Always on the lookout for shows to lure Tamil box watchers young and old, Vijay TV often comes up with attempts that are different. The reference is only to the channel’s game, talk and reality shows — not to the borrowed (dubbed) soaps please.
The shows may be original, inspired or aped, but Vijay lends its typical touch to most of them. Possibly a reason for their shows going on successfully for years.
‘Connexion,’ which has been visiting our living rooms on Sundays for more than two years, is one such. Jagan is its anchor.
I remember watching Jagan hosting the film review show, ‘Kadavul Paadhi Mirugam Paadhi,’ on Vijay, some eight years ago.
Week after week, despite bizarre costume and make-up (that made me feel sorry for his plight) he did a decent job of playing three varied characters — devil, angel and the man caught between both — as he critiqued films in a light vein.
The concept may have been innovative, but, at best it was unusual, unlike the regular take on the week’s Tamil releases that other channels offered.
I watched it more for the energy Jagan exuded and the urge to succeed that was evident in the young man’s eyes.
With the Suriya starrer, ‘Ayan,’ in which Jagan played a small time smuggler and accomplice of the hero, it seemed he had made a noticeable entry into tinsel town. But again, not many roles have been coming his way. Wonder why, because he has potential.
Now, Vijay TV has given Jagan another worthy platform, as the host of ‘Connexion.’ His rapport with the guests, instant connect with the camera (viewers), cheerful mien, spontaneity and sense of humour are pluses.
‘Connexion’s guests are generally grouped into three teams, (at times it’s just two) with each having a celebrity accompanied by one or two family members or friends.
‘Connexion’ is aptly titled. Every round, right from the warming up session called ‘Javvu Mittai,’ followed by competition segments ‘Joint Family,’ ‘Pinnaadi Munnaadi,’ ‘Tent Kottaai’ and ‘Panchathanthiram,’ leads us to the hidden words and phrases, through pictures and photographs, aligned, linked and clubbed together. Buzzer rounds add to the fun.
‘Connexion’ isn’t a very easy game to play and win — with reasonably challenging connectors it keeps the interest quotient of both the guests and viewers alive. And with a casual conversationalist taking you along, it presents pleasant weekend viewing just ahead of your Sunday siesta.
