Paatu, Samayal, Cinema, Cricket! Sony VIZHA unveils its Power Packed Content into ‘Ithu Namma Vibe’

Sony VIZHA has unveiled a diverse entertainment line-up that brings together globally acclaimed IPs, fiction shows, movies, and sports, offering Tamil audiences a compelling mix of culturally rooted storytelling and fresh entertainment experiences. Reflecting its vision, the line-up brings together familiar favourites and new-age formats across genres, catering to the evolving global tastes of Tamil audiences while staying connected to their cultural roots.

Headlining the launch are two globally recognised formats adapted for Tamil audiences; Tamil Idol and Celebrity MasterChef Tamil, bringing the worlds of music (Paatu) and culinary (Samayal) competition to the forefront. The line-up also features Notebook 90’s – Kadhal Flashback, Crime Patrol – Kuttrangal Tharum Echarikkai and Madam Police – Naanga Irukka Bayamen, spanning nostalgia, crime awareness, courage, and camaraderie. Adding to the excitement is a diverse movie slate featuring Anbil Avan, Asareeri, Sardar 2, Mandaadi, Rajan Vagaiyara, Meesaya Murukku 2 and much more. Extending its offering to sports, Sony VIZHA will bring R. Ashwin’s Tamil commentary to allfive T20I matches in the upcoming India – New Zealand bilateral series, adding a distinctive Tamil-language perspective to the cricketing action.

At the heart of this expansive offering is Sony VIZHA’s brand promise, ‘Ithu Namma Vibe’ – a celebration of Tamil culture, people and stories, brought to life through entertainment that feels familiar yet refreshingly new. By combining globally proven formats with stories, voices and experiences that resonate with Tamil audiences, Sony VIZHA is building a distinctive entertainment destination that bridges generations, connects with audiences across geographies and brings together multiple passions under one roof.

Comments:

Raja S, Chief Content Officer – South Regional, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI):

“With Sony VIZHA, we are creating a distinctive entertainment ecosystem that brings together the richness of Tamil culture and the excitement of evolving entertainment experiences distributed as one universe across TV and digital platforms. By combining globally acclaimed formats adapted for Tamil audiences with culturally resonant shows, a compelling movie slate and marquee sporting events, we aim to connect with audiences across generations, demographics and geographies. For our partners, this presents an opportunity to engage with Tamil audiences in an environment that brings together cultural relevance, diverse content passions and meaningful audience connections.”

Deepak Dhar, Founder & Group CEO, Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India:

“Food has a special place in Tamil culture, and that makes Celebrity MasterChef Tamil an exciting next step for the format. MasterChef is a global blockbuster that has been adapted in 74 markets worldwide, but what makes it special is its ability to reflect the culture and tastes of each audience it reaches. After bringing the format to audiences in Hindi and other Indian languages, we are now bringing it to Tamil viewers in partnership with Sony VIZHA. With Samantha coming on board, we’re excited to see the fresh flavour and perspective she brings to the format. We’re delighted to partner with Sony VIZHA on this journey, bringing together the passion for food, the excitement of competition and some of the region’s most loved personalities, while celebrating Tamil Nadu’s rich culinary traditions. We look forward to creating a show that families across the state can connect with and enjoy together.”

Aradhana Bhola, MD, Fremantle:

“The biggest search for a solo pop superstar, Idols has captivated audiences in 60 countries worldwide, reaching an astounding 700 million viewers and garnering over 9 billion YT views since its launch in 2001. At Fremantle, we are excited to bring this much-loved global family format to the Tamil audiences in partnership with Sony VIZHA. A magical mix of Tamil Nadu’s rich musical heritage, aspirational singing and inspiring human stories, we can’t wait to share our labour of love, Tamil Idol, with you and create the extraordinary, together.”

Mithran R Jawahar, Producer, Streetlight Pictures:

“Streetlight Pictures is delighted to be part of Sony VIZHA’s exciting journey into Tamil entertainment with Notebook 90s – Kadhal Flashback, a nostalgic high-school drama that revisits the innocence, emotions and unforgettable memories of first love. Under the creative vision director Sadhasivam, the show brings alive the charm of the 90s and the timeless magic of young love. We are happy to contribute to Sony VIZHA’s diverse storytelling journey and look forward to audiences reconnecting with a time when every glance, letter and melody held a special meaning. We wish Sony VIZHA great success and hope the show finds a special place in the hearts of viewers across Tamil Nadu.”

Sundar Kaarthikk, Producer, Hifour Entertainment:

“It is an absolute honour to collaborate with a global entertainment powerhouse like Sony and bring an iconic show like Crime Patrol to audiences through Sony VIZHA and Sony LIV. We are truly grateful to Sony for recognising our creative vision and placing their trust in HiFour and Milestone Media. This association is more than just a milestone for us; it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Tamil storytelling. We look forward to creating impactful, meaningful content that transcends boundaries, connects with audiences worldwide, and sets new benchmarks for Tamil entertainment.”

A L Vijay, Director and Producer, D Studios:

“At D Studios, we are proud to associate with Sony VIZHA as it embarks on this exciting new chapter in Tamil entertainment. It is a privilege to be part of this journey, creating compelling stories and bringing exceptional, high-quality content to audiences across Tamil Nadu. We are thrilled to be part of Sony VIZHA’s grand launch and wish the team immense success. We are confident that Sony VIZHA will soon become a cherished household name in every home across Tamil Nadu.”

THE CONTENT LINE-UP:

• Celebrity MasterChef Tamil: Celebrities step into the kitchen to take on culinary challenges that test their cooking skills and creativity.

Celebrity Judge: Samantha Ruth Prabhu

Judges: Chef Venkatesh Bhat, Chef Sashi Cheliah and Chef Shreeya Adka

Contestants: Abi, Balaji Murugadoss, Dheena, Janani Ashok, Maria Juliana, Mathichiyam Bala, Ravi Mariya, Reshmi Menon, RJ Deepak, Shiyara, Siddhartha, Vinothini

Host: RJ Vijay

Production House: Banijay Asia

• Tamil Idol: The search for the first Tamil Idol brings together aspiring singers from across Tamil Nadu.

Super Judge: A R Rahman

Judges: Andrea Jeremiah, Karthik and Benny Dayal 

Host: Vikkals Vikram and Pooja Venkat

Production House: Fremantle Pvt Ltd.

• Notebook 90’s- Kadhal Flashback: Set in 1990s Trichy, Notebook 90s follows the friendships, first crushes and young love that make growing up memorable.
  Cast: Muzammil Elias and Yuva

Director: Mithran R. Jawahar 

Production House: Streetlight Pictures

• Crime Patrol – Kutrangal Tharum Echarikkai: Inspired by real-life crime cases, the awareness building crime show follows criminal investigations, uncovering the motives and circumstances behind each case.
  Host: Rangaraj Pandey
  Producer: Sundar Kaarthikk
  Production House: Hifour Entertainment

• Madam Police – Naanga Irukka Bayamen: Led by an all-women police team, the series follows them as they tackle everyday cases with courage, wit, and empathy.
  Cast: Divya Ganesan and Sreethu Krishnan 
  Director: Koan
  Producer: A L Vijay
  Production House: D Studios