Why Does the Indian TV Industry Struggle to Produce Series Like Game of Thrones?

While the Indian TV industry has a wealth of creative talent and an extensive history of producing quality content, it faces significant challenges when attempting to replicate the success of international series such as Game of Thrones. This article explores the factors that make it difficult for Indian TV to emulate the complexities and cultural nuances present in shows like Game of Thrones.

Understanding Indian Cultural and Viewing Preferences

Indian television series predominantly focus on family dramas and thrillers. Programs like Sacred Games and A Family Man reflect the cultural and social preferences of the Indian audience. Most of the Indian masses are accustomed to consuming serialized content, which often centers around family dynamics and incorporates some thriller elements. Sudden shifts to fantasy or high fantasy series, such as those seen in Game of Thrones, may be difficult for them to comprehend.

One key reason for this is that the culture of the Indian audience is deeply rooted in their surrounding environment and traditions. Cultural relatability plays a crucial role in consumer engagement. For instance, the Indian film industry, particularly the South Indian film industry, has a distinct style of storytelling and costumes that resonate with the local audience. Actors like Ajit, Vijay, and Suriya, who often wear traditional South Indian attire like the vastu (a large dhoti), are revered for their unique style.

The Role of Actors and Casting

The selection of actors is a critical factor in the success of a TV series. Casting actors who can bring the right authenticity and depth to roles in a franchise like Game of Thrones is highly challenging in India. The Western actors who portrayed the characters in Game of Thrones, such as Peter Dinklage, Maisie Williams, and Kit Harington, brought a level of expertise and international appeal that is hard to replicate with Indian actors.

Additionally, the physical characteristics, mannerisms, and accents typical of Western actors are deeply ingrained in the portrayal of such high fantasy realms. Changing the cast dynamics could alienate the audience, making it hard for them to connect with the story. Indian television has its own set of stars, like Saif Ali Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, and Katrina Kaif, but these actors bring a different kind of charm and cultural identity that may not suit a fantasy setting.

Comparative Analysis of TV Series

Comparative analysis often skews the perception of Indian TV series. The success of shows like F.R.I.E.N.D.S in India is often seen through the lens of nostalgia and cultural familiarity. It is worth noting that if F.R.I.E.N.D.S had aired in 2014, it might not have fared well in India due to changes in societal norms and the availability of technology. Indian viewers today are more connected and less likely to engage with non-technologically advanced scenarios, as seen in the F.R.I.E.N.D.S coffee shop scenes.

The Indian TV industry has seen its fair share of notable successes. Shows such as Gangs of Wasseypur have garnered critical acclaim and box office success, with a total collection of 28 crore. However, despite these achievements, there remains a tendency to compare Indian content to Western standards, which can overshadow the unique qualities and strengths of homegrown productions.

Conclusion

The Indian TV industry faces significant barriers when attempting to produce series like Game of Thrones. These barriers are rooted in cultural preferences, actor suitability, and comparative viewing patterns. While it is challenging, the industry should focus on enhancing its recognition and appreciation of homegrown content. With the right blend of cultural sensitivity and innovative storytelling, the Indian TV industry can truly shine and create its unique flavor of fantasy and drama.