Jalsha Movies bags broadcast rights for 'Calcutta Football League'

Star India’s leading Bengali movie channel Jalsha Movies is geared to become a one-stop destination to offer West Bengal’s two greatest passions– Football and films. The channel has acquired the exclusive broadcast rights for two prestigious football events – the Calcutta Football League and IFA Shield Tournament.

Calcutta Football League (CFL), the oldest football league in Asia, will be broadcast live on Jalsha Movies starting September 8 from 4 pm onwards. The channel will also showcase the prestigious IFA Shield Tournament’s upcoming season to usher in a new era in Bengal football.

West Bengal and football have been inseparable for more than century. The sport is an integral part of Bengal’s cultural fabric with supporters passionately following their clubs. Matches between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan draw huge crowds given their legendary rivalry over the past century or so.

The league on Jalsha Movies starting this season will provide an enhanced viewing experience with top class television production associated with the STAR India network. Superior production techniques coupled with crystal clear sound will capture the raw emotions on the field. Smart and contemporary commentary by ex-football players and experts in Bangla with a state-of-the-art presentation comprising detailed graphics will be a treat for all the die-hard football fans.

Jalsha Movies has always changed the rules of the game by its characteristic production quality, international packaging formats and by bringing in the excitement of blockbuster movies for the viewers of Bengal. Till date the channel has stayed true to its promise of bringing home excitement in Bangla and the CFL coverage will be no exception. The broadcast will change the way football has been viewed in Bengal. There is nothing better than sports and that too football in Bengal to bring home the real thrill and excitement that Jalsha Movies always thrives for.

Kevin Vaz, Business Head, Star Jalsha, Jalsha Movies said: “The acquisition of broadcast rights of CFL and IFA Shield is a strategic step towards ensuring an even more engaging relationship with our viewers. We have always showcased the best, the biggest blockbuster movies for our fans and now we are all geared to broadcast the other most famous passion of Bengalis – football, live in their own language. We are excited to partner with IFA in making CFL a bigger extravaganza and we will bring in our expertise from our sports channels to create a state-of-the-art product.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Utpal Ganguly, Hony. Secretary, Indian Football Association said, “We are very happy to partner Jalsha Movies for the telecast of CFL and the IFA Shield. The network gives us a great platform to reach out to millions of viewers, which will give football a spectacular boost in this state. I am confident that together we will be able to bring high quality content for our loyal fans every year and I am looking forward to some exciting action in the days to come.”

Jalsha Movies is the No. 1 Bengali Movie Channel and 3rd largest channel of Bengal reaching out to 8.3 million Bengali every week. The channel has always showcased the biggest and the best movies and with its foray into football, it is optimistic of increasing its footprint even further.