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Polimer TV
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Polimer TV
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Polimer TV (Tamil: பாலிமர் தொலைக்காட்சி, romanized: Pālimar Tolaikkāṭci; also known as Polimer) is an Indian Tamil language entertainment channel that was owned by Polimer TV Network. The channel shows dubbed series from other television channels and produced some original programming. It was initially launched as a local television channel by starting their headquarters at Salem and it aired only in Salem, Namakkal, Erode, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Dharmapuri. However, it was later converted into a Tamil entertainment channel by expanding the whole coverage in Tamil Nadu and moving their headquarters to Chennai.[1]

Key Information

completed shows

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Former shows

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Original series

[edit]
  • Yamini B.A.B.L.
  • Aayiram Jenmangal
  • Rajamannar Vagaiyara
  • Ithu Namma Veedu

Original reality/non-scripted programming

[edit]
  • Makkalukkaga
  • Polimer Junior Super Dancer
  • Something Something with Stars

Dubbed soap operas

[edit]

Reality/non-scripted programming

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Polimer TV

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from Grokipedia
Polimer TV is an Indian Tamil-language general entertainment channel (GEC) based in , , that broadcasts a mix of original programming, dubbed serials, films, reality shows, comedy programs, game shows, and music content to cater to Tamil-speaking audiences worldwide. Launched on October 30, 2009, by Polimer Media Private Limited, the channel was established as a entrant from a prominent multi-system operator (MSO) in the region, aiming to secure a top-three position in Tamil GEC ratings within its first year through diverse and engaging content. Owned and founded by P. V. Kalyana Sundaram, Polimer TV evolved from the company's roots in cable television operations and local channels in areas like Salem and , leveraging its extensive distribution network as the second-largest MSO in to reach millions of households. The channel operates from a state-of-the-art production facility in , producing up to eight hours of original content daily alongside a library of over 350 exclusive Tamil movies, emphasizing family-oriented and cultural relevance. While it has faced criticism for relying heavily on dubbed international and serials, Polimer TV has built a loyal viewership through popular shows and film premieres, contributing to the competitive landscape of Tamil television.

Overview

Channel description

Polimer TV is an Indian Tamil-language general channel (GEC) that primarily broadcasts family-oriented content such as dramas, comedies, and reality shows to cater to Tamil-speaking audiences. The channel began local cable operations in 2007 and was launched as a 24/7 satellite broadcaster on October 30, 2009, focusing on engaging programming that resonates with cultural and familial values in and beyond. A significant portion of Polimer TV's schedule features dubbed international and Hindi series adapted into Tamil, providing accessible entertainment drawn from popular global narratives, alongside a selection of original Tamil productions to support local storytelling. This mix appeals to Tamil-speaking families across , particularly in , as well as diaspora communities seeking culturally relevant content. The channel maintains sister networks including Polimer News, which delivers 24-hour news coverage, and Jothi TV, dedicated to devotional and spiritual programming. As of 2025, Polimer TV remains active and widely accessible through cable operators, direct-to-home (DTH) services, and streaming platforms such as .

Launch details

Polimer Media Private Limited was incorporated on July 26, 2007, in , under the ownership of P. V. Kalyana Sundaram. Polimer TV began as a local service, initially headquartered in Salem and leveraging Sundaram's existing cable TV distribution network to deliver content to regional audiences. This launch was motivated by the rising demand for accessible Tamil-language programming, allowing the channel to offer affordable entertainment options in an era of expanding regional . At its inception, Polimer TV's broadcast footprint was restricted to Salem and select neighboring districts, including Namakkal, Erode, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Dharmapuri, serving primarily cable subscribers in these areas. The early programming lineup emphasized a blend of local news bulletins tailored to community interests, straightforward entertainment segments, and introductory dubbed television shows adapted from other languages to attract initial viewership and build loyalty among Tamil-speaking households. These elements were designed to fill gaps in localized content availability, fostering engagement through relatable and cost-effective fare. Shortly after its debut, Polimer TV demonstrated ambitions beyond local operations by transitioning toward statewide reach, marked by a relocation of its headquarters to to support broader distribution and production capabilities, and its uplinking as a satellite channel on October 30, 2009. This shift laid the groundwork for evolving from a cable-limited service into a more comprehensive Tamil entertainment platform.

History

Early local operations

Polimer Media Private Limited, the parent company of Polimer TV, was incorporated on July 26, 2007, in , establishing the foundation for the channel's initial operations as a regional broadcaster serving central . Founded by P.V. Kalyanasundaram, who built on his existing distribution network, the channel focused on delivering localized Tamil-language content to subscribers in areas including Salem, , , , and through analog via local cable operators. During its early years, Polimer TV operated as a local cable channel. Distribution relied on local cable operators.

Expansion and milestones

In 2009, Polimer TV transitioned from a local cable channel in Salem to a full-fledged statewide Tamil entertainment satellite channel, launching on October 30, 2009, and relocating its headquarters to to broaden its coverage across . This shift marked a significant milestone, enabling the channel to compete in the national Tamil media landscape with a mix of films, serials, and entertainment programming. That same year, the parent Polimer Group launched Polimer News as a sister channel, capitalizing on the entertainment network's distribution infrastructure to enter the competitive Tamil news market and diversify its portfolio. Throughout the , Polimer TV pursued growth by forging distribution partnerships with key direct-to-home (DTH) providers, including its addition to Tata Sky in 2012 at channel number 818, which expanded accessibility to millions of subscribers. The channel also became available on , further solidifying its statewide footprint amid rising DTH adoption in . In the 2020s, the channel accelerated its digital integration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing online accessibility to sustain audience engagement during lockdowns. As of 2025, Polimer TV maintains a robust online presence, offering live broadcasts and on-demand content via its official YouTube channel and mobile apps. Key events in the channel's trajectory include operational challenges such as carriage fee disputes with cable operators like Sumangali Cable Vision, leading to temporary service interruptions in the late 2000s and beyond.

Ownership and operations

Corporate ownership

Polimer TV is owned by Polimer Media Private Limited, a private company incorporated on July 26, 2007, in , . The company was founded by the Kalyanasundaram family, with Pattanam Velappan Kalyanasundaram serving as the primary stakeholder and managing director. The company is fully owned by the Kalyanasundaram family. This family-controlled structure has defined the channel's operations since its inception, with no major external investors involved as of 2025. The ownership has remained stable and privately held, evolving from the family's earlier ventures in television set manufacturing under the Polimer brand starting in 1985. Polimer Media launched Polimer TV as its flagship general entertainment channel in 2009, followed by the news channel Polimer News in 2009, leveraging the family's established cable distribution network in . Polimer News has maintained top viewership ratings in as of 2025. Unlike some competitors in the Tamil media landscape, such as , Polimer Media has reported no mergers, acquisitions, or significant shifts in equity structure through 2025. Financially, Polimer Media operates as a mid-tier player in the Tamil television sector, generating primarily from , cable carriage fees, and content syndication. For the financial year ending , 2023, the company reported of approximately INR 405 crore, reflecting steady growth in a competitive market dominated by larger conglomerates. The authorized and paid-up stands at INR 40 million, underscoring its private, family-centric funding model without reliance on public markets or . Polimer Media maintains compliance with regulations set by the (TRAI), including adherence to broadcasting licenses, content standards, and tariff orders for multichannel distribution. As a licensed private broadcaster, the company follows TRAI's guidelines on channel carriage, subscriber reporting, and audit requirements, with no reported violations or penalties as of 2025.

Headquarters and distribution

Polimer TV is headquartered in , , , at No. 30, 1st Street, Balaji Nagar, , with the facility serving as the primary base for operations since the channel's expansion from its initial Salem location. The headquarters supports the production of original content through integrated studios, enabling the channel's focus on Tamil-language programming. The channel broadcasts via satellite transmission on GSAT-17 at 93.5°E, utilizing the Ku-band frequency of 3953 V, /8PSK modulation, symbol rate 9600, and FEC 3/4, allowing access for viewers with compatible setups. In September 2025, the channel updated its transmission parameters on GSAT-17. It is also available through digital terrestrial and cable networks in urban areas of , including major operators such as Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable TV (TACTV). For wider distribution, Polimer TV is carried on direct-to-home (DTH) platforms including (channel 766) and (channel numbers varying by pack, such as 1561 for related services). The channel operates 24/7 and broadcasts in standard definition (SD). Internationally, Polimer TV reaches the in regions such as the , the , and primarily through over-the-top (OTT) streaming services like , which provides live access on smart TVs and mobile devices, and for live broadcasts and on-demand content. This distribution model ensures availability beyond , catering to global audiences via IP-based delivery.

Programming

Original scripted series

Polimer TV began producing original scripted series in the late , focusing on family dramas, thrillers, and comedies tailored to Tamil cultural narratives. These in-house productions emphasize relatable stories featuring local talent and often explore social themes such as gender roles and familial bonds. With production budgets typically ranging from ₹60,000 to ₹2 per episode, the channel prioritizes cost-effective storytelling over high-profile casts, enabling quick production cycles with emerging Tamil actors. A prominent example is the legal drama Yamini B.A.B.L., which aired in 2021 and centers on Yamini, a resilient confronting workplace sabotage by a senior colleague and personal marital discord that threatens divorce. Directed by Nandini JS with a screenplay by Chandru and dialogues by Fernando S. Manoharan, the series underscores in professional settings through Yamini's determined navigation of these challenges. Produced by Cotton Rust Company with music by , it stars Ghoshal in the lead role alongside Aravind Sundar and Sangeetha Balan. The supernatural thriller Aayiram Jenmangal, also launched in 2021, draws from classic Tamil horror tropes to depict a woman's possession by a restless spirit driven by and . Directed by Sai Maruthu, the narrative builds suspense around the spirit's quest for connection during auspicious nights like , blending eerie elements with emotional family . In the genre, Rajamannar Vagaiyara premiered on October 18, 2021, airing weekdays at 7:00 PM, and satirizes the destructive pursuit of political power through rivalries and fractured relationships over a symbolic . This action-infused serves as a cautionary of ambition's human toll, featuring local actors like T.S. Durairaj and . The Ithu Namma Veedu, which ran for 47 episodes starting in February 2020, humorously portrays the antics and jealousies among three interconnected families, highlighting the warmth and conflicts of joint Indian households. Directed by R. Virenthiran, it stars Narain as the successful businessman Ajith, as his envious cousin Avinash, and Udhaya as the affable Gayathiri, emphasizing themes of and everyday resilience. These series generally feature short runs of 50-100 episodes to sustain viewer engagement without prolonged narratives, differing from longer formats on competitors like Sun TV. By 2025, Polimer TV has reduced new original scripted output in favor of dubbed programming, with no new series launched since , which dominates its schedule for cost efficiency and broader appeal.

Original reality programming

Polimer TV began producing original reality programming in the early 2010s, emphasizing talent competitions and interactive formats tailored to Tamil-speaking audiences. These non-scripted shows, including dance and singing contests, were introduced around 2013 to showcase emerging artists and cultural traditions, differentiating the channel from its primarily dubbed content slate. Additional formats include political discussion shows like Makkalukkaga and celebrity interactive programs such as Something Something with Stars. A prominent example is Polimer Junior Super Dancer, a children's competition that premiered in 2013 and broadcast every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Directed by choreographer Kala Master, the show targeted kids aged 8 to 13, with initial auditions featuring 52 participants. It was judged by actress and actor Prasanna, and hosted by dancer and comedian Bobby, focusing on diverse styles to nurture young performers. Another key series, Pattu Padava Potti Podava, is a singing that highlights traditional Tamil folk and kuthu songs. Contestants are split into boys' and girls' teams, with 4 to 5 singers per group competing in performances judged by veteran playback singer . The program incorporates humorous anchoring to engage viewers while promoting cultural preservation through music. These formats often integrated Tamil cultural motifs, such as folk dances and heritage songs, to resonate with local viewers. By 2025, original reality output has become more sporadic, with the channel prioritizing dubbed content and shifting shorter non-scripted segments to digital platforms like for broader reach.

Dubbed soap operas

Polimer TV has built a substantial portion of its programming around dubbed soap operas, primarily adapting popular serials into Tamil to cater to regional audiences. Since its expansion around 2010, the channel has focused on sourcing content from major networks such as , Star Plus, and , with dubbed dramas forming the core of its fiction lineup and often outperforming original local productions in viewership ratings. This approach allows the channel to fill prime-time slots efficiently, where these serials air daily, drawing in viewers with familiar narratives localized for Tamil-speaking households. The dubbing process involves professional artists recording Tamil dialogues to match the original actors' lip movements, ensuring synchronization while preserving the dramatic essence of the stories. Translators scripts to maintain cultural relevance, often changing character names and minor references to resonate with Tamil viewers, such as altering regional idioms or family dynamics to align with local customs. Notable examples include , a long-running of the series , which spanned over 1,670 episodes and became one of Polimer TV's most enduring hits, and Ini Ellam Vasanthame, the Tamil version of Sony's Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi, which capitalized on the lead actor's popularity to boost prime-time engagement. These dubbed soap operas typically range from 200 to over 1,000 episodes, allowing for extended runs that sustain viewer loyalty through ongoing plot developments aired in evening slots. As of November 2025, Polimer TV continues to prioritize this model for its cost-effectiveness, with dubbing expenses estimated at around ₹10,000 per episode compared to higher production costs for originals, enabling the channel to maintain a robust schedule amid competitive regional broadcasting. Ongoing dubbed serials include Ninaithale Inikkum and Engal Sai. While original scripted series serve as occasional fillers, the dubbed soaps remain the backbone of the channel's appeal.

Other dubbed content

Polimer TV features a range of dubbed programming beyond soap operas, encompassing imported reality shows, international series, and film reruns adapted into Tamil to broaden its appeal. These offerings provide viewers with diverse narrative styles from global markets. The channel's acquisition strategy relies on securing dubbing rights from international and producers, enabling cost-effective content sourcing compared to original productions. Non-soap dubbed series typically run for shorter durations of 50-100 episodes, allowing for frequent rotations to maintain freshness. Dubbed films and specials often occupy weekend prime-time slots, while international series air in late-night segments to engage younger demographics seeking varied . In recent years, Polimer TV has emphasized dubbed and reality formats to complement its dramatic content, though these remain secondary to its core dubbed serials. This approach has helped the channel balance local relevance with global influences in 's competitive television landscape.

Reception

Polimer TV experienced peak viewership during the , primarily driven by its dubbed soap operas, such as and , which significantly boosted ratings and helped the channel achieve substantial audience numbers in . These Hindi-dubbed series attracted large audiences by offering dramatic family narratives that resonated with local viewers, positioning Polimer TV as a key player in the dubbed content wave that transformed Tamil GECs during this period. In the 2020s, the channel has maintained steady viewership trends, though it does not rank in the top tiers of BARC's all-India metrics, where dominant players like Sun TV report weekly AMA'000 figures exceeding 2 million. Complementing traditional TV, Polimer TV has seen growth in digital engagement, with its official YouTube channel amassing over 798,000 subscribers as of November 2025, enabling broader access to content clips and episodes. Among Tamil general entertainment channels (GECs), Polimer TV occupies a mid-tier market position, trailing leaders like Sun TV, Vijay TV, and , which command higher shares through a mix of original and dubbed programming. Its reliance on dubbed content, particularly from origins, continues to influence viewership positively, as the channel was historically fully dependent on such formats to sustain audience interest and lower production costs. Declines occur during periods of limited original production, underscoring the dubbed slate's role in stabilizing metrics. Additionally, streaming platforms and international distribution extend its reach to the , contributing to a global audience of millions beyond domestic borders.

Critical response

Polimer TV has received mixed critical reception, particularly for its heavy emphasis on dubbed programming, which has introduced international and Hindi-language stories to Tamil-speaking audiences. The channel's Hindi-dubbed serials have been praised for their engaging narratives that highlight family bonds and romantic elements, making them accessible and appealing to viewers seeking diverse content beyond local productions. This approach has been credited with broadening the scope of Tamil television by adapting high-production-value shows, such as historical epics and family dramas, at a fraction of the cost of original scripting. However, the channel's reliance on dubbed content has drawn significant criticism from the Tamil television industry for undermining original Tamil creativity and causing widespread unemployment among local writers, actors, and technicians. In , the Tamil TV serial producers staged a strike to the influx of dubbed serials on channels including Polimer TV, arguing that they had reduced original Tamil content slots from around 90% to 50% over three years, displacing approximately 20,000 jobs while benefiting only a small group of artists. Critics have also pointed to occasional lapses in dubbing quality, where cultural adaptations fail to fully capture nuances, leading to disjointed viewer experiences in translating non-Tamil contexts for regional audiences. Polimer TV has faced several controversies related to its operations and content practices. In April 2015, the channel's managing director, P. V. Kalyanasundaram, and 14 others were charged by Salem police for trespassing and vandalizing the Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable TV Corporation office during a over signal quality issues, with no arrests made at the time. A year later, in 2016, Polimer TV was accused of after a videographer was caught filming the Vijay-starrer Theri inside a theater, prompting the to impose an embargo on the channel, barring promotional content and cooperation. More recently, in November 2023, the Network of Women in Media, (NWMI) condemned Polimer News—affiliated with the channel—for unethical coverage of a bar scuffle, accusing it of misreporting the incident as a , sexualizing women patrons through invasive filming, and violating journalistic standards by shaming individuals based on attire and behavior. By 2025, the channel's dubbed offerings have played a key role in popularizing Hindi-Tamil content crossovers, shifting viewer preferences toward melodramatic and family-centric formats that blend northern Indian storytelling with southern sensibilities, thereby influencing broader trends in regional .

References

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  7. https://www.exchange4media.com/media-tv-news/guest-columnunderstanding-the-tamil-gec-space-in-south-regional-market-68801.html
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