Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) is set to launch Sony VIZHA on October 19 at 8 pm, unveiling a diverse entertainment line-up spanning reality shows, fiction, films and sports for Tamil audiences.
The platform’s programming slate combines internationally recognised formats adapted for Tamil viewers with original shows and movies, aiming to bring culturally rooted storytelling and contemporary entertainment experiences to audiences across geographies.
Leading the line-up are Tamil Idol and Celebrity MasterChef Tamil, adaptations of the globally established Idols and MasterChef formats. The slate also includes Notebook 90’s – Kadhal Flashback, Crime Patrol – Kuttrangal Tharum Echarikkai and Madam Police – Naanga Irukka Bayamen.
In Celebrity MasterChef Tamil, actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu will serve as celebrity judge, alongside chefs Venkatesh Bhat, Sashi Cheliah and Shreeya Adka. RJ Vijay will host the show, which is produced by Banijay Asia.
Tamil Idol, produced by Fremantle, will feature A R Rahman as super judge, with Andrea Jeremiah, Karthik and Benny Dayal joining the judging panel. Vikkals Vikram and Pooja Venkat will host the singing competition, which will bring together aspiring singers from across Tamil Nadu.
The fiction and factual programming slate includes Notebook 90’s – Kadhal Flashback, a nostalgic drama set in 1990s Trichy that explores friendship, first crushes and young love. Produced by Streetlight Pictures and directed by Mithran R. Jawahar, the show stars Muzammil Elias and Yuva.
Crime Patrol – Kutrangal Tharum Echarikkai will draw inspiration from real-life crime cases to examine criminal investigations, motives and circumstances, with an emphasis on awareness. Hosted by Rangaraj Pandey, the show is produced by Hifour Entertainment.
Meanwhile, Madam Police – Naanga Irukka Bayamen follows an all-women police team as they handle everyday cases with courage, wit and empathy. The series features Divya Ganesan and Sreethu Krishnan and is produced by D Studios, with A L Vijay as producer.
The movie slate includes titles such as Anbil Avan, Asareeri, Sardar 2, Mandaadi, Rajan Vagaiyara and Meesaya Murukku 2, among others.
Extending its programming to sports, Sony VIZHA will feature R. Ashwin’s Tamil commentary across all five T20I matches in the upcoming India–New Zealand bilateral series, offering viewers a Tamil-language perspective on the cricketing action.
Commenting on the launch, Raja S, chief content officer – South Regional, Sony Pictures Networks India, said the platform aims to create a distinctive entertainment ecosystem that combines Tamil culture with evolving viewing experiences across television and digital platforms. He added that the mix of global formats, culturally relevant shows, films and sports would offer brand partners opportunities to connect with Tamil audiences across generations and geographies.
Deepak Dhar, founder and group CEO of Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India, highlighted the cultural significance of food in Tamil Nadu and said Celebrity MasterChef Tamil would bring a local perspective to the internationally established format. He also noted Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s association with the show as celebrity judge.
Aradhana Bhola, managing director of Fremantle, said Tamil Idol would combine Tamil Nadu’s musical heritage with aspiring singers’ stories and the format’s established global appeal.
The platform’s other production partners also highlighted their focus on regional storytelling, from the nostalgia of Notebook 90’s – Kadhal Flashback to the crime-awareness format of Crime Patrol – Kuttrangal Tharum Echarikkai and the women-led narrative of Madam Police – Naanga Irukka Bayamen.
Sony VIZHA’s brand promise, ‘Ithu Namma Vibe’, positions the platform around Tamil culture, people and stories. By bringing together established international formats and original regional content alongside movies and sports, the platform aims to appeal to audiences across age groups and locations while creating a unified entertainment destination.
