It’s no simple feat to take TV programs to the top of TAM ratings, especially in today’s competitive landscape. There are numerous channels that Malayalam viewers love, but not all programs on those channels become favorites. However, when a program captures their interest, viewers stay glued to it until the very end. This is how many programs gain popularity.
There’s a kind of magic behind making TV shows successful. Each channel employs its own strategies, and the skills of the people working behind the scenes play a crucial role in this. Among those who have played a major role in popularizing numerous programs and serials is Gireesh Chandran, a native of Thiruvananthapuram. Now celebrating his silver jubilee in the TV industry, Gireesh Chandran began his career as an Assistant Producer in 2005 at Asianet’s Entertainment Channel.
Two decades later, the same strategist who once worked against Surya TV to improve Asianet’s ratings has now joined Surya TV as the Head of Programming, bringing fresh ideas and success strategies to elevate the channel once again.
First Show: Believe It or Not
In 2005, when Gireesh Chandran joined Asianet as an Assistant Producer, his debut program was Believe It or Not. During this period, TV channels were fiercely competing for audience attention. Remarkably, Gireesh’s very first program became a massive hit, earning him a secure spot at Asianet for the next 20 years.
Following this success, he took charge of other shows like Suprabhatham and Akathtalam. Later, he joined Asianet’s Fiction Department, where he worked alongside Fiction Head Sharath Chandran.
Serials That Rewrote Asianet’s History
At the time, Surya TV dominated the market with hit serials like Minnukettu, Kayamkulam Kochunni, Kavyanjali, and Kaanakkinavu, all scoring TAM ratings between 15-20 points. Meanwhile, Asianet’s prime-time slots were struggling with ratings below 5 points.
Determined to change this, Gireesh dedicated himself to research and strategic planning, working like a relentless machine to find ways to improve Asianet’s performance. His efforts ultimately resulted in serials that reshaped the channel’s destiny.
Swami Ayyappan – The Game-Changer
The mega-hit serial Swami Ayyappan marked a turning point for both Asianet and Surya TV. Gireesh was behind the planning and execution of several hit serials that followed, including Ente Manasaputhri, Rahasya, Nombarappoovu, and Swami Ayyappan. These shows paved the way for Asianet’s remarkable comeback.
One of Gireesh’s standout contributions was Autograph, a show that became an all-time top non-prime-time serial at 6:30 PM, breaking records and rewriting history.
The Rise of Gireesh in the TV Industry
With Autograph, Gireesh became a prominent figure in the television industry. Despite facing heavy criticism and even smear campaigns, Gireesh’s potential was recognized by Asianet’s management, particularly by channel head K. Madhavan, who continued to provide him with key opportunities.
Gireesh’s dominance in the serial industry continued, with the classic mega-hit serial Kumkumapoo emerging from his creative vision. This serial was scripted by Pradeep Panicker and directed by Praveen Kadakkavoor, with G. Jayakumar producing. Gireesh successfully introduced Jayakumar—known for producing Malayalam films—into the TV industry through Kumkumapoo.
Subsequently, Gireesh played a significant role in launching major serials like Parasparam, Chandana Mazha, and Neelakuyil, all of which became huge commercial successes under Jayakumar’s production.
Key Collaborations and Notable Serials
Gireesh also mentored producer Ramesh Babu from Raison Pictures, who later produced successful serials such as Sthreedhanam, Bharya, Mounaragam, and Patharamatt.
Gireesh’s strategic moves helped numerous children’s serials like Kuttichathan and Balaganapathi climb the rating charts.
His ability to identify fresh talent and provide opportunities to new production houses, directors, and scriptwriters contributed significantly to Asianet’s golden run in the industry.
Major Productions Led by Gireesh Chandran
Here are some of the most prominent productions guided by Gireesh:
Autograph – Director: Sujith Sundar, Scriptwriter: Anil Babu
Kumkumapoo – Scriptwriter: Pradeep Panicker, Director: Praveen Kadakkavoor, Producer: G. Jayakumar
Sthreedhanam – Producer: Ramesh Babu, Director: Krishna Moorthy
Balaganapathi – Producer: Sudheer Babu
Karuthamuthu – Producer: Al Thahir
Ammayariyathe – Producer: Faisal
Malikappuram – Producer: Sharanya Subrahmaniam
Geetha Govindam – Producer: Bobby
Chandana Mazha – Scriptwriter: Cherunniyoor Jayaprasad
Parasparam – Director: Manju Dharman
Chandrakaantham – Scriptwriter: Unni
Karuthamuthu – The Most Remade Serial
Among Gireesh’s many achievements, Karuthamuthu holds the distinction of being the most widely remade serial across multiple languages.
Top-Rated Serials That Dominated the Charts
Gireesh’s influence is evident in numerous serials that claimed the number one position in Malayalam television:
Ente Manasaputhri
Autograph
Harichandhanam
Kumkumapoo
Chandana Mazha
Paarijatham
Parasparam
Vanambadi
Sthreedhanam
Karuthamuthu
Ammayariyathe
Santhwanam
Mounaragam
Ammakkili
Swami Ayyappan
Gireesh Chandran’s exceptional contributions and strategic expertise have made him a driving force behind some of the biggest hits in Malayalam television history. His ability to blend creative storytelling with clever programming strategies continues to inspire the industry.
