So how entertaining is SRK’s return to TV? Read on to find out
As far as I remember, a game show, where a contestant made big money by answering a set of questions, first happened in Kaun Banega Crorepati, which was made iconic by the booming voice of Amitabh Bachchan. Ever since then, a plethora of such game shows, with an added twist to KBC’s standard template, have been churned out by the television industry over the years, with stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Govinda all trying their hands at hosting. In fact, Shah Rukh himself has hosted a number of game shows from Kya Aap Panchvi Pass Se Tez Hain to KBC itself. After a long time, SRK is back to the small screen with yet another game show, &TV’s India Poochega – Sabse Shana Kaun? And at the end of its premiere episode, I take you through a quick tour of the show, giving my verdict if SRK’s brand new show is worth your time or not.
What’s it about:
The game show comprises of two teams consisting of two members each, who compete against each other, through three rounds, answering questions asked by common people, for the coveted prize money of Rs 1 crore. In the first round, each team has to press the buzzer to stop the train which passes through different faces from the public displayed onscreen, to select a set of four people, from whom they have to choose one who’s question they want to answer. In the second round, the opposite team presses the buzzer and selects the set of four people for the other team. In round three, both the teams are expected to answer questions asked by celebrities, which will ultimately lead them to winning Rs 1 crore.
What’s good:
The concept of the show is unique, as it is the common people who are asking questions in turn to common people, creating a unique set of questions, which showcases the diversity of India. Shah Rukh Khan is on sublime form, rocking each frame as a host, perfectly putting his filmi lady charming tactics to use. The jokes cracked by the actor lightens the mood of the show, as he charms the contestants as well as audience with his wit and sarcasm. The premiere show also featured SRK dancing to the Sabse Shaana Kaun theme song and the Indiawaale number from Happy New Year, bowling over the fans with his magic. In fact, he even gets kissed on cheeks by two female fans from the audience and you know that the superstar is in his element hosting the show. One of the best thing about the show is that it got right down to business from the start without wasting any time.
What’s bad:
While the show focuses on light, fun side of game show, I felt India Poochega: Sabse Shana Kaun? lacked the impending sense of doom on the contestants and at times I really missed the tension that was so beautifully created by Amitabh Bachchan’s persona on KBC. So if you are expecting an electrifying episode, you would be disappointed as what you get is a light-hearted show, aimed to entertain you by its simplicity.
Verdict:
India Poochega: Sabse Shaana Kaun has everything that you expect from a Shah Rukh Khan show and the actor has put his best foot forward, turning on the charm to full swing, adding glitz and glamour to a rather simple yet entertaining show. This show has managed to win my vote.
Reviewed by Subramanian Harikumar
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