GECs
Big Magic revamps historical comedy show ‘Akbar Birbal’
MUMBAI: Big Magic has revamped its show Akbar Birbal, with contemporary content. The historical comedy will be seen in an all new avatar, bringing in freshness and innovation with quirky, relatable content and a new star cast. Triangle Films will continue as producers and the show will be shot on the set, which was redone recently.
Reliance Broadcast Network network creative director Paritosh Painter said, “In our endeavor to provide fresh new content to our viewers, we have decided to revamp Akbar Birbal, one of our highest rated shows on Big Magic. The new story line will be relatable, fresh, surprising and unpredictable with a high degree of humor. Respected and hugely popular stars like Kiku Sharda, Delnaaz Irani, and Vishal Kotian amongst others have made this show iconic and the No. 1 show on the channel. By introducing a new, younger star cast, our focus will continue to build iconic characters which are stand out, quirky and funny.”
The Akbar Birbal prequel will focus on issues, which are powerful, topical and relevant. It will feature a younger Akbar, who wants to make his own decisions, live life and rule on his own terms. Only one person encourages and allows him to do so – his biggest ally, his biggest critic, his friend, philosopher and above all, his guide, Birbal. A strong and powerful character, Birbal will act as an agent of change, a reformist as identified with today’s world, targeting solutions and transparency in governance issues, a strong protagonist who believes in democratic views and rights.
MUMBAI: Lights, camera… connection because this time, the game isn’t just about winning, it’s about who’s with you. Sony Pictures Networks India is gearing up to launch a new reality game show, Tum Ho Naa, expanding its unscripted slate with a format that promises both emotion and engagement.
The show will premiere soon on Sony Entertainment Television and stream on Sony LIV, with Rajeev Khandelwal stepping in as host. Known for his measured screen presence and selective choices, Khandelwal’s return to television adds a layer of familiarity and credibility to the upcoming format.
While specific details of the gameplay remain under wraps, the positioning suggests a reality format that leans as much on emotional resonance as it does on competition, an increasingly popular blend in Indian television, where audiences are gravitating towards content that offers both stakes and storytelling.
Khandelwal, reflecting on his return, noted that his choices have often been guided by instinct rather than convention, describing Tum Ho Naa as a project that feels “close to the heart”. His association also signals Sony’s continued focus on anchoring new formats with recognisable faces who bring both relatability and depth.
The launch comes at a time when broadcasters are doubling down on original non-fiction formats to drive appointment viewing, even as digital platforms expand parallel reach. By placing the show across both linear television and OTT, Sony appears to be aiming for a dual-audience strategy capturing traditional viewers while engaging digital-first consumers.
As the countdown to premiere begins, Tum Ho Naa positions itself not just as another game show, but as a reminder that sometimes, the biggest prize on screen isn’t the jackpot, it’s the journey shared along the way.
