Bulldog and Percept to co-produce The Contender

Bulldog Media and Entertainment, the producers of 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?', and Percept Picture Company will co-produce the Indian version of The Contender, which is owned by Mark Burnett Productions, famous for The Apprentice and Survivor. The partners have also roped in Olympic bronze medalist, Vijender Singh as the face of the show.

Akash Sharma, vice-chairman and managing director, Bulldog Entertainment says, "The Contender is a rage around the world and we are planning to create an even bigger success here in India." The reality show will follow a group of boxers competing with each other in a single-elimination style competition, capturing their real-life triumphs and defeats.

The two companies are in initial talks with broadcasters and the decision will be made soon. Incidentally, a wrestling show is on-air on Colors currently. When asked about how different The Contender will be, Sharma says, "The Contender is a non-fiction reality show that will depict the sports entertainment of boxing. While 100 % is a fiction based professional wrestling show, skewing more towards men and kids. We are targeting the entire family."

Shailendra Singh, joint managing director, Percept Limited, said, "We hope to offer the finest in action sports and entertainment to the Indian audiences. With Vijendra Singh as ambassador, we are confident that the Indian audience would get a taste of it."

Bulldog and Percept will launch a promotional ground activity called Fight Nights, wherein amateur and upcoming boxing talent will have the opportunity to try their hand against professional opponents in the boxing ring. Fight Nights will take place across Tier 2 and 3 cities, at regular intervals. Sharma says that the objective is to promote the sport of boxing and also to familiarize audiences with the concept of the show.

The Contender will go on the floors only pre or post IPL next year. Bulldog also plans to get CBS Paramount's America's Next Top Model to India.