Television viewers are in for an exciting treat as the brand new Star Khanya channel officially launches tonight, August 18th, 2025, bringing fresh entertainment to South African audiences. The channel debuts on DStv 160 and Openview 114, kicking off its programming lineup with the compelling drama series “Tunte” at 18h00.
About Star Khanya: A New Chapter in Entertainment
Star Khanya represents the latest addition to South Africa’s television landscape, promising viewers high-quality programming that combines drama, culture, and storytelling excellence. The channel’s strategic placement on both DStv and Openview ensures accessibility for viewers across different subscription platforms.
Channel Details:
- DStv Channel: 160
- Openview Channel: 114
- Launch Date: Monday, August 18, 2025
- Premier Show: Tunte at 18h00
Introducing ‘Tunte’: A Story of Dreams, Determination, and Social Barriers
The Compelling Storyline
“Tunte” tells the inspiring yet challenging story of a young woman from rural Bengal who refuses to let circumstances define her destiny. This engaging drama explores themes of social mobility, family dynamics, and the pursuit of dreams against overwhelming odds.
The series centers around Tunte, a small-town girl from a traditional weaving family who harbors ambitious dreams of becoming a fashion designer in the big city. Her journey represents the struggles faced by countless young women who dare to dream beyond their prescribed social roles.
Character Overview and Setting
Main Character: Tunte – A determined young woman with fashion design aspirations
Background: Rural weaving community specializing in traditional Tant sarees
Conflict: Navigating between family obligations and personal ambitions
Setting: Journey from rural Bengal to urban metropolis
The show’s cultural backdrop featuring traditional Tant sarees adds authentic flavor to the storyline, showcasing Bengal’s rich textile heritage while addressing contemporary social issues.
August 2025 Episode Guide: What to Expect in the First Two Weeks
Week 1: Dreams vs. Reality (August 18-24)
Episode 1 (Monday, August 18)
The series opens with Tunte’s passion for creating traditional Tant sarees, a craft that’s gaining popularity among young people. However, her dreams face immediate opposition from her manipulative stepmother Shampa, who holds significant power over Tunte’s future.
Episode 2 (Tuesday, August 19)
Community dynamics come into play as villagers celebrate Rangan’s good deeds, while Tunte faces threats and pressure to complete urgent orders. This episode establishes the complex relationships that will drive future conflicts.
Episode 3 (Wednesday, August 20)
Tunte’s resourcefulness shines as she makes a deal with Rongon – offering guidance in exchange for help reaching her destination quickly. Her dedication to her craft becomes evident when she ensures the completion of sarees needed for religious ceremonies at a prominent mansion.
Episode 4 (Thursday, August 21)
Class conflicts emerge when Roshan reacts angrily to Tunte’s presence at a Puja ceremony. The introduction of Rangan as Tunte’s protector suggests developing romantic tensions and establishes him as a potential ally in her journey.
Episode 5 (Friday, August 22)
Religious ceremonies continue while Tunte’s rebellious side surfaces during a camping trip where she sabotages Rangan’s car tires. This act of defiance hints at deeper frustrations and sets up future confrontations.
Episode 6 (Saturday, August 23)
Tensions escalate as Rangan discovers Tunte’s mischievous behavior. His suspicions about her involvement in factory shutdowns add another layer of complexity to their relationship.
Episode 7 (Sunday, August 24)
Pride and dignity take center stage when Rangan attempts to tip Tunte, only to face her fierce rejection and verbal confrontation. This episode highlights the class-conscious themes that run throughout the series.
Week 2: City Dreams and Rural Realities (August 25-31)
Episode 8 (Monday, August 25)
The plot thickens with the introduction of Soumili’s schemes, as she bribes Shampa to harm Tunte. Meanwhile, Tunte faces a major setback when her money gets stolen, creating immediate financial crisis.
Episode 9 (Tuesday, August 26)
Accusations fly as Tunte blames Rangan for her financial loss, while deadly plots unfold with Shampa attempting to kill Subimal under Soumili’s orders. The stakes continue to rise for all characters involved.
Episode 10 (Wednesday, August 27)
Desperate circumstances force Tunte to consider selling her house to fund Subimal’s medical treatment. Shampa manipulates the situation to push Tunte toward city migration, advancing the central plot.
Episode 11 (Thursday, August 28)
Legal documents change Tunte’s life forever as she signs property papers under Shampa’s influence. Her city arrival brings immediate challenges, including street crime that tests her survival skills.
Episode 12 (Friday, August 29)
Urban navigation proves challenging as Tunte struggles to find the Lahiri mansion while dealing with another confrontation with Rangan. The vastness of city life becomes a character in itself.
Episode 13 (Saturday, August 30)
Manipulation reaches new heights as Soumili convinces Tunte to accept domestic work, effectively crushing her fashion design dreams. This pivotal moment represents the harsh reality many face when dreams meet economic necessity.
Episode 14 (Sunday, August 31)
The month concludes with Tunte’s reluctant acceptance of domestic worker status and immediate workplace abuse when Rishika deliberately burns her hand. This traumatic incident sets the tone for future struggles.
Key Themes and Social Commentary
Breaking Social Barriers
“Tunte” addresses several important social issues that resonate with contemporary audiences:
- Class mobility and economic inequality
- Gender roles and women’s empowerment
- Rural-urban migration challenges
- Family manipulation and control
- Workplace exploitation and abuse
Cultural Preservation
The series celebrates Bengal’s traditional textile industry while examining how cultural heritage adapts to modern market demands. The focus on Tant sarees provides authentic cultural context that educates viewers about regional craftsmanship.
Character Dynamics and Relationships
The Antagonists
Shampa (Stepmother): Represents familial oppression and manipulation
Soumili: Embodies systemic exploitation of vulnerable individuals
Rishika: Demonstrates workplace abuse and class-based discrimination
Potential Allies
Rangan: Complex character who oscillates between antagonist and protector
Community members: Provide both support and obstacles for Tunte’s journey
Why ‘Tunte’ Matters: Relevance for Modern Audiences
This drama series addresses universal themes that transcend cultural boundaries. Tunte’s story reflects the experiences of countless individuals who leave familiar environments to pursue better opportunities, only to face unexpected challenges and exploitation.
The show’s timing coincides with increased awareness about:
- Economic inequality and social justice
- Women’s rights and empowerment
- Cultural preservation in globalized societies
- Mental health impacts of family dysfunction
Viewing Information and Schedule
Broadcasting Details:
- Channel: Star Khanya (DStv 160, Openview 114)
- Time: Monday to Friday at 18h00
- Duration: Daily episodes
- Language: Bengali with subtitles
- Genre: Family drama, social commentary
What’s Next: Anticipating Future Developments
Based on the initial episodes, viewers can expect:
- Escalating workplace conflicts as Tunte navigates domestic worker challenges
- Romantic subplot development between Tunte and Rangan
- Family secrets revelation involving Shampa’s motivations
- Professional growth opportunities despite current setbacks
- Community support system emergence as Tunte establishes city connections
Conclusion: A Promising Start for Star Khanya
The launch of Star Khanya with “Tunte” represents more than just another television channel debut. It signals a commitment to storytelling that combines entertainment value with social awareness, offering viewers both escapism and reflection opportunities.
“Tunte” promises to be a series that sparks conversations about social justice, family dynamics, and personal resilience. The show’s authentic portrayal of rural-urban migration, combined with its strong female protagonist, positions it as potentially groundbreaking television that addresses real-world issues through compelling narrative.
As Star Khanya begins its journey tonight, “Tunte” sets a high standard for programming that entertains while educating, ensuring that viewers have compelling reasons to tune in each weeknight at 18h00. The series represents hope for television content that respects audience intelligence while delivering the emotional engagement that makes great drama unforgettable.
Don’t miss the premiere tonight on DStv 160 and Openview 114 as Tunte begins her transformative journey from rural dreamer to urban survivor.