Has 'DARK' become the New Prerequisite for love stories on Indian TV?
Thrill, suspense and mystery seems to be the new approach of presenting love stories on television these days..
Published: Sunday,Nov 19, 2017 18:55 PM GMT-07:00
With Indian television progressing towards experiments on various genres, it is befitting that the makers become audacious about presenting concepts for celluloid viewing. Be it mythological or historical, comedy or drama, almost every category has a commanding story in a soap being on-air which has managed to impress.
But if there is one genre that has been consistently cliched then that is of love and romance. A girl and a boy falling in love under unanticipated circumstances and their love story going on to become a memorable one which has a happy ending - that was the basic plot-line of the several shows back then, which was entangled with unwanted entries and mindless affairs.
However, times have changed and the idea of love stories has changed too (Thank God for that!). Makers are no longer skeptical to present a love story that has more realistic characters which may also include having a dark side.
So, today, I analyse how 'dark' is the new necessity for a love story on Indian TV.
We may be waiting for Ek Deewana Tha, but before that, Ek Hasina Thi
Even before I get into writing about Ek Deewana Tha, let's not forget that modern television was struck with fresh and bold content in the form of a dark and gritty love story revolving around Durga (
Sanjeeda Shaikh) and Shaurya (
Vatsal Sheth). The critical acclaim and success of
Ek Hasina Thi paved way for other makers to showcase their bravura with the storyline.
And then came Beyhadh, the game-changer!
Backed by Jennifer's magnificent performance, the show broke several stereotypes about how love stories can just not be happy, but dark and unforgiving too.
That Is How The Real World Works
I mean come on, you think a love story, in reality, is as easy as quintessential Bollywood and TV presentations portray to be? Absolutely not. Of course, I don't mean every love story has murder and obsession attached to it too, but it is the grit reality that connected with the viewers instantly.
The Wave Has Now Overflown
With
Beyhadh gone off-air last month, there was a worry as to what will happen to the viewers of this genre as it is not everyday that we come across dark love stories, isn't it? Well, things have drastically changed as now we have a plethora at our disposal.
To begin with we have Arjun Bijlani starrer
Colors'
Ishq Mein Marjawan opposite Aalisha Panwar. After tasting humongous success in
Naagin and a miss with
Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil, Arjun has now taken up the challenge of playing a character with grey shades in this romantic thriller and has managed to impress. The show is the first amongst the lot to go on-air and even though the ratings have been dwindling, the actors have been applauded for their work.
There is an uncanny resemblance between all the above three shows, as it boasts one female protagonist with two male protagonists complementing (considering
Sehban Azim's character in Adhura Alvida to be equally important). With a premise that includes betrayal, suspense, thrill, mystery and finally love, it couldn't have been more evident as to how these shows spell the new trend on Indian television.
Not Complaining, Just Concerned
I was complaining about exploiting a trend following herd mentality when the supernatural wave took over television where illogical and dim-witted plotlines made the viewers cringe about it. However, with dark love stories being experimented profusely, we are in for a treat. The neo-noir genre is one such category that can have infinite presentations and still stand-out in every offering if treated with intelligent writing and intermittent exhibition. Unfortunately, the history of Indian television practising a concept too much is actually way too much. It not only destroys the bliss of watching a fairly executed TV show but also forces you to stereotype the scenario.
Having said that, being a fan of the genre, I sincerely hope that I, as a viewer along with a million others are in for a genuine treat of fabulous storytelling.
What do you have to say about the same? Leave in your comments below...
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Comments (33)
Ek Deewaana Tha is intriguing much. You're doing a great job Namik Paul :)
6 years ago
Namik Paul we love your u in Ek Deewana Tha
7 years ago
Seeing this show only for Namik Paul , Ek Deewaana Tha and Shiv
7 years ago
Namik Paul, you are doing a brilliant job as Shiv... Ek Deewaana Tha is an intriguing show!
7 years ago
Ek deewana tha...watching it Namik Paul you are doing a great job as Shiv
7 years ago
Watching Ek Deewana Tha just for Namik. Loved him in EDKV and loving him in EDT too.
7 years ago
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7 years ago
Sony seems to be the pioneer in that!!!!
7 years ago
I love 'ishq mein marjawan' serial. Arjun's actoring is as usual fabulous but Alisha's actoring is superb.and the suspenseful plot of this story is quite impressive.
7 years ago
Ek Haseena thi was a great show. Jenny did a great job in Beyhadh but dragging the plot ruined the show. Amar Upadhyay and Namik Paul are the only redeeming factors in Ek Deewana tha. Everything else is no different from your average desi show. Haasil is too OTT for my liking.
7 years ago