Thrillers and crime shows on TV..[TOI]

Thrillers and crime shows on television are gaining popularity by the day. AT finds out

Ano Patel

If you thought that the audiences loved only the plotting saas or the bechari bahu going about their role play in the run ofthe-mill saas bahu soaps, you are certainly not keeping up with the times as far as TV shows are concerned! Hailed as the new big medium, television, much like B-Town, is now churning out shows on a variety of subjects and crime shows and thrillers are leading from the front. The small screen now has several shows that are sending shivers down the spines of the viewers, thanks to the suspense element. While shows like CID and Crime Patrol have been consistent TRP toppers, other crime/thriller shows making an impact include
Savdhan India, Chhal-Sheh Aur Maat, Gumrah –End of Innocence and the upcoming Special Force.
Asked about the high interest level in such shows, producer Gorky says, "TV and films as mediums are changing now. People want to see something new and different. "
Actor Sushant Singh, who anchors Savdhan India, feels it is the human psyche that makes these shows popular. He says, "Crimes and criminals always carry an intriguing element. The dark world with no laws, morals or ethics always fascinates people, whether it is books, movies or TV shows. Also, when people see these shows, they feel secure in a way, that something like that did not happen to them."
Actor Anoop Soni, who anchors Crime Patrol, agrees, "In Crime Patrol, every case is something that a homemaker, businessman or any common person can identify with. It is all about human relationships and emotions."
He adds, "Viewers really connect to these shows even without any glamour, jewellery or heavy make-up. These shows have something to offer consistently."
But it is not just the nonfiction shows which are focusing on crime. Even fiction shows have their sequences of thrill and suspense to offer. A tad different from the regular tear-jerker drama. Even if only in parts, the thrill element has successfully managed to keep people glued to the television screens. Whether it is a kid getting kidnapped in Punar Vivah, or the basic storyline of Chhal – Sheh Aur Maat, the love for thrillers is beyond doubt. The changing interests have even led to a few actors treading the different path and associating themselves with such shows. Actor Hunar Hali says, "I did not want to do the same sort of roles again and again. Chhal is very different from other shows. I feel a show like this will make a difference."
Well, saasbahu soaps now will face some stiff (read thrilling) competition in the days to come!
ano.patel@ timesgroup.com

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