Entertainment channels which have almost stopped acquiring rights for films or have become more selective in acquiring rights have turned to "mini-films" to fill the slots.

Zee Kannada, which recently telecast Pyscho Jayashankar

"We will initially produce mini-films with a budget of Rs. 15 to Rs. 20 lakh and will increase the allocation based on the success," the told The Hindu.

Mr. Machaiah said financial constraints forced ZTV to produce mini-films, as it could not meet the "exorbitant" rates demanded for purchasing rights of Kannada films. It had become difficult to recover the cost due to low TRP rates. "It is an experiment, we have to wait and watch," he said.

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