Do you think that mythos succeed in today's context?
I feel that the mythological genre has been squeezed dry by the multitude of serials that have been aired on DD and the C&S channels. Even today, there is a market for repeats and new extensions of age-old themes. However, they don't create the same frenzy that they used to create in the earlier days. Mythos have succeeded in all the possible slots and will continue to do well. I firmly believe that mythological serials will make a big comeback.
As a producer, why do you prefer DD to the satellite channels?
There is no preference for either. We have worked with both DD and satellite channels in the past. We have some projects with satellite channels in the near future - Sahara TV and Zee TV. In the past we have had some bad experiences with C&S channels because they tend to interfere with the creative aspects. We didn't have any problems with others such as Star TV. But, we would like to own the rights of our programmes and will not compromise on the same. Therefore, we are comfortable working with DD as we can capitalise on the repeat value of our programmes. We have got a very good response from the US and UK markets. We shall not be tied down to any particular group.
Has DD changed its unflinching stance in recent times?
DD officials have realised the market realities and are positioning themselves to increase revenues and assert their leadership position on the terrestrial front. After all, statistics show that DD has an edge over the C&S channels. The huge number of players have succeeded in offering a wide spectrum of choices for the viewers. DD is open to new ideas and never inteferes with creativity. It also gives producers a chance to experiment with different themes. Reviews happen at regular intervals and extensions are granted on the basis of the reponse.
Will you produce more television serials and thereby reduce the focus on films?
We shall continue producing serials as well as films. We are launching four new serials as well as our multi-starrerBaghban starring Amitabh Bachchan. The entertainment aspect is common to both mediums - home entertainment or big screen. Ultimately it is the quality of content that determines success. In both the mediums, we would like to be on top of all the production aspects.
What are your latest offerings? Is BR Films departing from its tested routines such as the mythos and sitcom themes?
BR Films is producing four new serials: Dhristi and Kaamna on Doordarshan; Asha Nai Asha on Sahara TV andShrimad Bhagwad to be aired on a C&S channel.
The serials provide entertainment and simultaneously highlight a social issue. Drishti questions the gender bias prevailing in the Indian society and puts forth the view that woman should have equal rights as men. Kaamnaprobes whether people still listen to their inner conscience. The slots for the telecast have not yet been finalised.
BR Films is also creating content for several C&S channels. Shrimad Bhagwad, a mythological which presents teachings from the Gita, will be telecast on a C&S channel. We are talking to several C&S channels for airing the serial. Asha Nai Asha on Sahara TV is a departure from the routine as it is built around the theme of scouting for talent. There are many talented people in different parts of the country. I had conceived the theme long back and presented it to Sahara TV. I feel as if my dream has come true.
Do you benefit from simultaneously producing serials and films?
BR Films is a complete production house that encompasses all the aspects of TV-film production. We like to control all the production aspects of whatever we produce - nothing should suffer due to non-availablity of cranes or cameras. Our equipment division was set up in such a way that it would assist the production department. There are synergies in everything that we do at any point for time.
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