Star Pravah is doing a commendable job through their Police detective serial 'Lakshya'. The serial produced by Aadesh and Suchitra Bandekar focuses on timely social issues, to create awareness among the viewers. The popularity of the serial has increased so much that Star Pravah is now all set to start another detective serial 'Panchanama' with Mahesh Manjrekar’ indicating his presence through the promo of this forthcoming series. But, it is not clear, whether 'Panchnama" will replace 'Lakhsya' or will occupy the other two or three days a week, to keep their audience engaged with this subject, throughout the week.

At present, ‘Lakshya’ is being telecast from Monday to Thursday for one hour during prime time i.e. 9.30 to 10.30 pm. The interesting topics dealt in this detective serial and the wonderful performances of the artistes has already increased the viewership. Moreover, the popularity of this serial is not only among the Marathi viewers, but also non Maharashtrian viewers. Discussions in the public transport and coffee shops clearly indicate that the serial has picked up some timely issues related to Rave parties & Drink driving, exam paper leak racket, cheating by private tuition classes, corruption in admission for Engineering colleges, Corruption in Medical profession and many other cheating and fraud cases which have come to light through recent police investigations.

Some of the topics are really educating the viewers and also cautioning today’s youngsters and their parents as well as senior citizens from the possible cheating cases.

This complete one hour episode enables the makers to complete one story at a time, instead of continuing the remaining part in next episode. It is for this reason, the serial is being watched by many viewers during prime time. The makers have also increased the strength of their force, by inducting more artistes into the serial. In short, they are almost going the ‘CID’ way, the popular Hindi serial, which is running for the past 15 years non stop. Will ‘Lakshya’ do the same ?

But, one thing is certain, that the issues highlighted through ‘Lakshya’ have cautioned common man and has also encouraged the news channels to carry out sting operations to expose rackets in college admission cases. Recently, we saw a sting operation, where even a 12th exam failed student secured admission in Engineering college. Now, Police can doubt and verify to check, whether the person surrendering in the hit and run accident case, is a real culprit or a fake proxy ? Earning Quick money by any source has led to crimes and the serial sends a strong message to offenders that they cannot escape law and police investigation. In short, the serial has raised the morale of Mumbai Police.

Now, talking about the other serials, whether the family socials or light entertainment, they are becoming monotonous with the screenplay not moving further with interesting happenings. Not all the viewers are watching the serials to appreciate acting of the stars; but, it is the script that should hold them in front of the television sets. As regards, Marathi reality shows, if we don’t notice variety and transparency in selection process of participants , it will be very difficult for the respective channels to hold the viewers with them.

  
by Ulhas Shirke © MMW