HBO Analogue For Mythological Serials?

Originally posted by: Maleficarum

It's no secret Mahakaali suffers from underwhelming/frustrating production. As much as I praise it, I also agree it needs to improve the VFX/CGI and cinematography. That green screen gaff may be rationalized by tight scheduling or a mismanaged team, but it doesn't make it justifiable. For those unaware, the green screen markers were still visible in the second episode during an action scene which required undivided attention toward Kali. Furthermore, that second episode was VFX-heavy, and the quality dropped drastically toward the end. As a solution, I propose a channel or network that is devoted exclusively to mythological serials -- a channel or network with the budget to support mythological serials.

HBO and Netflix have produced laudable, revolutionary television shows using colossal budgets. I don't think anyone is surprised that "Game of Thrones" requires millions of dollars each season (dragons aren't cheap). Interestingly, George R. R. Martin's genius emphasis on characters and plot than any particular magic system helped the series, as it doesn't require a supplementary budget for routine special effects; nor does it need to syphon money from its overall budget. It also isn't a surprise its seasons are short: 22 or 23 (or even 25) episodes costing $1 million each don't come easy, even to HBO (especially if it has other shows to support, like Westworld). Now, I won't pretend to intimately understand Indian television or ignorantly remodel its channels from behind a computer screen. Those saas-bahu serials are marketed ingeniously toward housewives and older demographics, both of whom likely want shows disseminating "traditional values".

However, mythological serials are a different beast -- it's not reasonable to produce a mythological serial with little to no VFX/CGI unless you're willing to ignore the literal magic performed by gods. Naagin can get away with deplorable editing and special effects (and equally atrocious acting) by marketing itself toward housewives (Ekta Kapoor knows her television audience). Mahakaali, however, evidently has cultivated an audience that expects more from a television show. That might result in criticism, but at least the audience can recognize good (and bad) television. What Mahakaali has done well, however, is present itself as a finite series. Indian television shows have an intolerable habit or prolonging a show's expected end until inconsistent or illogical story lines cause ratings to plummet dramatically. I don't think it's possible to count the number of times someone's wife or husband or mother or mother-in-law has been kidnapped by someone's wife or husband or mother or mother-in-law. It's probably easier to count the stars in the universe.

A multi-season mythological series with an appreciable budget is what I truly want. Before that, however, I expect certain fundamental properties of a mythological show:

I expect good, if not inspiring, VFX/CGI. Mahakaali has presented some fun instances of good effects, namely the glowing, "fragmented" entrance of Shiva. It also has amazing prosthetics and makeup, and I don't think anyone will disagree that Kali's presentation is both powerful and ideal. Still, Mahakaali will forever be haunted by those green screen markers; what should have been a thrilling action scene was instead a lesson in green screen editing. I understand Indian serials have excruciatingly tight schedules, but if the production team wants to include multiple special effects, they need to invest the time and money to improve them. I expect fireballs and gore to look realistic, not artificial. All it takes is a fireball that appears superimposed to tarnish an intense action scene.

I expect sets I wish I could visit or at least sets which don't require suspension of belief. Now, personally, I don't have a problem with Mahakaali's sets -- or rather, I don't have too much of a problem. I really like the minimalistic aesthetic of Kailash, and the interior caves are eerily beautiful. That said, the "snowfall" (are those orbs falling from the sky really supposed to represent snow?) could use some work. Additionally, I was impressed by the forest environment when Agni entrusted Kartikeya's protection to Ganga. Too often I find mythological serials will digitally add rivers or other bodies of water, and the results look comically stagnant or static. However, I do think the serial would benefit from more locations/locales outside Kailash and Patala (which looks fantastically menacing) -- Brahmalok, for example, was unexpectedly beautiful. I also really loved Daksha's palace, even if it was borrowed from Shani (I would much rather they recycle a set than building a sorry excuse for a supposed "kingdom").

I expect a satisfying, reasonable resolution. Originally, Mahakaali implemented a pace some found too fast, although I preferred that. Ever since Bhandasura's entry, the pace has remained consistent. Kartikeya's entry followed Tarakasura's impeccably; coincidentally, the latter makes for an excellent villain alongside Shumbh and Nishumbh. Raktabeeja was used to demonstrate Kali's absolute power, and Daruk was forgettable. Shumbh and Nishumbh, however, have remained intimidating and exciting. That is why I want the first season to end with their deaths, preferably by Chandika rather than Kali. They are the Joker to Kali's Batman, and thus they deserve a rewarding conclusion. Furthermore, Shiva and Vishnu continuously allude to Kali's omnipotence and omnipresence, and both exalt her as infinitely more powerful than themselves. Presently, Kali is portrayed as Parvati's wrath; however, we have now seen Bhadrakali and Ambika as goddesses separate from Parvati's emotional state. Alternatively, Tripura Sundari embodied her property as the Mother Goddess. Together, we can infer from these goddesses (and the explicit references by Shiva and Vishnu) that Kali is not merely a manifestation of Adi Parashakti, but Adi Shakti herself. I think, to establish Kali as a goddess beyond Parvati's anger, correlating Kali with Chandika would be the perfect transformation of Parvati as a goddess to Parvati as God. Furthermore, just as Chandika is Adi Shakti, so is Durga; the second season could introduce Mahishasura, cementing Parvati as a God among gods. It would be far more satisfying than carrying Shumbh and Nishumbh over into the second season, especially as there are only so many "upper-tier" demons they can throw at her.

Ultimately, none of this matters if the production value remains shoddy. Granted, mythological shows haven't retained their original novelty, but they maintain a viewership regardless. A separate channel might need to sacrifice quantity for quality, but I don't envision that as a problem. I think we would all prefer fewer mythological serials with higher production values. Hopefully, this would encourage unique premises, like more goddess-centric serials or serials about deities outside the Trimurti/Dasavataram. I truly want Mahakaali to cement itself as a revolutionary serial. There are so many stories to be told, ranging from her destroying Shumbh and Nishumbh to her rare, "unknown" canon -- for example, Draupadi and Sita becoming Mahakali and Bhadrakali, respectively; and the individual Tantric canon of each of the Mahavidyas.

What do you think? Do you agree? Maybe you disagree entirely? This is a forum, so let's discuss!😃