TOI : Prime Time TVs men get complicated

Contrary to the perception of 'women are too complicated', on television, Hindi GECs seem to be setting new example by unraveling male characters who are too complicated and come with a layered portrayal. While almost all such complicated characters do have an emotional past to be discovered by the female protagonists, this trend nevertheless is capturing more attention. Taking from the character of Rudra in Rangrasiya, Sameer in Main Na Bhoolungi, Samrat in Doli Armaanon Ki, Mrityunjay of Ek Boond Ishq to that of Shlok in Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon Ek Baar Phir, the character sketch of the male protagonists not only has a tinge of grey, but also has myriad layers making it spicier and meatier. The flamboyant entry of Abhay Kapoor in Madhubala... Ek Ishq Ek Junoon as the brooding and elusive guy has added another angle of mystery to the show after the track of RK " another complex character " got over. All these instances now make the viewers feel more curious about these onscreen men.

When it's TV, characters ought to be spicy, feel many. Says actor Adhvik Mahajan, "A complicated character offers more spice. Usually love and hate in extremes sells more on TV. Women too are equally complicated, but this twist makes the plot all the more interesting."

Echoing the same sentiment producer Saurabh Tewary says, "There is this darkness of a character that makes it stand out. So many shades of grey and so much complexity makes a character more watchable. That's why the character of Rudra has taken its inspiration from that of Othello even though the show is not based on the Shakespearean play. A bold character that sends across shocking revelations about himself to the viewer, always gets more visibility."

It's all about getting closer to realistic portrayal, say some. Actor Vikas Manaktala says, "TV today has come up with realistic and experimental character portrayals. That's why there's no one-dimensional character". On TV the story needs to be told from the perspective of women and thus male characters are sketched with a tinge of complexity to attract this target group's attention. Says producer Yash Patnaik says, "In television women are the TG and stories are generally told from their perspective. Complexities provide fodder for tracks and drama."

So, naturally, they all have a past that more or less justifies their complicated nature. Actor Piyush Sahdev says, "There is a reason why a male protagonist is shown as a tough nut to crack and is difficult to understand. This is something to do with his past. That's what takes the story forward when the woman discovers it." Seconds Patnaik, who says, "The more the intrigue value of the past, the merrier it is for the writers." Agrees actor Mohit Malik and says, "Television is portraying these characters is because they exist in real life. The viewers relate too."

With TV taking a big leap towards portrayal of men in experimental ways, the plot of many shows are getting interesting for sure.