Indian television underwent a sea change this year. While 2015 saw some bold and progressive content, 2016 will always be remembered as the year of funny and weird transformations on TV shows. Remember Simran (Dipika Kakar) of Sasural Simar Ka turning into a fly? This year was also an unpredictable one. Certain shows with a strong storyline failed to garner TRPs, while a few which you thought would never work, ruled the leader board. So let’s take a look at what worked and what didn’t work on Indian television:
THUMBS UP
Fantasy and supernatural shows
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Fantasy and supernatural
shows were a hit in the year gone by. Supernatural shows took a turn when Ekta
Kapoor introduced Naagin and revamped a demure Mouni Roy into a seductive
snake-woman. After a successful first series, the second series of the show
premiered in October. As expected, it won over the audiences and continues to
dominate the TRP charts. Brahmarakshas - Jaag Utha Shaitaan, which is loosely
based on fantasy thriller film, Jaani Dushman and the traditional fairy tale,
Beauty and the Beast too managed to resonate with audiences. The makers of
Naagarjuna – Ek Yoddha explored an unchartered territory with the show and
succeeded. It is a fantasy fiction series inspired by a reference to Naag Lok
in the Mahabharata where one of the greatest warriors, Arjuna married Ulupi, a
Naga princess.
An unconventional love story
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Presenting a love story of a transgender was a brave move by the makers. Shakti – Astitva Ek Ehsaas Ki that features Vivian DSena and Rubina Dilaik in lead roles kept the junta hooked through the year. Rubina also earned accolades for being a brave heart and accepting such a challenging role- that of a transgender.
Women-centric shows
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Women-centric roles have always been loved by TV buffs, but 2016 saw a rise in shows that showcased spunky, headstrong, who stand up for their rights and dreams. Suman (Nikita Dutta) in Ek Duje Ke Vaaste, Advocate Swadheenta Ramakrishnan (Tridha Choudhury) in Dehleez, Maya Mehrotra (Jennifer Winget) in Beyhadh, Amba Pawania (Aarti Singh) in Waaris are a few characters, who were not only part of successful shows, but also turned out to be noteworthy characters.
THUMBS DOWN
Weird Transformations
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Iske bare mein kya kahe. The nation wants to know ki Simar makkhi kaise bani? The show, which started in 2011, revolved around sisters Simar (Dipika Kakar) and Roli (Avika Gor) all the while until the makers decided to give it a makeover of sorts and turns the leading lady Simar in to a fly! Bizarre, isn’t it? Soon the Internet was abuzz with hilarious memes.
Reality Shows
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Salman Khan-hosted Bigg Boss was probably the most-awaited reality show of the year; however, it was a sheer disappointment this time around. Despite the deadly combination of celebrities and commoners, the show didn’t climb the TRP charts. In fact, apart from Sony’s Super Dancer, no other reality show including The Voice India Kids, So You Think You Can Dance, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, weaved magic.
Thriller Series
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Anil Kapoor’s much awaited thriller series 24 Season 2 was launched in a grand ceremony and the trailer was impressive. The show however didn’t perform as well as the first season. Star Plus’s P.O.W – Bandi Yuddh Ke, a finite television series developed by Nikkhil Advani, had to settle for just critical acclaim. Reports suggest that the show was loosely based on the Israeli drama, Hatufim.
Comedy Gone Wrong – Totally Wrong!
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They say, comedy is serious business. And we are sure that it takes a lot of effort to make people laugh. However, viewers have never been attracted to toilet humour. Case in point – Color’s Comedy Nights Bachao and it distastefully refreshed Comedy Nights Bachao ‘Taaza’. The revamped version began ‘roasting’ celebs that came on the show instead of a harmless banter, which led to them refusing to make an appearance. After much hullaballoo, the makers have finally decided to pull the plug (All Over For Krushna Abhishek & Bharti Singh. Comedy Nights Bachao Taaza To Go Off Air, December 15).
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