Star India has lined up a special treat for the lovers of Kaun Banega Crorepati in Tamil Nadu. KBC II, to be kicked off on Star Plus in August, will also be shown on Vijay TV, the wholly owned subsidiary of Star Network.
Harsh Rohatgi, deputy general manager at Star Vijay says that KBC II will be launched with "slight" changes, though he refuses to elaborate. A media analyst says that Bachchan's Hindi dialogues will most probably be dubbed in Tamil.
Media experts say that KBC II on Vijay TV may offer serious competition to rival channels. However, Rohtagi says that KBC is being aired on Star Vijay as "a survey in Tamil Nadu shows that the audiences are passionate about quiz programmes."
In 2000, a large number of phone calls to participate in the show were made from the state. "Also the largest number of SMS hits for 'India's Child Genius' programme were from the state," he adds.
While KBC II will be launched in August, Vijay TV has introduced several new programmes in the last six months including English films dubbed in Tamil, comedies during prime time, a crime magazine and a show based on the supernatural and paranormal, local legends and myths from across the state.
"We have also lined up a slew of new programmes like a daily game show called Vasool Rani on the lines of Khulja Sim Sim," says Rohtagi.
Star Network acquired Vijay TV from liquor baron Vijay Mallya three years ago. The channel was originally promoted as GEC TV in 1995 and was acquired by the UB group soon after.
KBC breathed new life into Star Plus when it was launched in July, 2000 and pushed it to the number one slot in the Hindi entertainment genre. It was pulled off air after 305 episodes, in January 2002. Whether it waves the magic wand for Vijay TV in Chennai remains to be seen.
© 2025