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Hindi television soaps are best known for their tear-jerking drama, nail-biting suspense and over-the-top sequences.
However, the latest trend on Hindi prime time shows is the use of shapeshifters as an important part of the storyline. As opposed to the sanskari bahus and adarsh betas (ideal sons and daughter-in-laws) , these digitally created ones are mean, manipulative, wicked and ready for the kill (literally). Is devoting screen time to shapeshifters a trick to ensure a rise in TRPs or do they really strike a connect with the viewers?
PORTRAYING ANIMAL INSTINCTS ON TV WORKS FOR TRPs
He had girls drool over him as a vampire in 'Fanaah'. Actor Karan Kundra is back with a supernatural track on 'Yeh Kahaan aa Gaye Hum' where he is cursed to turn into a tiger. "My track in the serial is in the transition period, where I am developing a higher sense of hearing and smell. The nuances of an animal are being brought in. We are looking at catering to a younger viewership. So we are developing young and sexy characters that the youth of today will enjoy watching. Animal instincts work for TRPs because they generate curiosity," says Karan, who is enjoying his current track and looking forward to more supernatural powers in the forthcoming sequences.
'IT'S ABOUT FANTASY CLUBBED WITH DRAMA AND SUSPENSE'
When Adaa Khan heard the script of 'Naagin', she was thrilled to bits. Known for playing out-of-the-box characters, Adaa jumped at the opportunity to play an 'icchadhari naagin'. "I love doing crazy things. I am not cut out for monotony. I was never skeptical or worried about portraying a reptile on screen. The reason being, Indians worship snakes and have strong sentiments attached to snake," says Adaa, who is seen with Arjun Bijlani and Mouni Roy in the hugely successful 'Naagin', set for a second season now. Adaa adds that viewers love it when fantasy is clubbed with suspense and drama. "I watched 'Nagina' (the Sridevi starrer film) to understand the nuances of a naagin's character. However I have brought in a lot of inputs too. I make sure my make-up, eyes and hair look different in each sequence. I experiment with colored lenses and elaborate hairstyles to enhance my character's appeal."
Six year old Kashvi Kothari may not understand most of the dialogues she mouths in 'Adhuri Kahani Hamari', however the fact that she plays a reptile makes her happy. "I play Manu, an 'icchadhari naagin' who turns the protagonists' world upside down with a vengeance. It is challenging as I don't understand most of the words, but I'm enjoying the sequence because it is unique. I do not have to just doll up and wait on the sets. i get to experiment, which is exciting."
When Adaa Khan heard the script of 'Naagin', she was thrilled to bits. Known for playing out-of-the-box characters, Adaa jumped at the opportunity to play an 'icchadhari naagin'. "I love doing crazy things. I am not cut out for monotony. I was never skeptical or worried about portraying a reptile on screen. The reason being, Indians worship snakes and have strong sentiments attached to snake," says Adaa, who is seen with Arjun Bijlani and Mouni Roy in the hugely successful 'Naagin', set for a second season now. Adaa adds that viewers love it when fantasy is clubbed with suspense and drama. "I watched 'Nagina' (the Sridevi starrer film) to understand the nuances of a naagin's character. However I have brought in a lot of inputs too. I make sure my make-up, eyes and hair look different in each sequence. I experiment with colored lenses and elaborate hairstyles to enhance my character's appeal."
Six year old Kashvi Kothari may not understand most of the dialogues she mouths in 'Adhuri Kahani Hamari', however the fact that she plays a reptile makes her happy. "I play Manu, an 'icchadhari naagin' who turns the protagonists' world upside down with a vengeance. It is challenging as I don't understand most of the words, but I'm enjoying the sequence because it is unique. I do not have to just doll up and wait on the sets. i get to experiment, which is exciting."
'VISUAL EFFECTS AND GRAPHICS ARE THE KEY'
'Supercops vs Supervillains' recently aired an episode that had giant eagles attack the human race. The eagles used were computer generated graphics. Working with real animals can be quite a task, so most of these serials use graphics and visual effects. What we see on television, is not necessarily what is shot. The outcome is generally a tedious process of graphics and visual effects. Lalit Mohan, director, 'Adhuri Kahaani Hamari' says, "Graphics and visual effects have made our lives easier. Earlier we had to heavily depend on real animals.However, the process is tedious as we have to ensure the final product does not look fake. It gets physically and mentally taxing. There are times when I become the animal of the set to give the actor cue."
Anjali Shetty | TNN | Mar 15, 2016
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