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Kaun Banega Crorepati is over, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005 has transformed itself to Ek Main Aur Ek Tu and so Indian Idol 2 will be culminated soon. Zee TV has overtaken Sony in the number game and has climbed up to the No. 2 position next only to Star Plus. Sony's master strategist Tarun Katial has decided to check out a new venture leaving the channel and its strategies in a lurch. With so much happening on the channels' front, its impossible that there wouldn't be attacks and counter attacks on each other. And so, all the entertainment channels have geared up and have started preparations for a war named 'programming strategy' so far. The stiff competition among the various channels has already started and they are trying to out do each other with new strategies, plans and of course new shows. Johny Aala Re (Zee TV): Comedian Johnny Lever will be seen on television for the first time with what he calls his 'dream show', Johny Aala Re. It's going to be a bi-weekly. "It will have a variety of stuff ranging from stand up comedy, to skits, dance performances, gags and interviews." The one hour show, which will start this March, will have "something very unique to offer", as claimed by Johnny himself. "I am being very choosy about my films now. I am giving most of my time to the show. I hope to enter the homes of the viewers and stay in their hearts", says an enthusiastic looking Lever. Looks like there is a lot to look forward to from the king of comedy. Nukkad (Star Plus): This working class satire will be on the lines of the 80s favourite Kundan Shah – Saeed Mirza Doordarshan show. "But it's not a sequel to Nukkad. Just the flavour of the original has been kept," claims Varun Bodola who plays an important role in the serial. The biggest ace is the fact that the talented young Bollywood director, Tigmanshu Dhulia (Haasil, Charas fame) is at the helm. This weekend show will be Star Plus's big plus point. Jab Love Hua (Zee TV): The veteran producer-director duo of Tony and Deeya Singh are now coming up with Jab Love Hua on Zee TV. "It's going to be a drama," says Deeya Singh, not willing to reveal much. But if we go by the whispers, the show in question has a complete fresh look and feel which today's viewers are majorly deprived of. What needs to be seen is 'whether this show will recreate the magic of Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin or not!' Arranged Marriage (Star One): After creating the magic of 'real life chemistry' between them in Nach Baliye, star pair of Varun Badola and Rajeshwari Sachdev will be seen next in Star One's brand new show Arranged Marriage. "Yes, we have been signed up for a Star One show which will probably air in March. We have already started shooting for Arranged Marriage," says Varun. "But we are not cast opposite each other. She is playing a wedding planner," he is quick to add. Durgesh Nandini (Sony): Inspired from the Bengali all time hit piece of literature Durgesh Nandini, this brand new show by Shobhana Desai (Ek Mahal Ho Sapano Ka) is slated to hit the screen soon since Sony, who is desperately looking forward to reclaiming it's lost number two position is revamping its current line of programmes. The story is about a village girl who is given charge of all the wealth of a businessman and how she manages the work and the dead businessman's spoilt family. So, there's more to the already on-air dose of tear jerkers. Prithviraj Chauhan (Star Plus): Mythological kings, the Sagars are coming up with a historical now. Bollywood might be still mulling over who would bring the Rajput epic Prithviraj Chahuan alive on the big screen but tellydom is ready with its version, thanks to the Sagars. As suggested by the title itself the show will chronicle the life and times of the Rajput king, that too on a grand scale. Romance, grandeur and chivalry will be an integral part of the show. So it's expected to garner big rating too. This show is supposed to hit the tube by April end or May first this year. Dor (Sab Sony): As the name suggests, this show is going to bind its viewers with the thread of traditions and culture. A love story, produced by Aruna Irani who has given tele-hits like Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand and Rabba Ishq Na Hove, is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring to give the channel a much needed rating. But sources claim that this show is been put on hold for some time and will come on air only in the second half of this year. Never mind, sabar ka phal meetha hota hai. Mission Ek Crore Ka (Sahara One): Inspired from the success (or failure rather) of the recent game shows on rival channels, Sahara One is preparing its very own version of KBC, Mission Ek Crore Ka with Sanjay Dutt to be the host. The delay of the show is due to Dutt's date issues and things taking a longer time because of the 'unique and different format' (as claimed by the channel). "It is not a knowledge-based quiz show. The idea is to have fun and focus on entertainment. We will be giving money to contestants who can entertain, rather than give correct answers," Purnendu Bose, COO, Sahara One states. Then there is competition between the channels on special events and award functions as well. If Star is showing Star Pariwar Award on 2nd of April, Sony is bringing the Filmfare Awards and Zee also is gearing up with Zee Cine Awards. And the list goes on with Rang Barse, Umang 2006, IIFA Awards and so on. Whether Sony succeeds in fighting back to its position, or Zee grows further up in the TRP race, one thing is for sure. The ultimate winner is going to be the viewers who are sure to get a good visual treat. |
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By Televisionpoint.com Team |
