"Kasturi'’ the popular serial on E-TV Marathi, suddenly came to a halt midway during its ongoing telecast few days back and no one knows what really went wrong with this production. The serial had picked up well during prime time and it was the most favourite of many housewives and young girls, who were very much inspired by the dynamic character of Kasturi. It’s highly unethical practice to discontinue a serial mid way, without giving any reason. It not only spoils the reputation of that producer but also the channel.

Somebody has rightly said, “Never take the viewers for granted.” In the past, we have seen the replacement of artiste for the same character, so that the show must go on; and the sensible viewers understanding the situation, accepted the new artiste, as they were more keen to watch the progress in the script. Many a times viewers become so much addicted to viewing a particular serial that they co relate themselves with the characters of that serial. And, when it comes to sudden halt, without specifying any reason, they certainly lose their trust in that particular channel and as a result , it also affects the viewership of other ongoing serials on the same channel.

Frankly speaking, with talented artistes like Harshada Khanolkar, Sharad Ponkshe, Chinmay Mandlekar, Saii Ranade Sane and others, the serial offered good presentation. Suddenly stopping the serial mid way, must have certainly astonished the artistes, who too were not aware of the reason for discontinuance. Isn’t that a best example of a TV production, being unfair to their regular viewers ?

Now, looking at the progress of TV serials during prime time on other Marathi entertainment channels , Star Pravah’s new serial ‘Kashyala Udyachi Baat’ which has replaced popular serial ‘Agnihotra’, is yet to appeal in the initial episodes. It is only coffee shop gossips and nothing much, as predicted. Siddharth Chandekar, who sported beard and specs in the previous serial, goes for a change with clean shaven without specs and moustache look. But, that does not suit him. As a result, he himself looks confused on many occasions.

In another serial ‘Mann Udhaan Varyache’ on the same channel, lead character Gauri goes for a makeover with a new hairstyle. But, there is nothing much happening in the screenplay. The same old Saas-Bahu and Vamp drama is dragged on for no reason. It will be too early to say anything about their new serial ‘Olakh’, which is still in the stage of introducing the attitude and background of two main characters. News is not good for other channels too. Another popular serial ‘Kunku’ on Zee Marathi, will have nothing more to offer after the arrest of Parshuram, as declared by them in advance. But, Mrumayee Deshpande still continues her popularity with her fan followers.

The scene on ‘Mi Marathi’ needs to be reviewed, as their Mega serial ‘Mrutyunjay’ based on Maharathi Karna’s life is still to pick up, for want of ‘word of mouth’, as the serial presents many new faces. In spite of inducting Sudha Chandran into ‘Saheb’, the serial hasn’t been very successful, as expected. They may have to think of another plot, as their main artiste Vikram Gokhale is still fighting a lone battle. He needs someone of his strength to stand next to him. In all, Marathi serials should rise above the traditional themes and offer something new and different through the script without dragging on much with limited content.

by Ulhas Shirke © MMW