TOI:Prime time TV soaps ride high on supernatural drama and religious

While you watch a wife trying to protect her husband from a daayan (witch) on a mainstream entertainment channel, another leading Hindi GEC shows a devotee overcoming death because of her strong belief in Lord Shiva.

These and more are currently the top viewed shows on television. Viewers are literally biting their nails off as they root for supernatural themes, superstitions and religious-belief related shows.

New flavour of the season
Shows like 'Mann Mein Vishwas Hain', 'Bhakton Ki Bhakti Mein Shakti', 'Ratris Khel Chale', 'Naagin', 'Sasural Simar Ka', 'Adhuri Kahaani Humari' and the forthcoming 'Kawach' deal with supernatural themes, religious beliefs and faith. Dipika Kakar, who is often seen dealing with witches, ghosts and snakes in Sasural Simar Ka, says there are several factors why these tracks click with the audience. She chips in, "Drama is at a high level in these shows, which attracts people. Things like supernatural elements always tend to get viewers more inclined towards the show, as they break the monotony of a regular household drama and add some much needed spice to the ongoing track. Elements like these are not usually focused upon, so when they are added in a show they somehow instantly click with the audiences."

With a new story and supernatural or religious twist in every episode, these shows are receiving a positive response. It's that need for a miracle that attracts the audience. They view faith-based shows for a mystical moment. Aarti Babul Bhasin, creative producer of one of these shows, shares, "It's not superstition that works, but faith-based shows that work more. The reason is the need for affirmations and anchors in life. People are so stressed that they need to know that there are more like them. They like to believe that there is a super power, that helps resolve their problems if one has faith and is positive." But, doesn't this mean we are trying to push superstition or religion-based beliefs? Danish Khan, EVP and business head of a GEC, says, "Good karma backed by unwavering faith can move mountains. These stories are real and inspiring and we are delighted to offer our viewers an hour of hope, with Mann Mein Vishwas Hain." Aarti adds, "Superstition is about exaggerated beliefs like a cat crossing the road leads to ill-luck, sneezing before doing an auspicious work etc will mark its chances of success, whereas belief is about faith in something positive, which is not superstition."