Why Indian TV Dramas Fall Short: The Pressure of Ratings and Continuous Broadcasting

Indian TV dramas have often been criticized for their repetitive plots, lack of storylines, and never-ending broadcast. However, this continuous airing and the constant pressure to meet ratings (TRP) standards contribute significantly to the shortcomings of these shows. Let us delve into the reasons behind why Indian TV dramas fail to meet the standards set by their counterparts from the UK, US, Australia, Canada, and other regions.

The Pressures of Continuous Broadcasting and Ratings

Indian TV dramas face immense pressure to produce new content daily, with around 23 episodes required each month. This constant pressure on writers to deliver high-quality content every day is challenging, especially when there is a lack of script banks. Channels must approve scripts, leading to frequent alterations in the storylines to maintain high TRPs. Given the cyclic nature of Indian TV drama production, we see the reiteration of the same plot elements, such as saas bahu dramas, love triangles, rebirth, blackmail, memory loss, and time jumps. These elements are employed to attract and retain audiences, but at the expense of original storytelling.

Endless Stories and Insufficient Quality Maintenance

Another significant issue is the never-ending nature of Indian TV series. Shows like Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehte Hai, and Kumkum Bhagya have been running for over a thousand episodes, far beyond their initial planned duration. These prolonged continuations often lead to a decline in the quality of the story, as there is little to no new content materialized after the first year. Producers frequently drag these shows until their TRPs decrease, ensuring that the series remain in production despite a diminishing quality. This continuous production without a defined end date creates a repetitive and stale viewing experience for audiences.

International Production Models Compared

The production models of TV dramas in the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Pakistan, and South Korea significantly differ from those in India. These countries follow a season-based approach, where shows are planned in advance with a specific number of episodes that align with a season. Broadcast companies have the flexibility to decide whether to extend the show for one or more additional seasons. Unlike Indian daily soaps, which dominate Indian television, these shows allow for seasonal breaks. Pakistani and Korean dramas are similarly structured, produced as mini-series or with a pre-planned storyline, and episodes are shot well in advance.

The Impact of TRPs and Format Alterations

Indian TV dramas heavily rely on TRPs, leading to frequent changes and rewrites in the storyline to boost ratings. Even when a show is initially planned to be finite, channels can extend its run if it gains popularity. For example, the show Beyhadh was initially planned for 260 episodes but was extended by 2 months with 273 episodes instead, and Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka 2 was only supposed to run for 60 episodes but was extended to 100 episodes. This constant alteration of the plot leads to a loss of originality and excitement in the storyline. Not only do these changes affect the script, but they also impact the actors and crew, who find it difficult to maintain their creativity and freshness.

Call for Finite Shows and Better Storytelling

Barun Sobti, a renowned Indian writer, emphasizes that the format of shows heavily compromises the quality of writing. He advocates for more finite shows, suggesting that have clear beginnings, middles, and ends. This approach leaves room for original storytelling and better character development. The constant pressure to meet TRP targets forces writers to stick to familiar plot lines and gimmicks, which leads to a repetitive and uninspired viewing experience.

In conclusion, the continuous broadcasting and reliance on TRPs significantly impact the quality and originality of Indian TV dramas. Establishing finite shows and improving the production model could lead to a better viewing experience, preserving the power of storytelling in this powerful medium.