It may be called the small screen, but in all the ways that matter, TV is standing up to its bigger sibling — films — and holding its own. If 2015 saw TV experiment with newer genres and content, then 2016 will see it explore its power even more. We got three top producers to comment on what they foresee happening on the medium over the coming year, and they had some interesting insights to give. Read on
TV will work harder to stave off competition from digital media Yash Patnaik
The year 2016 is going to be an interesting one for television. And I’ll tell you why Television has ruled the roost over the last decade-and-a-half. The only competition was from films. But with the advent of digital media, the TV industry will have to bring about a change in both content and strategy. TV content will evolve to cater to both audiences.
Most channels have already rolled out their own OTT (over the top content) platforms. It will be interesting to see how channels and producers balance their content for both the audience.
The audience can certainly expect more original content. Newer and stronger characters will emerge. Newer backdrops will be explored. New stars will give competition to existing stars — there will be a realignment of stardom in TV. Treatment of serials will see a sea change. Our serials will be visually and technically stronger.
Yash Patnaik is the producer of shows like Ek Veer Ki Ardaas...Veera, Sadda Haq, Junoon – Aisi Nafrat Toh Kaisa, Ishq and Rang Badalti Odhani
Expect innovative concepts around popular beliefs and icons Vikas Seth
The year gone by has been one filled with learning, especially with trends noted through new rural data roll out. And it’s certainly set us crystal ball grazing for 2016.
In 2015, various tracks related to popular Indian myths (like Naagin and Sasural Simar Ka) worked for shows. So 2016, according me, will see content strategy that strongly caters to the masses, with innovative concepts around popular beliefs or popular icons (mythology/Indian culture/biopics/fantasy) and highlighting the real human emotions behind them.
Also concepts exploring the relationships between family members will continue to be seen in 2016. Family values-related shows do connect emotionally with the audiences and make a mark
Vikas has produced shows like Dil Se Dil Dua Saubhagyavati Bhav, Anamika and Yeh Vaada Raha
Comedy will be king
Deeya Singh
I think in the second half of 2016, people will go all out for comedy. After a point, the audience tires of unrealistic stuff — all the naagins et al, even the mythologicals, are overdone. So I forsee thrillers and comedy being big. One thing that I do hope for, is to see stronger heroines on the small screen.
Deeya has been the force behind TV shows like Banegi Apni Baat, Just Mohabbat and Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin
While the older favourites will continue to hold on to their spots on the small screen, there are lots of new offerings as well, for viewers. Here’s what we’ll be tuning in to:
24’s Season Two on Colors: This season, Jai Singh Rathod (Anil Kapoor) returns to prevent a holocaust that could encompass the entire nation.
Khatron Ke Khiladi — Kabhi Peeda Kabhi Keeda on Colors: Hosted by Arjun Kapoor this time, the show will see 14 celebrity contestants performing daredevil stunts (and icky tasks) in Argentina.
Meri Saasu Maa on Zee TV: Will see the return of Hiba Nawab (after Tere Sheher Mein). Hiba plays Pari, a girl bereft of maternal affection who seeks it form her hardened-matriarch of a mother-in-law. There’s potential for it to go beyond the regular saas-bahu depictions.
Silsila Pyaar Ka on Star Plus: Featuring Shilpa Shirodkar as an overly possessive mother to Raunak (played by Abhay Vakil). When Kajal (Chhavvi Pandey) enters Raunak’s life, she’ll find that she has taken on more than she can chew.
Mission Sapne’s second season: This season, celebrities like VidyaBalan, Sonakshi Sinha, Parineeti Chopra, Arjun Kapoor and Sonu Nigam, to name a few, will volunteer to aid a common man and earn his/her daily wages.
Bahu Hamari Rajni Kant on Life OK: Riddhima Pandit plays Rajni, who gets married into the Kant family.
May I Come In on Life OK: The story of a hardworking guy employed in an ad firm, who gets trapped in his fantasies.
Overseas affair
Sherlock’s The Abominable Bride
We’ve been waiting. And waiting, And waiting some more. Ever since Sherlock’s Season Three ended, fans of the BBC series have been waiting for the next installment in the Benedict Cumberbatch-Martin Freeman saga. And to appease fans a wee bit, creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss have come up with a 90-minute special that airs tonight! This is a Sherlock who’s time travelling quite a bit — all the way back to Victorian England, the true setting of his literary original. Will it impress fans We’re going to take a giant leap of faith and say, yes.
Farewell to Downton Abbey
It seems like only yesterday that we were introduced to the Earl of Grantham and his lovely daughters, as they discovered the Titanic had sunk, taking with it, his heir (and Lady Mary’s fiancé). Six seasons down, the family of Downton Abbey is ready to bid adieu, after taking fans down more twists and turns than we could count. The last season should make for nostalgic, weepy viewing — so savour it!
Revival of The X Files and Full House
Agent Mulder and Scully will return to our screens this year, in the revived X Files. So will Uncle Jessie and all the Tanners (except Michelle) in Fuller House, the reboot of the beloved family comedy. Will these revivals match up to the originals We’ll have to wait and watch.
New seasons of Game Of Thrones, The Walking Dead, House of Cards, Girls et al
Some of the most watched shows will be back with their new seasons, and boy! are we happy! The Game Of Thrones season six premiere promises to be nothing short of an ‘event’ and fans have already been going wild with all of HBO’s teasers and sneak peeks. Scintillating new seasons from our favourite shows — what more could we ask for
