Unlike the movies which has its own set of rules when it comes to titles, small screen has its own formula to draw the attention of its audience. Out of 10 serials, at least 8 titles are based on the the female character’s name from the respective soap. The rest of the titles are either combination of the names of the male and female protagonists in the TV serial or random names which depicts the soul content of the drama. It is the same with the Kannada small screen, and at present, it is ‘she’ who rules the TV. From Kamali, Paaru, Subbalakshmi Samsara, Nandini, Kaveri, Devayani, Chandrakumari, Muddulakshmi, Amruthavarshini, Puttagowri Maduve, Lakshmi Baramma, Mithuna Rashi, Radha Ramana, Krishna Tulasi, Seetha Vallabha, and many more are evident to it. Bengaluru Chronicle reports.
“It is a different scenario when it comes to movies. Production houses register catchy titles under their banners, and sometimes the ownership controversies lands up in courts to claim the titles. Most of the time, the movie and the content of it would have no connection at all with the title of the movie. It would be an act to draw attention of the audience to bring them to theatres. Anything catchy and controversial would always be the first choice. In several cases, the films are shot without any title and then the hunt for suitable and an effective title starts. However, small screen follows a simple rule — name it after the female protagonist but avoid duplicating it with the past or the existing ventures,” says producer Manjunath.
Whereas, small screen writer Sharan feels that it is the female oriented content which is the main reason for such trend. “They are a different kind of genre which rule the TV. Specific primetime hours are dedicated to family drama, reality shows and programme. If the serial is webbed around the central characters, their names would be the first choice as title. It is more than title. It is to brand the serial. Branding is most important to popularise a venture, and if the content is entertaining and engaging, the show will automatically ends up on top of the ratings,” he adds.
Actress Kavya wraps it up by saying that audience recognise the title and the character’s name in a serial more than the one who portray it in first place. “Most of the viewers who come across in real life recognise me by the name of the serials I have worked in the past. Rarely the name of the serials are duplicated, and hence it remains fresh in the mind of the audience who would have loved a particular show,” she concludes.
