(11 October 2005 8:00 pm)

MUMBAI: It's raining game shows again on Indian television. Star Plus brought back KBC2 in August this year and now Sony Entertainment Television (SET) will be airing a new reality game show - Deal Ya No Deal. The show, which will be anchored by actor R Madhavan, is due to air in November and has a prize money of Rs 10 million (as opposed to KBC2's Rs 20 million).

The show is being produced by Miditech in association with Endemol BV.

Deal Ya No Deal, is a unique reality game show format which tests an individual's guts, wits, speed and ability in making the right choices and provides an opportunity to win upto Rs 10 million.

An Endemol format, Deal Ya No Deal is a show about intelligent choices, where the right choice made by the winner can win him prize monies.

SET India CEO Kunal Dasgupta said, "We constantly endeavor to provide innovative and engaging content for our viewers and we are extremely excited to bring the world's No.1 game show to India taking the channel to greater heights."

Commenting on the conceptualisation of the Indian version of this mega game show, SET India executive vice president and business head Tarun Katial said, "We will present an opportunity to our viewers to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush of the thrilling moments that the contestants are going through at each stage of the show and for the participants, it will be a true test of temperament and decisiveness. They will have to really put their body and mind on the line for the 'Prize money' which will vary from a measly sum right to a life-changing jackpot."

International versions of Deal Ya No Deal have enjoyed high viewership worldwide with a successful track record in 43 countries including Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Croatia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Israel Mexico, the Middle East, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain Switzerland, Turkey, Thailand and Vietnam.

Deal Or No Deal, as it is popularly known across countries, was voted 'Program of the Year 2004' by Italian Viewers Oscar TV Awards; all four Dutch series of the show have beaten average market share for a television show across all demographics; it was also awarded the Clarin Award for Best Entertainment Show of 2003.

Deal Ya No Deal - The Format

In Deal Ya No Deal, the contestant faces 22 cash boxes, containing cheques varying from a measly amount to Rs 10 million. Without knowing the content in each box, he picks one, his to keep no matter what. The box stays sealed, as do the 21 remaining ones that are divided amongst other contestants. Who's holding the jackpot? Does the winner's box contain a stingy sum or an absolute fortune? Nobody knows...

For Deal Ya No Deal host Madhavan, this will mark as a comeback on the small screen. Madhavan has worked in serials like Banegi Apni Baat, Sea Hawks, Tol Mol Ke Bol and Ghar Jamai.

Viewers interested in participating in the show can do so by answering a question which will appear on the channel soon wherein they can call 190 44 242526 (your choice) or SMS 'Deal' to 2525, with the correct answer.