{{Short description|Indian Bengali television channel}} {{Use Indian English|date=November 2019}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}} {{Infobox television channel | name = Sony Aath | logo = Sony Aath Logo.png | logo_size = 200px | logo_caption = Logo used since 24 October 2022 | launch_date = {{Start date and age|df=y|2008|3}} | picture_format = SDTV 576i | owner = Sony Pictures Networks | parent = | country = India | language = Bengali | area = {{Plainlist| * India * Bangladesh }} | headquarters = Kolkata, West Bengal, India | former_names = Channel 8 (2008–2010) | sister_channels = ''See List of channels owned by Sony Pictures Networks'' | website = [https://www.sonyaath.com/ Sony AATH] | online_serv_1 = SonyLIV | online_chan_1 = [https://www.sonyliv.com/search?q=sony+aath Sony AATH Shows] }}
'''Sony Aath''' is an Indian Bengali-language general entertainment pay television channel owned by Sony Pictures Networks, with programming mostly consisting of television series from SET India dubbed in Bengali. It was launched in 2008 as Channel 8, and was later acquired by Sony in early 2009, which subsequently rebranded it as Sony Aath. It is Sony Pictures Networks India's first regional television channel, and in May 2020 was the fastest growing Bengali-language television channel in India over the past four years.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sony AATH emerges as the 3rd most viewed Bangla GEC in FY 19-20|url=https://www.afaqs.com/companies/sony-aath-emerges-as-the-3rd-most-viewed-bangla-gec-in-fy-19-20|date=14 May 2020|access-date=21 May 2026|work=Afaqs!}}</ref>
==History== In November 2007, Kolkata-based film production house Channel 8 announced to launch a Bengali-language film channel, Channel 8 Talkies, under the banner Bangla Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. The channel was planned to be launched the following month,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.afaqs.com/news/media/19701_channel-eight-to-launch-exclusive-channel-for-bengali-movies|title=Channel Eight to launch exclusive channel for Bengali Movies|date=19 November 2007|access-date=21 May 2026|work=Afaqs!}}</ref> but was delayed. The company also announced to launch a general entertainment channel by July 2008.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ajmera|first=Ankit|url=https://www.afaqs.com/news/media/20005_channel-eight-to-launch-bengali-entertainment-channel|title=Channel Eight to launch Bengali entertainment channel|date=24 December 2007|access-date=21 May 2026|work=Afaqs!}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.exchange4media.com/advertising-news/kolkata-based-channel-8-to-launch-bengali-movie-channel-28584.html|title=Kolkata-based Channel 8 to launch Bengali movie channel|date=15 November 2007|access-date=21 May 2026|work=Exchange4media}}</ref> Channel 8 was launched in March 2008 as a film channel, serving audiences in West Bengal and Tripura, as well as parts of Assam and Orissa. It was originally a free-to-air channel.<ref name="campaign">{{cite news|url=https://www.campaignindia.in/article/sony-acquires-channel-8-in-india/4n7znr3ch4jhfsxjsf2g7vn3d2|title=Sony acquires Channel 8 in India|date=6 March 2009|access-date=21 May 2026|work=Campaign India}}</ref>
As part of Sony Pictures Television International's ambitions to enter the regional television market in India, Multi Screen Media acquired Channel 8 in early 2009. The channel was subsequently rebranded as Sony Aath, officially marking Sony's first entry into the non-Hindi Indian regional market.<ref name="campaign"/><ref name="tushar">{{cite news|url=https://www.afaqs.com/news/media/26078_tushar-shah-comes-back-to-multi-screen-media-as-senior-vice-president|title=Tushar Shah comes back to Multi Screen Media as senior vice-president|date=20 January 2010|access-date=21 May 2026|work=Afaqs!}}</ref> As senior vice president of Multi Screen Media, Tushar Shah handled the channel, who had been consulting the channel for a few months.<ref name="tushar"/>
Sony Aath created ''C.I.D. Kolkata Bureau'', a local adaptation of the Indian crime detective series ''CID'', premiering in November 2012.<ref name="cidkolkata">{{cite news|url=https://archive.adgully.com/sony-s-cid-to-kick-start-it-s-kolkata-bureau-51992.html|title=Sony's CID to kick-start it's Kolkata Bureau!|date=4 October 2012|access-date=21 May 2026|work=Adgully}}</ref> The channel was the broadcaster for the Indian Bengali audiences of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, helping it with a whopping 265 per cent rise in viewership.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.afaqs.com/news/media/41360_sony-aaths-football-of-a-time|title=Sony Aath's Football of a Time|date=14 July 2014|access-date=21 May 2026|work=Afaqs!}}</ref> On 8 March 2015, Sony Aath introduced a kids' slot airing on Sundays named "Sunday Funday", premiering with ''Gopal Bhar''.<ref name="sundayfunday">{{cite news|url=https://www.afaqs.com/news/media/43496_sony-aath-launches-kids-slot-sunday-funday|title=Sony Aath launches kids' slot 'Sunday Funday'|date=4 March 2015|access-date=21 May 2026|work=Afaqs!}}</ref> It broadcast the 2015 Indian Premier League in the Bengali language.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.afaqs.com/news/media/43738_ipl-2015-to-be-aired-in-bengali-on-sony-aath|title=IPL 2015 to be aired in Bengali on Sony Aath|date=31 March 2015|access-date=21 May 2026|work=Afaqs!}}</ref>
Sony Aath began airing Hollywood movies dubbed in Bengali every weekend on 4 July 2021.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bestmediainfo.com/2021/07/sony-aath-to-showcase-hollywood-blockbusters-in-bangla-launches-hollywood-hungama|title=Sony AATH to showcase Hollywood blockbusters in Bangla; launches 'Hollywood Hungama'|date=7 July 2021|access-date=22 May 2026|work=Best Media Info}}</ref> On 24 October 2022, along with all other SPNI channels, Sony Aath changed its logo in order to align more with Sony's global ethos.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/business/business/sony-pictures-networks-india-rebrands-channel-portfolio-to-align-with-sonys-global-ethos20221027130424/|title=Sony Pictures Networks India rebrands Channel Portfolio to align with Sony's Global Ethos|date=27 October 2022|access-date=22 May 2026|work=Asian News International}}</ref> In January 2026, Ambesh Tiwari was appointed to head Sony Aath, alongside Sony Pictures Networks' Kids and Animation Portfolio.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.exchange4media.com/people-movement-news/ambesh-tiwari-to-lead-spni-aath-alongside-kids-animation-biz-151090.html|title=Ambesh Tiwari to lead SPNI AATH alongside kids, animation biz|date=16 January 2026|access-date=21 May 2026|work=Exchange4media}}</ref>
==Current programming== * ''CID''<ref name="8november">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108034906/https://www.aath.in/show|archive-date=8 November 2022|access-date=22 May 2026|title=Our Shows (8 November 2022)|website=Sony Aath|url=http://www.aath.in/}}</ref> * ''Crime Patrol''<ref name="sundayfunday"/> * ''Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanumaan'' (title localised as ''Mahabali Hanumaan'')<ref name="8november"/> * ''Maa Lakkhir Aalo'' * ''Vighnaharta Ganesha'' (title localised as ''Bighnahartha Shree Ganesh'')<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sony Aath to launch 'Vighnaharta Ganesh' show in West Bengal|url=https://bestmediainfo.com/2022/04/sony-aath-to-launch-vighnaharta-ganesh-show-in-west-bengal|date=20 April 2022|access-date=8 September 2025|work=Best Media Info}}</ref>
===Animation=== * ''Gopal Bhar''<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sony Aath launches kids' animation series 'Gopal Bhar' in 'Sunday Funday'|url=https://bestmediainfo.com/2015/03/sony-aath-launches-kids-animation-series-gopal-bhar-in-sunday-funday|date=4 March 2015|access-date=8 September 2025|website=Best Media Info}}</ref> * ''Gultemama''<ref name="spectacular">{{cite news|url=https://archive.adgully.com/sony-aath-wraps-up-a-spectacular-year-140408.html|title=Sony AATH wraps up a spectacular year|date=28 December 2023|access-date=22 May 2026|work=Adgully}}</ref> * ''Oggy and the Cockroaches'' * ''Nut Boltu''<ref name="8november"/> * ''Jiyo Gopuda''
==Former programming== === Dubbed series === * ''Aahat''<ref name="sundayfunday"/> * ''Achanak 37 Saal Baad'' (title localised as ''Hottath 37 Bochar Por'')<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140210125432/http://www.aath.in/|archive-date=10 February 2014|access-date=22 May 2026|title=Sony Aath (10 February 2014)|website=Sony Aath|url=http://www.aath.in/}}</ref> * ''Adaalat''<ref name="sundayfunday"/> * ''Aladdin – Naam Toh Suna Hoga''<ref name="8november"/> * ''Baalveer''<ref name="8november"/> * ''Bhayanak''<ref name="sundayfunday"/> * ''Bhoot Aaya'' (title localised as ''Jakhon Bhoot Ashe'')<ref name="sundayfunday"/> * ''Encounter''<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130030314/http://www.aath.in/show|title=Our Shows (30 January 2018)|archive-date=30 January 2018|access-date=22 May 2026|website=Sony Aath|url=http://www.aath.in/show}}</ref> * ''Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega''<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316031814/http://www.aath.in/|title=Sony Aath (16 March 2015)|archive-date=16 March 2015|access-date=22 May 2026|website=Sony Aath|url=http://www.aath.in/}}</ref> * ''Mere Sai – Shraddha Aur Saburi'' (title localised as ''Aamar Sai: Shroddha Aar Dhoiryo'')<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sony Aath launches show 'Aamar Sai - Shradha and Dahirjia'|url=https://bestmediainfo.com/2023/07/sony-aath-launches-show-aamar-sai-shradha-and-dahirjia-|date=31 July 2023|access-date=9 July 2025|work=Best Media Info}}</ref> *''Shrimad Ramayan''<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sony AATH launches new prime time fiction show 'Shrimad Ramayan'|url=https://bestmediainfo.com/mediainfo/television/sony-aath-to-broadcast-shrimad-ramayan-on-sep-30-7156167|date=30 September 2024|access-date=17 August 2025|work=Best Media Info}}</ref> *''Taarak Mehta Kka Chhota Chashmah<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sony AATH premieres animated 'Taarak Mehta Kka Chhota Chashmah'|url=https://bestmediainfo.com/mediainfo/television/sony-aath-premieres-animated-taarak-mehta-kka-chhota-chashmah-7052304|date=9 September 2024|access-date=10 August 2025|work=Best Media Info}}</ref>'' *''Tumchi Mulgi Kay Karte?'' (title localised as ''Tomar Meye Ki Kore?'')<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sony Aath launches thriller show 'Tomar Meye Ki Kore'|url=https://bestmediainfo.com/2022/12/sony-aath-launches-thriller-show-tomar-meye-ki-kore-|date=6 December 2022|access-date=9 July 2025|website=Best Media Info|language=bn}}</ref> *''Virrudh'' *''Ladies Special'' *''Bharater Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap'' *''F.I.R.'' *''Konta Satyi Konta Durghatona'' *''Eka'' *''Bhanwar'' *''Boogie Woogie Kids Championship'' *''Surya: The Super Cop'' *''Paap-O-Meter'' *''Gutur Gu''
=== Original programming === * ''C.I.D. Kolkata Bureau''<ref name="cidkolkata"/> * ''Kalpopurer Galpo''<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sony AATH launches original family animation show – 'Kolpopurer Golpo'|url=https://bestmediainfo.com/2023/05/sony-aath-launches-original-family-animation-show-kolpopurer-golpo-|date=29 May 2023|access-date=8 September 2025|website=Best Media Info}}</ref> * ''Mahabharat''<ref name="8november"/> * ''Nix Je Sob Pare''<ref name="8november"/> * ''Panchotantrer Mantro''<ref name="8november"/>
=== Animated movies === * ''Goyenda Gopal: Antim Pratishodh''<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sony AATH to premiere 'Goyenda Gopal – Antim Pratishod' on January 28|url=https://bestmediainfo.com/2024/01/sony-aath-to-premiere-goyenda-gopal-antim-pratishod-on-january-28|date=25 January 2024|access-date=8 September 2025|website=Best Media Info}}</ref> * ''Goyenda Gopal: Daaba'r Chaal''<ref name="spectacular"/> * ''Goyenda Gopal: Sesh Chakranto''<ref name="spectacular"/> * ''Nut-Boltu Aar Bhooter Bari<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sony AATH to premiere ‘Nut Boltu Aar Bhooter Baari’ on February 23|url=https://bestmediainfo.com/mediainfo/television/sony-aath-to-premiere-nut-boltu-aar-bhooter-baari-on-february-23-8736237|date=19 February 2025|access-date=8 July 2025|website=Best Media Info}}</ref>'' *''Gopaler Buddhi Bhooter Mukti'' *''Sarbamani Churi'' *''Gopal O Guptachar'' *''Cheetar Guhaye Nut Boltu'' *''Gopal Banam Alamgir''
==See also== * Sony YAY!
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *[https://web.archive.org/web/20090804162153/http://aath.in:80/ Channel 8] From 4 August 2009 * [https://www.asiantelevision.com/channel/atn-sony-aath ATN Sony Aath]
{{Sony Pictures}} {{Sony Corp}} {{Bengali language television channels}}
Category:Bengali-language television channels in India Category:Sony Pictures Television Category:Television stations in Kolkata Category:Television channels and stations established in 2008 Category:Sony Pictures Networks India Category:2008 establishments in West Bengal