The evil that men do...for TRPs!

Glorifying crime or focusing too much on it has been a debate that the entertainment industry has had to grapple with often. A matter of real concern in present times, with the growing number of mass media audiences. While the silver screen has been the prime accused when it comes to projecting crime, with a creative license that holds a mirror to society, the small screen has also joined in this with many recent dramas revolving around antagonists who use their criminal minds to keep the television rating points high. In fact, it is those evil minds and their schemes which propel such shows, and in turn, crime takes centre stage. But again, the makers claim it is a part of a tale, and was never intended to highlight anything else. Bengaluru Chronicle reports.

“In real cases, many have reportedly admitted to the fact that they were inspired by reel crimes to commit crimes. It is debatable, but it certainly cannot be ruled out. Yes, it is the need of the hour to show reality as a part of public awareness but the thin line where such scenes are overdone need to be avoided lest they egg mob mentality. While films are governed by censorship, television too has its own body. It is not just gory scenes that are disturbing, and not for a sensitive audience, evil minds and their acts also have their own influence,” says Ashok, a retired police officer.

TV writer Ashwini feels that the situation is much more conducive compared to the initial days when non-fiction crime shows were a huge success on television. “Though they were aimed at public awareness, recreating them was very disturbing for the audience. Eventually, they had to be stopped as the consequences were questioned before a court of law,” she adds.

It is undoubtedly, the antagonists which keep the show running for longer durations. “If there is any one on earth who cannot be terminated, it has to be the villains or the vamps on television shows. They simply don’t die, and they always keep coming back with their latest conspiracies. They have innovative ideas which somehow do not work. From poisoning to shooting down targets, to hatching a perfect kidnap and also making it look like an accident and more are in abundance,” says director Praveen.

However, he admits that the presence of evil has become synonymous with the small screen and it should be done wisely. “Today, mass media, especially television is viewed as entertainment only, and rarely taken seriously but it also has the responsibility to showcase it judiciously. It is also the responsibility of the audience to report any content on TV which they think is not suitable for viewing and which might influence young minds towards wrong doings,” he signs off.