Tele Serials vs Cinema

By: Arya Aiyappan
Thursday, December 28, 2006

The silent battle between the small screen and the big screen runs on parallel tracks, as to whether they complement each other or are virtually two contradictory poles of existence. They have their independent domains of existence stretching across areas of diverse interest. Lately the small screen has amassed greater popularity weaning itself clear from the shadow of the big brother.

Cinema and television co-exist wherein one can hardly replace another. In India movies have power over the psyche of the people forming an integral part of their life. Television lured the audience to the comfort of bringing the world into their living rooms. Over the past decades television as a communicative medium has broadened its quarters of influence. The small screen is now flooded with a wide variety of programmes ranging from serials, daily soaps, game shows, chat shows, news, sports, reality shows, movies, animation films, etc.

Television is growing day by day as one delves deep into the possibilities of exploring the medium further and making the maximum use of it. While the cinema showcases a particular movie, which may or may not appeal to the taste, television with its plethora of channels provides the ease of switching from one to another according to personal preference. The economic constraints also affect the box office collection margins.

In the recent years television is growing by leaps and bounds with channels, which cater to the needs of the audience. The increasing number of serials - mega serials on a daily basis and weekly ones leave the audience rooted to their seats. Ekta Kapoor's Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kasauti Zindagi Ke, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki, etc have been on air for over many years with their popularity still soaring high. The opulent settings, spicy episodes, charming actors and actresses, and a time-tested storyline form the right components for an outstanding daily soap. Serials now have a larger viewership as a surprise element springs up everyday. Tulsi, Parvathy, Prerna, Saloni, etc common household names enable the audience to easily relate to them. The serials mostly dramas by genre do provide wholesome entertainment when it comes to combining romance, drama, suspense, action, etc. It is the ease and comfort coupled with variety entertainment that has accentuated the popularity of television.

Mega serials on a never ending trail with three or four generations under a roof also provide many sidetracks and sub-tracks, which stimulate interest. The mounting suspense and fresh faces enhance the viewership. The warmth and closeness that television serials engender is incomparable. Along with these host of serials the round the clock news channels, lively game shows and reality shows like Nach Baliye, Kaun Banega Crorepati, Big Bossetc. Chat shows and game shows keep the audience interest at a razor's edge. The grand entry of Big B, Amitabh Bachchan to the small screen throwing open all barricades bridging the two media, with even King Khan, Shahrukh Khan ready to try his luck with KBC. No longer does television cringe under the shadow of its big brother to make its presence felt but has carved a niche of its own as a medium offering hearty entertainment.