"Deal Ya No Deal", the game show that southern superstar Madhavan will host on Sony TV, is expected to go on air in November.

But those associated with it are quick to dismiss any comparisons with "Kaun Banega Crorepati" (KBC), the super successful game show hosted on Star Plus by Amitabh Bachchan.

Says Madhavan: "Yes, Sony approached me. We're just worked out the details. I've to shoot six days a month. I've been finalized to anchor the show. It's the biggest game show in the world.

"But I've also been asked not to speak too much about it. All I can say is, it has no relevance or connection to KBC. It's a different format altogether.

"And we won't be pitching it against KBC. Our show will be telecast on weekdays - who on earth would dare to take on Bachchan?"

Madhavan's clothes are being designed by Shahid Amir. They've given the Tamil star a boyish, affable look. The prize money is likely to be Rs.10 million.

Sony's head honcho Tarun Katyal says: "Yes, we're doing a game show. 'Deal Ya No Deal' is our version of 'Deal Or No Deal', the number one game show in the world. I visited Spain recently to check out the show there, and now in France...it's a phenomenal event.

"Why Madhavan? Because we needed someone young, boyish, intelligent and able to connect instantly with the audience. The world over, the hosts have been young, genial and energetic. Madhavan fitted the bill.

"One or two other names, including Saif Ali Khan, were initially thrown around. But once the project concretised it was Maddy all the way. And when he shot the promo with us this week we knew we had made the right choice."

Katyal cuts down all comparisons with KBC. "'Deal Ya No Deal' isn't a bit like any other game show we've seen from any part of the world. And believe you me, it wasn't expensive to buy from its international original copy holders.

"We at Sony are on the lookout for shows that would give us a profile distinct from our competitors. When we started 'Fame Gurukul', we were sneered at for attempting something so outlandish. And that's one of our highest rated shows."

Katyal says Sony hopes to consolidate its position further with "Deal Ya No Deal". "It will add considerably to Madhavan's fan following, that's for sure."