Battle for TRP's thunder on!

Indian Television shows biggest nemesis is back and back with a vengeance – Indian Premier League , IPL. IPL stretched over almost two months, could spell a dry run for most of the entertainment channels.

With a plethora of shows , either being recently launched or slated to be launched , will fight over the same eyeballs as IPL. With most of the matches to be played in the evening , we could have a major shift in audience loyalty from prime time channels to the IPL matches. Relatively newer shows like, Colors Chhal Sheh Aur  Maat , Shubh Vivaah on Sony TV are yet to strike that cord with the viewers and form a dedicated fan base.

When contacted Bhairavi Raichura , she pointed out that facing challenges head is the one solution  "If a channel decides to launch a particular show then they have obviously factored in all the possible variables. IPL has to be taken as a challenge and obviously we have to put our best foot forward"

Shows to counteract a plunge in TRP's have come up with the idea of 'Mahaepisode' , one hour entertainer that promises a massive twist in the story. J.D Majethia , the actor cum director feels IPL now lacks novelty  " With different mediums springing up like Internet and mobile, the ardent match viewers tend to stick to those ,thus giving women a free rein to watch their favorite serials. Also, the matches tend to be insipid until and unless there is some major happening in a match"

The ring of optimism is palpable in the voice of Indian show makers. We will have to wait and watch for who has the last laugh – Entertainment Channels or the Sport that is considered to be a religion in India.

By Medha Devendramita