Generally speaking, television productions, particularly on mainstream channels, perpetuate and celebrate stereotypes as that is a sure-shot way of raking in TRPs and connecting with the masses. Those aired before primetime generally stick to the tried and tested formulae and are meant for an audience not requiring imagination, creativity or ingenuity. Most people are reluctant to step out of their comfort zones so that it is easier and much more convenient to churn out the same stereotypical productions rather than focus on thought-provoking scripts that might or might not resonate with large num bers of viewers.

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel as TV productions like Tan Man Neel o Neel, which tackled an extremely sensitive issue [mob mentality, blind faith and the dangers of false accusations] keep coming along.

Tan Man Neel o Neel showed once again that there still exists is a segment of the society that wants solid productions that they can sink their teeth into. The play concluded with a shocking scene of a lynch-mob attack.

Pakistani plays are the rage all over the world, especially across the border where they are a staple viewing for the Indian audience. Television stars have become household names and thanks to social media, are now stars in their own right.

With the proliferation of OTT platforms and television channels, an increasingly larger number of young people are stepping into the television industry. They continue to amaze the audience with their talent and skill. The two main protagonists of Tan Man Neel o Neel are relative newcomers but looked highly believable despite the fact that this country has no acting schools and most television artists have never had any professional training. The potential and talent in this country therefore largely remain untapped. It is heartening thus to see that the widespread proliferation of OTT platforms is breathing a new lease of life into the acting careers of television artists.

It is also generating employment and, of course, a steady stream of revenue for the production houses which have now turned into corporate behemoths and forces to be reckoned with. The TV industry is based in Karachi. It is generating employment for a large number of stakeholders, making it a source of livelihood for many. Although most TV productions cater to the masses, the upside is that it is generating employment and raking in TRPs for the production houses which continue to flourish and grow.

A TV production like Tan Man Neel o Neel, which tackled the extremely sensitive issue of mob mentality, blind faith and the dangers of false accusations, came along like a breath of fresh air.

The television industry has grown by leaps and bounds. As mentioned, TV actors are now stars in their own right, many commanding a formidable presence on social media. It is amazing to see how talented and self-assured some of the youngsters entering this industry are. Despite the lack of training and resources, they are performing incredibly well. At least, this is one platform where television artists can showcase their talent and have an opportunity to exhibit their skills and abilities, thus allowing them to explore their untapped potential.

Many television productions glorify misery. The more misery there is to watch, the higher the probability of setting the cash registers ringing at the box office. With so much money at stake, who in their right mind would take the risk of deviating from the tried and tested formulae when ROI is guaranteed? Corporate behemoths need significant financial investment to keep themselves afloat. If the return is not guaranteed, investment would be foolish.

The flipside is that risks are perhaps not taken too often for fear of failure but the upside is that, when risks are taken and a quality production receives critical acclaim, it encourages other production houses to take some risks and dive into unfamiliar territory.

The dynamics of the television industry are forever changing and will continue to do so. Hopefully, more and more social issues will be touched upon and discussed and quality productions will continue to be made.

Writers will be encouraged to produce quality work and direction and screenplay will see a significant upgrade. A solid script is always an asset. How that script is brought to life is in the hands of the captain of the ship, the director. Kashif Nisar and Saife Hassan are two noteworthy directors who have always been associated with quality work. They are forging a path for others to follow.

Let’s not lose hope then and continue to have faith in the viewers who have become increasingly demanding. We need solid screenplays, stellar scripts and fantastic directors to keep making quality productions which are not only commercially viable but also provide the viewers with some food for thought.

Let the show begin.

The writer is an educationist. She can be reached at gaiteeara@hotmail.com