they are not the khottey sikkey

Often all of us have seen international television series like prision break and lost and have always wondered when would indian television produce something of such high quality.  Finally the wait is over. YRF have produced something which is not only one of the finest thrillers on indian television, it is their finest work too. So readers presenting to you Khotey Sikkey.

http://scrutinybykhimaanshu.blogspot.com/2011/02/khote-sikkeys.html

Khotey sikkey deals with the growing crime rate amongst the urban Indians especially the youth. And to help the honest and able police officer are 5 rich spoilt brat. The USP of the show is its tight script, high production value and above all the urban and young treatment of the show.

Throughout the four episodes that i saw over last two weeks have been impressive. Not only are the episodes well shot but even the editing is grade one. ( not to forget the colour correction done to make it look an international product). Though the show borrows heavily from hollywood ( like joker in first episode) yet its turns out to be an enjoyable outing.

What is adding to the show is the casting that seems just perfect for each of the 6 lead characters as well as the supporting cast for each of the episodes.  Also the entire treatment of the show is rich and urban and youthful. Even the dialogues between the 5 youths is largely in English. 

What the makers need to concentrate on something is the episodic story. Generally it is seen that such shows begin well but soon begin to lose out.  So they should keep a tight tab over the stories.  And this being a YRF I doubt they need to be given any such suggestion. Also the channel should give a second thought to the timing of the show. 11 o’ clock slot over the weekends is a bit too late. Therefore it might lose out on few male viewers from the tier ii cities. But the loos wont be too large to make a much difference to the ratings.

Anyways the show definitely wont register a very flattering trp, but it would definitely give us trp that would be fair enough for a 11 o’ clock weekend show.  What ever might be the ratings, we should congratulate YRF for such a wonderful show.

the new and improved Star Plus

Of late Star Plus has been undergoing a makeover. First it was the new logo. Then a new tag line- Rista wahi Soch Nayi.  But lets take a look if the channel is on the right track or is it overdoing it.

When the channel began with its new campaign “Rista wahi soch nayi”, it was unknown what was coming up from the channel. But of late, after seeing the new shows that are already on air as well as the shows that are about to air, it is very clear that the channel is gearing up for the young India. And in no way do they want to loosen their grip on the TRP charts.

Before going further lets take a look at the new shows that dressed the FPC of the channel. At the very onset of their campaign came Suhana with Sasuraal Genda Phool. The show was a romantic family comedy set in old Delhi. The freshness in the treatment of the show need not be mentioned again. The show rocked and it left behind all the tear jerkers, weeping behind. Then came Kali and Maryaada – two late night shows which were bold and realistic in their story as well as treatment. Both the shows had ratings that was fair to their time slot. Even the show from Balaji stable- Tere Liye, deals with a love story and thankfully there are no 20 year leaps in sight in near future.

Its not that the channel in order to cater to the young India, has forgotten their loyal family audience. This is where the channel scores again. For every Sasuraal Genda Phool, they have Saath Nibhaana Saathiya and for Tere Liye they have Gulaal. While Gulaal has a rustic setting, Saathiya is set in Mumbai, yet is revolves around the relationship between a saas and a bahu. ( And this show surprised everyone in the industry when it became the numero uno show of the country despite a very early time slot.)

Even the new shows that have been launched this weekend have a very young appeal. Infact Pyar Main Twist looks more like a Bollywood caper than a show that could be a prime time show on Star Plus. The other two shows, Luv U Zindagi as well as Wife Bina Life are also targeting the young indian audience. But at the same time, all these shows though might look youthful and fresh, they have maintained the core values that are essential to any middle class indian family. Truly ‘Rishta Wahi Soch Nayi”.

No one can beat Star Plus when it comes to programming. But I think they are overdoing their bit in promoting their new tag line. The female singing ‘ Rista Wahi Soch Nayi ‘ in every single ad beak has started sounding too irritating to the ears. Even their new ANTHEM is a major let down. Neither does the music appeal to the ears nor are the visuals any treat for the eyes. ( in fact Star Plus has some excellent videos in past be it for Star Parivaar or any other promotional purpose)

On the whole things seem to be working in the favor of the channel. the channel has once again started its ascent to the numero uno position and hopefully will be able to attain back its undisputed leadership amongst the Hindi GEC soon.

the new home theatres

India lives cinema, eats cinema and sleeps cinema. Bollywood has been an essential part of every Indian’s life. Love it or hate it but you cant ignore it. And imagine if cinema and television get clubbed together, they are bound to create waves.

This is what is happening in Indian television.  There was a time when television was called the poor cousin of the big screen. But today the fortunes seem to have reversed. The poor cousin has become an added source of income for the big Bollywood films. In some cases it becomes the only source of income (owing to their poor box office collection).

Of late there have been some changes in the programming strategies of a GEC. This change has become possible because the big film production houses have been a part of it. There was a time when a film was telecast on the GEC or for that matter even a movie channel only a year or more after its release. But its no more the case. Blue was telecast almost within first 8 weeks of its release. Even the last year’s hit Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani was telecast within first four months of its release. This is not all. This has become a trend on indian television. Almost every second film released today is selling their satellite rights even before the release of their movie.

And to be frank it has been a win win situation for all three parties – the producers, the channel as well the audience. Now lets see how.  For the producers, television viewing rights helps them to recover their money. For instance, Blue bombed badly. The box office collections were dismal despite the hype built around it. Therefore in that case selling of the television right to Colors helped them to make up for their loss though only partly. Same can be the case with Action Repplay and Aisha.

For movies like APKGK, Peepli[live] and Dabbang, the case is a bit different.  These movies have been a hit at the box office. They have enough hype already generated around them. Therefore they are able to sell the satellite rights for a real good amount and they are able to add to their balance sheet.

For the channels its again a gain all situation. Of late the Bollywood hits have been scoring big time on the TRP charts. Both 3 Idiots and Dabbang were the highest rated program in their respective week of telecast. These Bollywood movies help to grab the eyeballs and help to increase the Gross Rating Points of the channel.

Also the channels leave no stone unturned to market the film using all possible medium to reach the target audience. Therefore the high cost to acquire the movie as well as to market them is the only reason why the net return on investment becomes low. But seeing the high trps its justifiable for channels to invest in big Bollywood movies once in a while.

After all television is the (POOR) cousin of the big screen....!!!

halka fulka phir bhi lazeez

Of late there has been a new genre of television shows which are ruling the trp charts on Hindi GEC.( to be precise such shows have existed before. Only thing is that they are back on the tube almost after i dont know how many years) These shows i would call as the feel good shows. There is a long list of such shows. Almost every GEC has come up with such shows. Though Colors bein an exception. ( They are happy with Dadi sa and Ammaji running their shows)

Star Plus seems to be sabse aage in this genre with two shows- Sasuraal Genda Phool and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai- topping their Trp charts. Apart from that Sony has Saas Bina Sasuraal and Baat Humari Pakki Hai. Even Zee is not behind with their show Raam Milayee Jodi.

All these shows have lots of things in common. First and foremost they have identifiable characters. There are no characters who always have a voice over running behind them and their eyes doing more talking that their lips. Also neither do we have a protagonist who seems to have all the good virtues that exist in this world making them look out of this earthy world. Here the characters are more realistically potrayed and even the leading ladies have their short coming.

Second is their treatment and plot. They do not have heavy material for drama. Though drama is an integral part of television shows, they rely more on cute/romantic scenes as well as heavy emotional scenes. They have all the elements to touch the emotional side of the indian masses. Also they rely heavily on light scenes. Or to be more precise they treat even very dramatic scenes in a very lighthearted way and hence makes the viewing enjoyable.

Third is their cast. Almost all of them have an ensemble which are so aptly fit in their respective characters that   they look almost as if they are those characters themselves. Be it Suhana from Sasuraal Genda Phool or Dosti/ Tanya from Saas Bina Sasuraal. Or even supporting cast like Rajshri from YRKKH or even Badi Baa from Raam milayee Jodi. All actors have fitted so well into thier characters that its difficult to differentiate whether you are liking the characters more or the actors.

A couple of years back, Baa Bahu aur Baby blonged to similar genre and not to forget the show was a great success. The audience has always had a liking for such shows. And with current success of such shows once again shows that such kind of shows are here to stay. After all you need break from masaledaar food....!!!

masala maar kar

What if Komolika was a wearing simple white saree with no makeup. Am sure you cant. Similarly one cant imagine indian television without drama and tears. Every show on television does have enough masala for their viewers. Of late two shows have been doing really well for Zee tv. Jhansi Ki Rani and Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli. And their reasons for doing well is not surprising. Both the shows are witnessing a hight point currently and so they have enough drama or in other words loads of masala to keep the viewers hooked to them.

Lets talk about YMGGK first. The show recently revealed the truth of Mamaji ( Rajesh Bees) and hence Zarina Wahab is back to her own house. The episode which revealed the truth behind Mamaji was really well shot. Not only did they not insert too many reaction shots of the supporting cast, they kept adding a twist after every some time. Throughout the scene ( though the scene was really long and extended to two full episodes with occasional intercut scenes) the focus was only on characters who were important for the scene. There was one more thing which differentiated such a scene from other similar scenes in other shows. It was the background music.

We have become so used to listening to those similar sounding background score which had been once popularized by Ekta Kapoor that show sounded fresh. This show took to score which was more indian in feel and had a classical touch to it. The scene also had some very smooth camera movements. The tracking of the camera as well as the movement of the actors was done cleverly to avoid too many takes from different angles. On the whole current track is being played well. Only thing is had the screenplay been a little more crisp, the scene would have been better. But still on the whole, the show has done a good job.

The next show that we need to mention is Jhansi Ki Rani. I dont know how true are the incidents and events in the show, but the screenplay has all the elements which would appeal to the mass. I think the makers have the fingers on the pulse of our indian audience. You can feel the adrenalin rush as you see super dramatic visuals accompanied by equally loud mantras and beats. As you see the episodes, you actually feel the hatred for those firangis and to add to this is their new signature tune Bhaag Firangi Bhag.

Though at times, it seems as if they are just trying to glorify Laxmi Bai to no end, yet throughout it turns out to be an entertaining outing. What needs to be applauded is the tight and racy screenplay. The screenplay has enough dosage of masala not forgetting scenes which will wet the kerchiefs of the female audience.

On the whole both the shows have been doing well of late and why shouldn't they. After all indians love masaledaar food....!!!

another flop in Sony's cap....!!!

When KBC was launched almost a decade ago, it changed the fortune of Star Plus. But what is more important is that the other shows also managed to catch attention and kept the cash box jingling for star. Both Kyunki and Kahaani managed to keep the attention of the viewers glued to the channel even after 9 pm.

A decade later, KBC is back. And post the show, even they have come up with 2 fiction shows - Saas Bina Sasural and Tera mujhse Hai pehle Ka Nata Koi.(they even added the word saas to the name of their show) But nothing seems to be the same as it was a decade back. Though KBC has managed to sustain its loyal viewers its two fiction shows have not managed to climb up the Trp charts.

But once the flagship show end in December what will Sony 'bank' upon. (as Sameer Nair had once said, fiction is the staple diet for ant GEC) Lets talk about their show Saas Bina Sasuraal. The show in many ways is very different from a normal GEC show in terms of treatment. I personally loved the way the show is done. Be it the look of the characters or even the way the character of the protagonist has been sketched. ( i am still confused as to what is her name in the show -Dosti or Tanya?)

Dosti is no longer always dressed up in indian clothes. No longer is she docile and submissive. On the contrary her character is more upright and smart than the male lead Tez. She represents the metro city girl who uses words like yaar and idiot. She is chirpy and bubbly. She goes out to party and even speaks in english. Oh my God - i fainted seeing Dosti on Indian television screen. Though the story has a slight resemblance to the Kareena- Akshay starer Hulchul, yet its new for the television. In terms of story and treatment, the show definitely scores. And evidently the show has enough material to keep it running for quiet a few months without deviating from the central theme.

But in terms of production value the show loses out badly. Not only the camera is bad, even the set looks really sasta and old. ( though am sure the makers will claim that they were trying to be realistic) Also the screenplay is a bit loose. The makers need to tighten the screenplay and also looks for more plots to add drama in the episode. For how long can we see the issues coming up in their marriage when we already know that the two will be getting married.

Though the show scores in many places, on the whole the show does not have the potential to become a hit show in the coming days. I dont see this show becoming the next Kahaani. On the contrary i think show will have a very small set of loyal viewers. There are times when you cant explain what is wrong but you know that something is wrong. Same goes for Saas Bina Sasural. I like a lot of elements in the show. But on the whole i dont see the show going anywhere.

It will remain a Show bina Audience.....!!!!

Time to fall in love again

American television has always come up with seasons of their hit shows. This trend is unknown and virtually non existent in Indian television. But looks like things are changing and once again its none other than Ekta Kapoor who has made the first move with the second season of her romantic show Kitni Mohaabat Hai for Imagine.

The first season of this romantic love story had done fairly well. In fact the leads characters of the show Arjun and Arohi did manage to find way to viewers hearts.(Ekta has always managed to make stars out of no one. Be it Kasish and Sujal or Gauri and Pratham in Kutumb - all these characters have been remembered by the people even though the shows have been off air for years now)

The second season of Kitni Mohhabat Hai deals with two families who are poles apart. Not only the families but even the two leads are at loggerheads with each other. Basically the show follows the simple story. Pehle takraar, phir pyar, phir inkaar and then finally iqraar. Still the show emerges to be a winner all the way. Not only the show looks youthful but it has certain freshness to it. No longer are the characters looking too garish or neither is Arohi like any other typical television lead character. (even her dressing is smart and more up-to-date with the day's trend)

Right from episode 1, its very clear that the show is trying to create and establish Arohi and Arjun as the next love icons of Indian television. And to be frank, they have a winner in hand. The screenplay belongs to the genre of Ekta Kapoor. The episodes have enough of masala to keep the drama and suspense element alive. Also it is full of duals between the the two leads which makes the viewing interesting. Not only the characters look up to date, but even the dialogues and the situations are in more sync with the today's youth.

I think Ekta Kapoor has done it again. She always had her fingers on the pulse of Indian audience, and with this show, she proves this once again. ( Though the show might not be able to climb beyond certain level on the TRP charts, this will be solely because its on Imagine.)

But we can still expect to see the season 3 of Kitni Mohabbat Hai and there will be more of Arohi and Arjun in times to come.