Big Wins

The format of the show remains more or less the same,except a few tweaks here and there. The first important change is that the first six questions for each contestant have been set to timer — this helps keep the pace of the show fast. The second change is that instead of 15 questions,there are now only 12 questions to be answered. Also,once a contestant reaches the one-crore mark,they can choose to go on and try to win Rs 5 crore. The lifelines have seen a change as well — 50-50 has been replaced by double dip,which lets the contestant pick two answers. Also introduced this time is the Ask the Expert helpline where an expert present in the studio will help the contestant with the answer.

Who’s in it? Bachchan is back to being the host of KBC,and he’s still as suave,charming and solicitous as ever. Added to the mix is an expert,Charu Sharma who is present in the studio. Besides this,in keeping with the current trend of to-be released movies tying up with television shows for promotion,we’ve also seen actors like Sanjay Dutt and John Abraham on the show.

What’s hot? What we like best about the show is that the pace has picked up considerably. Since the first six questions are timed,the contestants have no choice but to be quick,while Bachchan too has stopped lingering for too long over small talk and trying to play the devil’s advocate. It’s also good that the Fastest Finger First contestants,get to stay on for a week,instead of just one episode,so that they have a better chance at the hot seat. Another great move is the small video introduction to every hot seat contestant — it adds a story to these names and faces and makes it easier for the viewers to emotionally invest in them.

What’s not? Unfortunately,even KBC cannot be immune to the onslaught of film publicity. As mentioned before,film stars now make appearances to boost the promotion of their upcoming releases and we feel that this can be avoided. Also,on what basis are the experts being chosen? With all due respect to Sharma,wouldn’t it have been better to get a college professor or researcher in this role,rather than a cricket commentator? On most occasions,he is not even sure about the correct answer,which obviously puts the contestants in a spot.

Should you be watching it? Of all the new shows that have debuted this month,KBC,despite being an old formula,is still the most entertaining. Certainly watch it — the questions have been upgraded to include more current affairs and this can be of great value to everyone.