelling and everyday life.

Astro chief content officer Agnes Rozario (second right) and vice-president of Indian content business Prem Anand Rajahram (second left) present singer Saindhavi (centre) with an appreciation gift at the Astro Deepavali Open House 2026 at the Jasmine Signature Ballroom in Petaling Jaya, October 17, 2026. — Picture courtesy of Astro

Astro head of content for the Indian Customer Business, Jegan Manickam Wash, said the channel was not just a Deepavali offering and would continue to deliver fresh content throughout the year.

“The launch of the channel is expected to broaden Tamil-language entertainment choices for viewers while adding to the festive spirit of this year’s Deepavali celebrations,” he said in a media release. 

He said this year’s campaign theme reflected the spirit of togetherness and unity among Malaysia’s multicultural communities.

Astro’s main Deepavali event, the Deepavali Kondattam, will be held this Saturday at the MBSA Auditorium in Shah Alam and is expected to draw about 1,000 visitors.

Featuring local and Singaporean performers, the show will be broadcast on Deepavali. Admission is free, but visitors must register in advance via the QR code on the Astro Ulagam website.