TOI:Tears+drama=TRPs - Ragini

Tears+drama=TRPs

The tube is replete with prime time/afternoon shows with high octane emotional quotient to grab more eyeballs

Navya Malini


Its a small wonder where the tube has many fascinating tales to offer across various time bands.What makes the small screen today even more interesting is the way it is rediscovering content,thats a potent mix of different shades of emotional drama.
When the shows establish an instant connect,it yields dividends for the maker,agree many in the industry.This eventually has given rise to options aplenty for the ardent soap lover to indulge in a potpourri of emotions sometimes negative and sometimes positive.This is what is enabling shows garner more TRPs,feel many.
Sample this.We have shows like Bhagonwali... Baante Apni Taqdeer,Haar Jeet,Diya Aur Baati Hum,Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon,Chhoti Bahu-2,Yahaaan Mein Ghar Ghar Kheli,Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.Not to mention the TRP trippers Saath Nibhana... Saathiya,Balika Vadhu and Uttaran.Theres no happy ending in the chapters as there will be a chain of events with sagas of struggles in store.
So what makes tearjerkers and emotional dramas give the non-fiction and reality shows a run for their money Shades of drama,seems to be the unanimous answer that the industry has to offer.Majority of Indian TV viewing audience comprises women,who enjoy watching emotions and drama because they relate to it, says actor-producer JD Majethia.The tried and tested formula in soaps is no longer relevant today because the existing television viewer no longer finds any novelty in it, he adds.
While the leading ladies swirl and swing in the sea of emotions on the soapbox,the drama gets intense with sidetracks and even more dramatic twists.Actor Ragini Khanna says,One should not generalize shows as tearjerkers.There are of course shows with high emotional dramas. At the same time,offering content with a mixed bag of drama and comedy also works,feels a section of the industry.Apart from drama,humour also has a place in our shows, says director Gorky.What keeps the momentum going in the shows is the drama which keeps the audience thinking about something dramatic is going to happen next, he adds.Drama and tearjerkers ruling the roost on TV today can be attributed to the format,say industry insiders.While producer Asit Modi feels that the Indian telly viewer has options aplenty to get entertained.The audience is tired of long running shows and is looking towards experiencing difference.Every other show on TV is not a tearjerker.And in todays context,every show comes with a USP which helps leverage eyeballs, says Modi.Many feel that TV throws a major challenge for other genres such as action and thrillers to sustain for long.And it is here that a maker finds a safe bet with emotional social dramas.Having to work in a five day format makes it very difficult to s u s - tain anything apart from drama, says Gorky adding,Overseas,you have the concept of a 26 episode series like what one saw in 24,Dexter et al which come up with another season after a break.That is not the case here.At the same time,international shows like The Bold & The Beautiful had only drama to offer the viewer. Majethia says,Introducing more shades of drama that will let the viewer feel,the protagonist is undergoing lot of turbulence and seeking the emotional support of the mother or a sister,retains the interest in a particular show.And it is where these shows are doing well. So,as long as the trials and the tribulations of the protagonists do the talking,the shows can bank upon the tears to garner more TRPs.navya.maliniyv@timesgroup.com