Game shows occupy every mainstream TV channel, but a new one still attracts eyeballs. And when it comes to the Tamil version of the show that took North India by storm,
Kaun Banega Crorepati, the fascination is instantaneous.
The game show that has played across 116 countries in 83 languages in the past 13 years, now embraces Tamil as well, as Vijay TV and Big Synergy join hands to bring the show to Tamil television. Titled
Neengalam Vellalam Oru Kodi, it begins broadcasting from February 27, 2012.
Since the host of the show is the biggest attraction, Tamil cinema's current hearth-throb, Suriya, has won the honour.
Suriya, who will be making his debut on TV, says: "Basically, I want to reach a new audience. I reach 1.5 crore people through cinema but I will be able to reach six crore people through TV. I will be breaking out of my comfort zone, doing something I haven't attempted before. I'd love to reach out and meet more people."
As part of his preparation, he flew to Mumbai to meet
KBC's legendary host and actor,
Amitabh Bachan, from whom he picked up several valuable pointers.
"I'm grateful I could meet a phenomenon like him. He's so spontaneous," says the star. "There was so much I learnt from him."
Adding his own inputs to the show is Vijay TV's general manager, K Sriram. "This is truly the first international format to hit Tamil television screens, and we are very excited about it," Sriram says. "We are proud that we have managed to rope in Suriya to host the show; he is easily the biggest USP of this show.
"This programme will be the game changer not only for Vijay TV but also Tamil television."
Neengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi follows the
KBC format faithfully. It allows individuals the chance to win a cash prize of Rs 1 crore by answering questions correctly. As the contestant moves up the money tree, the questions increase in difficulty with a total of 15 questions leading to the Rs 1 crore jackpot.
Looks like there are exciting times ahead, not just for the participants, but for those watching the show as well.
Neengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi begins to air on Monday, February 27, 2012, at 8 pm, on Vijay TV.