Are Indian TV Shows Deliberately Made 'Dumb'? An Analysis

The Perception: Many viewers and critics perceive Indian TV shows as deliberately made dumb, often criticized for their simplistic storylines, relatable but sometimes one-dimensional characters, and a heavy reliance on melodrama and conflicts to captivate audiences. However, this perception might not entirely capture the sophisticated strategies behind the creation of these shows.

Target Audience

Many Indian TV shows are designed to appeal to a broad audience, including those who may prefer simpler plots and relatable characters. This broader appeal can be a strategic choice, prioritizing entertainment over complexity to ensure mass engagement.

Indian TV shows often reflect cultural norms, values, and humor that resonate deeply with the local audience. What may seem simplistic or trivial to outsiders is often meaningful and engaging within the cultural context.

Cultural Context

Show plots, characters, and dialogues are deeply rooted in Indian culture, making the shows relatable to a vast audience. Cultural themes, local dialects, and humor are key to creating content that is both engaging and relevant. This connection to cultural norms helps in gaining and retaining a wider audience, including those who might not prefer complex plots.

Commercial Considerations

The Indian television industry is highly commercialized. Shows are often created with the primary intention of maximizing viewership and advertising revenue. This commercial focus can lead to formulaic content that prioritizes mass appeal over nuanced storytelling. Soap operas and reality shows, popular formats in India, tend to focus on melodrama, conflict, and sensationalism, which can come across as less intellectually stimulating.

Format and Genre

Many popular formats, such as soap operas and reality shows, consist of melodramatic and sensationalist elements to attract a wide audience. However, these formats are not inherently shallow or simplistic. The focus on melodrama and conflict is often a strategic choice to engage and retain viewers. Moreover, the commercial pressures to produce content quickly can limit the time and effort given to more complex storytelling.

For example, popular shows often air for 5 days a week, totaling 150 minutes of screen time. Given these constraints, it is challenging to produce high-quality, in-depth content. Cast and crew often have only 1–2 days to shoot each episode, further limiting the opportunity for intelligent and complex storytelling.

Diverse Range of Content

While some shows may be perceived as simplistic or lacking in depth, there is a growing trend towards more intelligent and thought-provoking content. Shows like Left Right Left, Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, and Yudh have received positive critical acclaim and have attempted to break the mold set by traditional indraaas baabhaa ghee saas paaati (sensational and melodramatic) serials. The Indian adaptation of 24 was particularly refreshing in this regard, showcasing a different approach to storytelling.

However, despite these efforts, the broader industry has not whole-heartedly embraced the creation of high-quality, intelligent content. The focus remains on traditional formats that are most likely to attract and retain a wide audience.

The lack of intelligent media in Indian television has forced young audiences to turn to western TV shows to satisfy their cravings for deeper and more thought-provoking content. Shows like F.R.I.E.N.D.S and Game of Thrones have gained immense popularity among young Indian viewers, highlighting the gap in the Indian TV landscape.

As the industry continues to evolve, there is a need for a balance between commercial success and artistic integrity. While traditional formats remain dominant, there is an increasing demand for intelligent and engaging content that can resonate with a global audience.