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Vashi2Panvel.com: Navi Mumbai: November 18: Television programming is rapidly changing. There is no mistaking that. The comedy genre on Indian television is making more tasteful viewing of late, with entrants like Sarabhai v/s Sarabhai being a huge hit with the audience, and the return of Hum Paanch, only strengthens the belief. Now that comedy has established itself, we can conveniently discuss and dissect the most neglected genre of Indian television … horror and thriller. Talk of the horror genre on the Indian screen, and chances are that you will recollect watching a lady yelling on top of her voice, or a man disguised in a hairy bear like outfit that is supposed to scare the daylights out of you. Even a kid laughs at such ‘horror shows’ today.

Times are changing and so are viewers choices. Soap makers are more than aware of it. (When you have drooping TRP’s, you have no choice but to sit up and take notice, do you?).
Rajat Mukerjee, who has directed an episode of the up coming serial ‘Darna Mana Hai’ series on Star One, strongly feels that “if the viewers can accept the level of thrills offered by movies shown on television, then they are definitely ready for mature horror or thriller serials as well. It’s about time we give them that.”

What then was the reason for the genre of horror being neglected till now? “The levels of experimentation in the genre are low. Makers were sticking to loud shrills to evoke a chill down the viewers spine. But off late they have realised the importance of subtlety. A surprised look, with low music in the background, in a modern flat can do the trick, than people screaming in a jungle”, laughs Rajat Mukerjee. “It is important to concentrate on the script, but the cinematic techniques shouldn’t be ignored either”, he informs.

“The specialty of Darna Mana Hai is its format – which is in mini series, where we get to experiment like we do in films. The only serial that came close to good techniques being used, was Aahat”, says Rajat.

Sourabh Narang who has directed the first series of the show, seems to have left no stone unturned in changing the age old rules for the genre. For starters the entire setting is urban, in broad daylight and in public places like a park. No rivers in jungles at midnight for the spine chilling effect. “I don’t think television is inferior to films, and I have not consciously made any effort to give my series a film like look to it. I think that comes inherently, it depends on your style of story telling. And its not like films in this genre are doing really well, they are all in the same boat”, says the wise man.

With the makers taking up the challenge to give the viewers’ good quality entertainment, even the horror and thriller genre, the audience better keep their popcorn and colas ready. Why miss the opportunity to make the experience any short of watching a film?


Sujata Anthony Reddy