Article:Guns, Serials and Violence..

Guns, Serials and Violence

After curtains came down on unreal stories and over-the-top drama, some of the top shows on general entertainment channels in recent past have been based on simple family themes. While family dramas like Bidaai, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Sasural Genda Phool, Pavitra Rishta, Chhoti Bahu, Uttaran and Saathiya have raked in good ratings, issue-based shows like Na Aana Iss Des Laado, Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo, Balika Vadhu and Bhagyavidhata have also been seen grabbing eyeballs. But the new trend that's emerging on television is that of edgy and violent content. Guns, violence, murders, abduction, sexual harassment, physical and mental abuse are an inherent part of shows like Kaali - Ek Agnipariksha, Laagi Tujhse Lagan, Gunahon Ka Devta, Pratigya, Maryaada, Rishton Se Badi Pratha and Armaanon Ka Balidan - Aarakshan.

Is this what viewers want, or are channels peddling violent content in the name of reality and social issues for higher ratings? Channels and producers feel that with shows getting real in the kind of drama, characters and situations they depict, viewers don't want to see soapy stuff anymore. "People are certainly bored of watching content based on hypothetical premises and characters," stresses Saurabh Tewari, head of programming, Imagine. According to Saurabh, guns and violence are an inherent part of these shows because they deal with a particular story and a backdrop/premise that is generally pro-violence in nature. "The idea behind making these shows will go for a toss if the treatment is not real enough and true to incidents happening around us," he defends.

Bhagyavidhata writer Rakesh Paswan, who is currently writing and producing Baba Aisa Varr Dhoondo, which has a midget as its protagonist, says that television being a family viewing medium and women as its prime target audience, family dramas will continue to hog maximum space and eyeballs. "But with stories getting more real, some channels are picking up subjects that are edgy and disturbing. However, none of these shows are doing as good as family dramas because women don't like watching guns and violence. What work are drama and emotions woven around a family," he elaborates.

Writer and co-producer of Kaali, Mrinal Jha, who has written shows like Maayka, Banoo Main Teri Dulhan and Agle Janam.. earlier, is of the view that the current trend of edgy and disturbing fiction shows is in line with the greater audience share coming from smaller cities and towns. But as a genre it can never replace family dramas. At best it provides variety. Balika Vadhu and ...Laado are successful because they are essentially family dramas, though they started with social issues.

Kaali doesn't deal with a social issue but is a personal story of inspiration and fight for justice based on an incident," she clarifies. The primary reason behind doing shows like Kaali, Maryaada and Pratigya, according to Star's executive creative director Vivek Bahl, is that they resonate with their target audience.

"And if the story, backdrop and characters demand a certain language, or drama, only then do we go along with that. The important point to get across here is that violence isn't condoned, and is eventually spoken against in the show and we ensure that," he clarifies. Channel programmers feel that the trend of getting more real will continue. "But guns and violence in shows may not," says Vivek. Adds Saurabh, "It will definitely stay, if not command maximum share. As they say, black is always more beautiful than white. Viewers expect clutter-breaking stuff, but not necessary edgy every time."