Storyline of the show

Hello All! New here and thought I'll try to have some discussion with the wonderful writers here. Have been a silent reader of the different fan fictions and the analyses posted here :)

What do people think about the eventual storyline of the show taking inspiration from the Ramayana arc? I know it's a remake and that the original show broadly has a nice, realistic, family-oriented storyline.

But they tend to make comparisons at times (onscreen and during some bts clips) saying:

GauRa are Ram Sita who sacrifice for duty/others' wellbeing (which is very cliche, I know, and there's no comparison at all with SiyaRam, of course),

Shiva is Gaumbi's parchayi - as he's so tuned into the needs of everyone in the family and won't mind giving up anything for the family (read Shiva is Lakshman),

Raavi is Dhara's parchayi (read Raavi is Urmila; this is so sad 😔),

DevTa are kind of like Bharat-Kaikeyi (Rishita wants top priority for her & her husband always, and she's insensitive and mean to others, but she's a grey character exactly like Kaikeyi who can realize her mistakes and can repent if given the scope),

and Maami can be Manthara who can instigate Rishita to make her a dark-grey character for a brief period.

Lakshman is first and foremost devoted to Ram. All else is secondary in his life. One is infinitely blessed if they have a younger sibling who is even 0.0000000000000001% of Lakshman. But in the epic, I feel, things were unfair to Urmila. But she too sacrificed willingly.

I am a lifetime fan of the various versions of the epic and deeply respect the narrative for all that it has to offer humanity. But I don't want the GauRa mahaanta to go overboard (which I fear has already reached a threshold). They are fictional humans and should behave and be treated as humans only.

It gets too much after a point to see grown-up men being taken advantage of due to their unconditional devotion, and being physically abused and emotionally manipulated (just to turn it all into GauRa's mahaanta chapter 9865432678). They need to keep all the characters realistic and vastly tone down the bizarre, TRP-catering drama.

I wonder whether the original show has tracks where GauRa "sacrifice" for DevTa and leave the house/give up the store, and Shiva follows Gaura, implicitly making Raavi a part of the unnecessary "mahaanta". And are they following the original exactly?

Sphere Origins have produced many good shows over the years and I hope they can maintain some quality here, instead of butchering characters for TRP. How I wish the show remained at the 11 pm slot instead of shifting to prime time.

What do people think about the story arc taking inspiration from the epic?

PS: This is not to compare with the revered epic. I am a huge fan of the epic and wanted to know people's thoughts on whether there may be inspiration for the story from the age-old tales. There is absolutely no comparison being intended. Thank you and I look forward to some discussion here!

Very interesting take that you made in terms of the comparisons the characters to Ramayana. Interestingly enough, in the Telugu version, the four brothers are named Ram (Gaumbi), Lakshman (Dev), Bharat (Shiva), and Shatrughna who they call Nani for short (Krish). And Dhara is called Sita in that version.

Now, in the Telugu version, their characterizations follow the original a little more closely, with Dev actually being a very supportive brother who looks after the family as best as possible. And they actually had a scene where they ended up splitting the wealth and asked the brothers if they wanted to move their separate ways (this deviated from the original show), and the brothers refused to leave Gaumbi and Dhara. They essentially said no amount of wealth could ever amount to the love that GauRa showered on them, so they continue to live together to this day.

In terms of characters for Pandya Store, I can see where you would liken Shiva as a Lakshman, someone who would be giving his life up for his brother. He's already done everything he could for GauRa, especially as he gave up the chance to marry a girl he could choose (as much as we, the audience, know ShiVi are made for each other, ShiVi themselves have not realized this, and if I lost the opportunity to choose my partner, I would feel disappointed as well if my partner didn't meet my expectations). I don't know what happened prior to post-leap episodes, but he certainly sacrificed something to be working at Pandya Store. While Dev seems jobless, Shiva has been constantly shown to work at the store or look over invoices.

He values GauRa, and I am sure he would fall into a snakes' pit if he has to, to make them happy. But, the single caveat to all his emotions might just be his equation with Raavi in the future. I feel like one day he will respect Raavi equally, if not more, the day he falls in love with her. Her happiness will probably matter to him as much as GauRa's. As unfair as things became for Urmila, she sacrificed willingly for Lakshman, and you can't fault someone if they willingly do something. Equally, if Shiva has to choose between GauRa and Raavi, I think it would be Raavi who relents and supports GauRa so Shiva doesn't have to make the decision. And in return, Shiva would do everything possible for Raavi to be happy (as in, I don't think Shiva will ever allow her to sacrifice years of her life and happiness for him).

Also, as much as Dev is an inactive brother, I don't think he would ever allow his wife to split their wealth. I think that type of action would cause Dev to step forward and take a stand.

Originally posted by: milkcakejamun

Very interesting take that you made in terms of the comparisons the characters to Ramayana. Interestingly enough, in the Telugu version, the four brothers are named Ram (Gaumbi), Lakshman (Dev), Bharat (Shiva), and Shatrughna who they call Nani for short (Krish). And Dhara is called Sita in that version.

Now, in the Telugu version, their characterizations follow the original a little more closely, with Dev actually being a very supportive brother who looks after the family as best as possible. And they actually had a scene where they ended up splitting the wealth and asked the brothers if they wanted to move their separate ways (this deviated from the original show), and the brothers refused to leave Gaumbi and Dhara. They essentially said no amount of wealth could ever amount to the love that GauRa showered on them, so they continue to live together to this day.

In terms of characters for Pandya Store, I can see where you would liken Shiva as a Lakshman, someone who would be giving his life up for his brother. He's already done everything he could for GauRa, especially as he gave up the chance to marry a girl he could choose (as much as we, the audience, know ShiVi are made for each other, ShiVi themselves have not realized this, and if I lost the opportunity to choose my partner, I would feel disappointed as well if my partner didn't meet my expectations). I don't know what happened prior to post-leap episodes, but he certainly sacrificed something to be working at Pandya Store. While Dev seems jobless, Shiva has been constantly shown to work at the store or look over invoices.

He values GauRa, and I am sure he would fall into a snakes' pit if he has to, to make them happy. But, the single caveat to all his emotions might just be his equation with Raavi in the future. I feel like one day he will respect Raavi equally, if not more, the day he falls in love with her. Her happiness will probably matter to him as much as GauRa's. As unfair as things became for Urmila, she sacrificed willingly for Lakshman, and you can't fault someone if they willingly do something. Equally, if Shiva has to choose between GauRa and Raavi, I think it would be Raavi who relents and supports GauRa so Shiva doesn't have to make the decision. And in return, Shiva would do everything possible for Raavi to be happy (as in, I don't think Shiva will ever allow her to sacrifice years of her life and happiness for him).

Also, as much as Dev is an inactive brother, I don't think he would ever allow his wife to split their wealth. I think that type of action would cause Dev to step forward and take a stand.

Thank you for your reply and for your very interesting views! I enjoyed reading them. 😃

I didn't know that the Telugu version named the brothers after the characters in the Ramayana. That's again interesting to note.

Yes, a splitting-the-wealth-and-family-reaction scenario is bound to happen in such a set-up. And the brothers' reactions in the Telugu version where they end up refusing to leave GauRa makes sense.

Thanks for your points about Shiva already having sacrificed his right to choose his partner and much more till date, for the family and for GauRa. That's very true. I think the story should now depict how he will start life afresh, and build a relationship with Raavi, where, as you mentioned, she will eventually hold a place as important as GauRa, if not more.

This way, he can make up for all the things he has given up in life till now (such as him leaving education, and being detached from material possessions to focus on the store, etc.)

I have heard stories of the 1950s, where the younger child gives up on their dreams and opportunities in life due to financial issues cropping up with the older child's education.

As you said, I agree he wouldn't let Raavi give up years of her life or something of that sort once they finally get together.

I am ambiguous as to how Dev will participate in such a scenario. He might be kept in the dark / may have some sort of misunderstanding in the midst of all this. Will be interesting to see how he reacts (like Bharat does?) once he gets to know the entire truth.

I wish they focus on the realistic aspects of living in a joint family. They can show the same issues in a way that's far less dramatic. I blame the time slot change. :(

Also, Raavi will most likely be with Shiva and GauRa. Somehow, don’t see her wasting away or enjoying life while Shiva and GauRa are suffering

Originally posted by: tlamisa

Also, Raavi will most likely be with Shiva and GauRa. Somehow, don’t see her wasting away or enjoying life while Shiva and GauRa are suffering

I agree! She's already batting for Team Pandya in front of Maami. And she's always been part of their family from childhood. So her being part of GauRa and Shiva's path makes sense.

Interesting take, really liked it😆

Also, I too really love the epic, so high-five❤️

Coming to the characters, GauRa already has that ideal couple waale vibes, ofc not as much as Ram-Sita, but as much as one could in today's times. Gaumbi also has that calm, composed nature thing going on. Dhara also, apart from her recent antics (which was obviously for trp rat-race), is usually a caring character trying to maintain balance and do the right thing, so overall I like GauRa a lot.

Shiva is also in a lot of ways like Lakshman. He has that angry young man persona and could literally sacrifice anything for his family. I especially like how he completely stands by his decision. In this marriage fiasco also, Dhara asked him to marry Raavi and he decided to do so, without thinking of himself. Once he had taken the decision, there was no room for second thoughts (evident by his monologue during ceremony, ye jo bhi ho raha hai sirf gaumbi aur bhabhi ke liye ho raha hai). Not once he blamed Dhara, Raavi, his fate, or anything. Dev also he blamed for Raavi's condition but not for his. He has accepted that this was his decision, and he'll deal with the consequences. His decision was taken after thinking of right and wrong. Emotions can change with time, but right and wrong rarely does.

This is something I find lacking in Raavi. I understand her pain of course, but she often seems to forget that she had accepted marrying Shiva herself, under pressure, but herself. I get that she has been wronged, I am not even comparing her with Shiva, saying one is right other is wrong, just saying that this is something I admire about Shiva.

Raavi definitely after some time would have a little growth, and would be completely devoted to the family, more than she already is. Until now she has been like a child living in a bubble, but after this heartbreak, once she comes out, she'll be definitely much more mature, yet cheerful and loving like always.

Dev is a spineless, but fundamentally good person. He is soft and non-confrontational by nature. He kinda needs to understand that avoiding the problem is not going to make it go away. Not completely sure what turn his character would take in the future, tbh.

Rishita, thus far has given minimal reasons to like her. One good thing about her is she stands by what she believes she is right. She doesn't shy away from confrontations, also ready to accept that she can't always be mahaan like Dhara. Yes she is very unreasonable a lot of times. She honestly needs to, grow up, in simple words. She likes the idea of the beautiful parts of marriage but doesn't want the responsibilities. Wants the advantages of living in a joint family but doesn't want to make compromises for it. She needs to come out of the mindset that the world revolves around her and go forward from there.

Mami, so far is great comic relief🤣

But her only saving grace is that she genuinely loves Raavi. That's it. Just like Shiva, I also can't simply forget that she is the reason for Pandya brother's father's death. I am willing to forgive her if she changes in future, but not yet. Although its good that makers have toned down the vamp-ishness (for the lack of a better term).

Anyways, welcome to the forum❤️

Originally posted by: hedwig_potter

Interesting take, really liked it😆

Also, I too really love the epic, so high-five❤️

Coming to the characters, GauRa already has that ideal couple waale vibes, ofc not as much as Ram-Sita, but as much as one could in today's times. Gaumbi also has that calm, composed nature thing going on. Dhara also, apart from her recent antics (which was obviously for trp rat-race), is usually a caring character trying to maintain balance and do the right thing, so overall I like GauRa a lot.

Shiva is also in a lot of ways like Lakshman. He has that angry young man persona and could literally sacrifice anything for his family. I especially like how he completely stands by his decision. In this marriage fiasco also, Dhara asked him to marry Raavi and he decided to do so, without thinking of himself. Once he had taken the decision, there was no room for second thoughts (evident by his monologue during ceremony, ye jo bhi ho raha hai sirf gaumbi aur bhabhi ke liye ho raha hai). Not once he blamed Dhara, Raavi, his fate, or anything. Dev also he blamed for Raavi's condition but not for his. He has accepted that this was his decision, and he'll deal with the consequences. His decision was taken after thinking of right and wrong. Emotions can change with time, but right and wrong rarely does.

This is something I find lacking in Raavi. I understand her pain of course, but she often seems to forget that she had accepted marrying Shiva herself, under pressure, but herself. I get that she has been wronged, I am not even comparing her with Shiva, saying one is right other is wrong, just saying that this is something I admire about Shiva.

Raavi definitely after some time would have a little growth, and would be completely devoted to the family, more than she already is. Until now she has been like a child living in a bubble, but after this heartbreak, once she comes out, she'll be definitely much more mature, yet cheerful and loving like always.

Dev is a spineless, but fundamentally good person. He is soft and non-confrontational by nature. He kinda needs to understand that avoiding the problem is not going to make it go away. Not completely sure what turn his character would take in the future, tbh.

Rishita, thus far has given minimal reasons to like her. One good thing about her is she stands by what she believes she is right. She doesn't shy away from confrontations, also ready to accept that she can't always be mahaan like Dhara. Yes she is very unreasonable a lot of times. She honestly needs to, grow up, in simple words. She likes the idea of the beautiful parts of marriage but doesn't want the responsibilities. Wants the advantages of living in a joint family but doesn't want to make compromises for it. She needs to come out of the mindset that the world revolves around her and go forward from there.

Mami, so far is great comic relief🤣

But her only saving grace is that she genuinely loves Raavi. That's it. Just like Shiva, I also can't simply forget that she is the reason for Pandya brother's father's death. I am willing to forgive her if she changes in future, but not yet. Although its good that makers have toned down the vamp-ishness (for the lack of a better term).

Anyways, welcome to the forum❤️

Thank you so much for the welcome 😃

Happy to read your views, so thanks for replying here. 😳

And yes, I found a fellow Ramayana fan ❤️

Will be back soon to comment in detail. 😃