Come back Kathes

There were many shows in the initial days of television that became so popular that the audience wished they would never end. Sitcoms like Friends in English, Dekh Bhai Dekh, Saravabhai Vs Sarabhai, Alif Laila, Ramayana, Mahabharatha, Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne and Byomkesh Bakshi in Hindi are a few examples. Of course, there are scores in Kannada that are all-times favourites too. But comebacks like in the West are very rare. With great quality, content, personal connect, many of these shows were special for diverse reasons in the past. Yet, unlike the West, where most popular shows make frequent comebacks, it is a rare phenomenon in Indian television, unless it is a reality show that returns after a seasonal break every year. Recently, one of the most popular Kannada comedy soaps Papa Pandu made a comeback after a gap of 15 years. Now, one more immensely popular game show on Zee Kannada — Yariguntu Yarigilla returns in a new avatar. Even Super Minute, another game show which is along the lines of Minute to Win, is rumoured to return soon. Sources reveal that Radha Kalyana too, one of the most loved Kannada serials might be making a comeback. Bengaluru Chronicle reports on the trend of comebacks on the small screen.

“Papa Pandu a favourite of the Kannada audience. It was so hilarious, showcasing an innocent husband under the ‘control’ of his wife, and it won the hearts of millions. Its director then came out with Silli Lalli. Even that was a masterpiece. They were like stress busters, and timeless classics for me on television. Of course, there are many such soaps like TN Seetaram Sir’s ventures, many from director Ravi Kiran, Phani Ramachandra Sir’s serials, and others. When I heard that Pacho (Pandu’s wife) and Pandu are back, I could not wait to see the characters back on screen. Now, they are grown up, with a son and a daughter-in-law as the latest additions. It is always good to introduce such populars serials to a new generation as the quality of such shows has gone down thanks to people aiming for TRPs,” says Subramanya, a senior film critic.

The other latest comeback is the reality game show Yariguntu Yarigilla. This time, it’s going to be women-centric, packed with lively segments that challenge the IQ and spontaneity of its women contestants, participants from fiction shows, protagonists, film celebrities and fiction artistes from general entertainment channels. On air every Saturday and Sunday at 6.30 pm, the show will be hosted by Comedy Khiladigalu Season 2 contestants Appanna and Suraj from this weekend. 

On its comeback, Raghavendra Hunsur from the channel says, “Ever since the first season, Yariguntu Yarigilla has been known to have surpassed boundaries of entertainment with its exciting rounds. We are certain that the show is set to make a big-bang comeback and will continue to mesmerise audiences.”

There are talks that Radha Kalyana will make a comeback, and so will Super Minute. “Comebacks are good but the makers should ensure that the essence for which they were popular should not be altered or else it may spoil the reputation and popularity of their past,” wraps up director Ashok.