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While it is raining stars in national television, who are said to be skyrocketing TRP (Television Rating Points) rates, down South the television scene seems rather mega-sitcom-ish and reality show ridden. And an overdose of both, at that. Big B revolutionalized the television ratings in the otherwise Saas-Bahu saga with his Kaun Banega Crorepathi. His charm and panache did the trick and what the show did to Star TV's stature needs no explanation. Viewership rates went through the roof and Star snatched the television empire from Zee network sooner.
The
era of Bollywood frequenting the tube started
thereafter in a grand scale and we see more of
Shahrukh and Salman on TV than on the big screen
these days. Let alone reality shows, Shahrukh
has modeled for products ranging from salt to
satellite dishes and everything in between, giving
professional models a run for their jobs. Although
Shahrukh’s class teacher act for Paanchvi
Pass on Star TV couldn’t render the same
magic that his Crorepathi did, Salman Khan’s
Dus Ka Dhum is making waves owing to
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his
nonchalant ways of making the guests relax while hurling
questions at them. Latest in line is Akshay Kumar, who,
true to his daredevil image, is hosting the Indianized
version of the Fear Factor show on the recently launched
Colors TV.
While
this is the scene up North, Southern television is screaming
for want of attention from creative heads. Not to mention,
Kollywood star power has never paid much attention to
television. Point in fact; there are actors who still
consider going on air in television as harmful to their
mainstream big screen image. This could be the same
reason why celebrity endorsements have never been in
fashion in Tamil TV. Exceptions being Surya, Ajith,
and Vikram.
The closest thing ever frontline Kollywood stars did
to get on TV was giving interviews on national holidays
and festival time. And of course, on celebrity talk
shows, that are a relatively new concept to Tamil television.
Of the few, Kushboo is the successful host of the television
show Jackpot that still airs on TV. Few years ago, Sarath
hosted the Tamil version of the Crorepathi show that
was received with lukewarm response. That apart, many
a Kollywood stars are part of the judges panel in those
dance-based reality shows – most significantly,
Namitha and Mumtaz.
The television channels only seem interested in competing
for broadcast rights of every single movie being produced.
Although the crores spent on buying such rights are
worth every paisa, novel concepts for newer television
formats, including game shows and talk shows that make
use of the Kollywood star power, will have a telling
impact on the TRP ratings.
For instance, Vikram hosting a reality-stunt show or
Surya hosting a fitness based reality show will be sure
shot hits. Or how about Ajith hosting a regionalized
version of Das Ka Dhum and Vijay Paanchvi Paas? If only
the producers care enough to look around for a brainwave,
getting up close with our Kollywood stars in our own
living room could become a reality soon.
By
Prathap.
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