Your present Docs, even with out heavy publicity acquired an awesome response by the viewers.
Sure, the viewers reception was really overwhelming. This undertaking was fairly distinctive because it didn’t observe the standard paths of publicity that OTT giants like Netflix, Hotstar or Amazon do. It was launched quietly within the final week of December and by the primary week of January, it emerged because the primary present when it comes to views on JioCinema. The success was natural, and that made it much more particular. It jogged my memory of the significance and energy of genuine storytelling, which resonates with audiences deeply with out relying solely on advertising. This type of natural progress is what we as creators dream about.
Are you already engaged on season two?
We’re certainly diving into season two with a recent perspective whereas sustaining what labored within the first season. The writing is at the moment our predominant focus as we intend to deepen the narrative and discover new arcs for our characters. One of many predominant challenges is to take care of the standard whereas bringing one thing new to the desk. Moreover, I am thrilled about our new present announcement quickly—it represents a brand new style we’re excited to discover. It is a busy however thrilling time.
Siddharth you’ve a powerful background in medical dramas, however returning to this style for OTT, how did you discover engaged on this new collection? Was the expertise considerably completely different from if you labored on Sanjeevani and Dil Mill Gayye on TV?
The transition has been fairly a journey. My repute in medical dramas with exhibits like ‘Sanjeevani’ positively performed a task in being approached for this new collection. They needed one thing that mixed the emotional depth of a love story with the seriousness of the medical subject. Engaged on an OTT platform offered a artistic liberty that TV typically restricts as a result of content material tips. This freedom permits us to delve deeper into character complexities and points typically glossed over in conventional codecs. It’s refreshing to step outdoors the field and interact with themes and tales in a extra uncooked and real looking method.
Did the OTT area permit you extra artistic freedom whereas making Docs?
Sure. After I made exhibits like Sanjeevani and Dil Mill Gayye, I needed to give attention to the relationships and the melodrama greater than the technical points of the medical occupation. The characters in my present had been surgeons and medical doctors however I couldn’t present blood, accidents or operations on TV. Being on OTT allowed us to discover these points with authenticity. We had been in a position to get professionals on board, who helped us create real looking prosthetics for the operations and surgical procedures. It was a creatively fulfilling expertise.
Late Irrfan Khan was the first choice for Jaideep Ahlawat’s role in Maharaj
Because you’re accustomed to working with longer-format storytelling, what are your views on the trendy viewers and their ever-changing tastes in cinema? With regards to OTT content material, particularly contemplating how viewers style evolves, are brief episodes the order of the day?
Certainly, the demand for shorter, extra impactful episodes is linked to the evolving consumption habits of viewers. The fashionable viewers has so many choices and their consideration spans have decreased, so creating content material that captures their curiosity shortly is essential. We’ve heard of the second display screen phenomenon. Audiences watch our present on the TV, whereas watching different stuff on their cellphone. However, as creators, we purpose to hook viewers from the primary couple of minutes, making certain every episode provides worth and pushes the story ahead. It is a difficult job as a result of it requires precision in scripting and presenting solely essentially the most important components of the story, nevertheless it’s extremely rewarding to see audiences stay engaged.
You are balancing each TV and OTT codecs. How completely different is the sport in theatres?
The theatrical scene is sort of completely different. In theatres, it’s about crafting an unforgettable expertise. You must create what we confer with as an ‘occasion movie’—a film that invitations households to truly go away their houses and partake within the cinema expertise collectively. With ticket costs being what they’re, we should make sure the journey to the theatre is worth it with a compelling story and high-quality manufacturing that may’t be replicated at residence. It entails plenty of buildup, strategically utilizing trailers and advertising to generate pleasure and make sure that the movie presents extra than simply leisure however a singular expertise.
Talking of cinema, we have had discussions concerning the energy of storytelling. Given your loved ones’s legacy with creating cinema, you’re the suitable man to be making biopics on legends like Meena Kumari and Madhubala.
It is one thing I take into consideration typically, particularly with figures like Madhubala and Meena Kumari. My household’s historical past supplies a wealthy basis for exploring these tales. Nonetheless, capturing the essence of such legendary figures requires a sure diploma of duty and authenticity. I imagine these narratives have the potential to resonate on a big degree, however additionally they require the suitable timing and sources to be true to the legacy. It is a delicate stability, and whereas it hasn’t occurred but, it is positively a thought I am open to exploring sooner or later. I’m engaged on Meena Kumar’s biopic and if given an opportunity, I’d like to do extra initiatives like that.
What can the audiences anticipate out of your manufacturing home and your directorial pursuits sooner or later?
It is an thrilling time for storytelling. The panorama is shifting, providing new alternatives for creators on daily basis. My purpose is to proceed delivering genuine tales that resonate with audiences whereas honouring my household’s legacy within the trade. I’m engaged on the Meena Kumari biopic and that’s a undertaking I’m very enthusiastic about. I can’t reveal particulars proper now, however I’m completely happy that the Amrohi household has entrusted me with this chance.
