Sony Vizha to launch on October 19 with Tamil Idol, Celebrity MasterChef

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) will launch its Tamil general entertainment channel, Sony Vizha, on October 19 at 8 p.m., with a line-up of reality shows, series, films and cricket.

Under the brand proposition ‘Ithu Namma Vibe’, the channel will bring Tamil adaptations of global formats, including Tamil Idol and Celebrity MasterChef Tamil. Its programming slate also features Notebook 90s – Kadhal Flashback, Crime Patrol – Kutrangal Tharum Echarikkai and Madam Police – Naanga Irukka Bayamen.

Raja S, chief content officer – South Regional at SPNI, said the channel aims to create an entertainment ecosystem that combines Tamil culture with evolving entertainment formats across television and digital platforms. He said the line-up would bring together global formats adapted for Tamil audiences, culturally relevant shows, films and sporting events to connect with viewers across generations and geographies.


A. R. Rahman will serve as super judge on Tamil Idol, with Andrea Jeremiah, Karthik and Benny Dayal as judges. Vikkals Vikram and Pooja Venkat will host the singing competition, produced by Fremantle.

On Celebrity MasterChef Tamil, Samantha Ruth Prabhu will be the celebrity judge, alongside Chef Venkatesh Bhat, Chef Sashi Cheliah and Chef Shreeya Adka. RJ Vijay will host the show, produced by Banijay Asia, which will feature 12 contestants.

Deepak Dhar, founder and group CEO of Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India, said the Tamil adaptation would reflect the region’s culinary traditions. He noted that MasterChef had been adapted in 74 markets worldwide.

“With Samantha coming on board, we’re excited to see the fresh flavour and perspective she brings to the format,” Dhar said, adding that the show would bring together food, competition and popular regional personalities.

Aradhana Bhola, managing director of Fremantle India, said the global Idols format had reached audiences in 60 countries, attracting 700 million viewers and generating more than nine billion YouTube views since its launch in 2001.

She said Tamil Idol would combine Tamil Nadu’s musical heritage with aspiring singers’ stories and expressed excitement about bringing the format to Tamil audiences in partnership with Sony VIZHA.

The other shows include Notebook 90s – Kadhal Flashback, set in 1990s Trichy and centred on friendship and young love; Crime Patrol – Kutrangal Tharum Echarikkai, inspired by real-life crime cases; and Madam Police – Naanga Irukka Bayamen, which follows an all-women police team handling everyday cases.

The channel's film slate includes Anbil Avan, Asareeri, Sardar 2, Mandaadi, Rajan Vagaiyara and Meesaya Murukku 2, among other titles.

In sports, Sony VIZHA will feature R. Ashwin's Tamil commentary for all five T20I matches in the upcoming India–New Zealand bilateral series.