By Enakshi J
The present age is the age of technology. Within a span of a few clicks, anything can go viral and the whole world can get to know about it. Do you remember how Kokila Ben’s rap song went viral suddenly? Ironically, the characters were stalked more compared to when their show was on-air. But the trend of daily soaps seems to be lacking lustre now. Gone are the times when substantial content was telecast on the television. Now, most families are getting rid of their cable connection because of the loss/ degradation of content. If you might argue saying that one can hold on to the cable connection for the sake of cartoon shows and movies, I would counter by offering you OTT subscriptions. Not only do these streaming platforms provide an embarrassment of riches but also provide a high-quality viewing experience. Plus, there is not just one platform; there are so many! Here are a few points why the Indian daily soaps are not the first choice anymore:
- Too Much Drama- Unrealistic Plots
With time, even people have evolved. A voice in the wilderness in no longer unheard. Therefore, people are learning to take a stand for themselves and are striving to become more independent. Hence, the focus on self-improvement leaves behind no time to waste. This is unlike what is shown in the saas-bahu shows that are telecast even now. Nobody has the time nor the energy to witness impractical squabbles, scheming and rebirths! People are becoming open-minded and they now prefer watching content that is not only realistic but also fast-paced. Knowing that time is money, people are wiser and more intelligent in making the right choices and investing their hard-earned money in the right things!
- Lack of Purpose, Passion and Empathy
A good show is one that has been made with a purpose and with passion. A concocted story that doesn’t fit the bill nor does it influence/inspire the audience is definitely going to be disliked. The web series that are now streaming on the new platforms are well-sought, properly planned, short and have a purpose. Some of them are so good that they test the brain cells of the viewers and urge the minds to decipher the metaphorical references and mythological connections. With evolution, man has also started looking forward to more challenges. Hence, anything challenging is more impactful!
- Lack of Veracity
One of the chief reasons why people have distanced themselves from daily soaps is the lack of veracity or truthfulness. The events that form the part of the premise of the show do not conform with reality. Hence, it becomes very difficult to establish a connection or association with what’s happening on the screen. On the contrary, the web series present thematic content that often highlights the current plight of the individuals where problems are many but the drama is ‘swaad anusar’ (according to taste). Shows like Out of Love, Bard of Blood, Family Man, Breathe are far more appropriate than the shows like Behadd, Nazar, Naagin and Diya Aur Bati Hum because of the authenticity of the content in the former and the lack of coherence in the latter.
- Avoiding Dynamic Writing
The writers of Indian Daily Soaps often decide the storyline at the spur of the moment. When the TRPs fall, they either introduce a new twist or a new character to spike the interest of the audience. Whether the event or character enhances the storyline, they do not care. Unlike this, the writers of good web series change the plot according to the requirement of the storyline. Their motive is not only to spike the interest but to also make the storyline foolproof and flawless. This also gives the writers creative freedom and healthy space where they can put on their thinking caps and produce something really interesting and meaningful.
- Lack of Unpredictability
The Indian Soap Operas lack unpredictability. Sadly, in those shows, nothing can work without a spoonful of ‘masala’ and ‘gossip’. There are vamps, there are other species, there are rebirths, disappearances, songs and what not! All these things are predictable. There are no unprecedented deaths nor do the writers believe in leaving the ending on a cliffhanger. These daily soaps do not possess the calibre of challenging our IQ. They are all brawn and no brain, aren’t they?
- No Use of Symbology
It is always healthy to use symbology or the use of symbols. Like how Money Heist had red as the symbol of fear, rebellion and anger; the song Bella Ciao as a reference to anti-fascists during the WWII and iconography of their own, the Indian serials lack this completely. They do not have symbols at all. What they do have are ornate sets and adorned characters who even sleep in their flashy clothes. The money is spent on arranging for vibrant clothes and not on cinematography. Therefore, the lacklustre presentation ends up being a no match for the web shows!
All said and done, it wouldn’t take rocket science for anyone to figure out the loopholes in the storyline of the serials. The point to note here is that even though there are so many flaws in the daily soaps, a certain section of the society refuses to accept change. They encourage the release of sequels like Saath Nibhana Saathiya 2 and Naagin 2! With one-dimensional characters and unfathomable situations, these serials are toxic because they, in no way, force our mind to burn the fuel! Instead, the mind becomes lazy because of the shoddy content that these shows present.
Indian Soap Operas have blotted their copybook by focussing more on the outcome rather than paying heed on improving the content. Don’t we miss the quiz shows, Swami’s adventures and Sanju’s magic pencil? Unlike earlier, now the parents think twice before handing over the remote to their children as they are afraid that the children will only imbibe the values like belligerence, bone-idleness, deceit, materialism and ill-will.
The sitcoms only misguide public when they depict lack of communication among the family members. For them, real relationships are worthless. Television, once believed to be the means to educate masses, has now truly become an Idiot Box because we clearly don’t see the former happening in our country. This line by Fred Friendl does justice to all the aforementioned points:
‘Watching television is like taking black spray paint to your third eye.’