Indian TV serials have a lot of violence, family disputes, shouting, and so on. However, they should also try to add some humor. https://www.tellyexpress.com/
Mythological: These include shows such as 'Ramayan' and 'Mahabharat'. This genre of series often includes gaudy dressing, women caked in make-up and going to bed with full finery.
1. You’re a Saas-Bahu
Saas-Bahu is a genre of Indian drama fiction that involves the relationship between controlling evil mothers-in-law and their meek downtrodden daughter-in-law wives. It’s a heady mix of genres – desi western, feminist fable, and a barrel of wild fun.
There’s no denying that the world is fascinated by the plight of the helpless bahu in Indian TV serials. Whether it’s the way she gets attacked by her husband or her family members, or even when she does something that is against her religion.
But the fact is that these saas-bahu stories are getting tired and boring. And it’s about time that something new comes to the screen. Something that is fresh and that will blow your mind. That’s exactly what Homi Adajania’s Disney Plus Hotstar show ‘Saas Bahu aur Flamingo’ promises. Here’s the first look at it.
2. You’re a Saas-Bahu with a Vampire
Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo is Disney+ Hotstar’s newest Indian original series starring Dimple Kapadia, Radhika Madan, Isha Talwar, and others. It’s a new spin on the ‘says-bahu’ drama genre. It focuses on a family of power-mongering women led by tough mothers-in-law who don’t take any nonsense from meeker daughter-in-laws.
While the show does have its share of funny gags, it is regressive in many ways by depicting bahus as dreary creatures with no interests or life goals except parivaar ko jod ke rakhna. It also reinforces beauty standards and glorifies regressive gender stereotypes. The show is not recommended for anyone who believes in gender equality and feminism. The show has been a hit and is one of the most-watched Indian TV shows online. It premieres on May 5. You can watch it here.
3. You’re a Saas-Bahu with a Hero
There are many heroes in our country whose stories go unheard of. Suparn S Varma’s new production aims to give voice to these bravehearts. This courtroom drama stars Manoj Bajpayee as a lawyer who battles an influential godman in a case inspired by real-life incidents.
Another prime time drama that went on to become a household name. This show was one of the most ridiculous ones ever to have aired and was nothing but regressive sexist trash that encouraged abusive husband behaviour. It also promoted the concept of apshagun where it was considered bad luck to have a daughter-in-law from a lower class family. The series was one of the top-rated TV shows and lasted for 7 years.
4. You’re a Saas-Bahu with a Heroine
If you’re looking for a good laugh, look no further than this one-of-a-kind series. The plot revolves around a lower-middle-class cop who works as an intelligence officer in a fictitious counter-terrorism wing. The show is full of regressive and sexist dialogues but is an absolute delight to watch.
Dimple Kapadia delivers an outstanding performance as Savitri, a woman who runs a cottage business that’s actually the front for the country’s largest drug empire. The cast also includes Radhika Madan, Angira Dhar and Isha Talwar.
The show follows the tangled love story of Chhanchhan and Manav. They meet at a wedding and fall for each other over time. But their families are not exactly thrilled about this union. Nevertheless, the show is funny and well-written. The show has been running for more than 8 years now. The show is also known for its beautiful sets and costumes.
5. You’re a Saas-Bahu with a Villain
With the right cast and a gripping story, Indian dramas can hold audiences spellbound. But what makes them even more compelling is when they make you feel for the villains.
A prime example is the Netflix Indian original Breathe, which tells the gripping tale of a father who will go to any lengths to save his dying son’s life. The series has received critical acclaim for its powerful performances from actors like R Madhavan and Manoj Bajpai.
Another cult show that raises awareness on social issues with humor and laughs is Ishqbaaz. It’s hard to forget the idiosyncrasies of each character, from Jethalal and Daya’s warring families to Jassi’s boss who prefers beauty over brains. But the show also reinforces deep-rooted stereotypes about choosing a partner on looks alone. That’s not something that we should be laughing about.
6. You’re a Saas-Bahu with a Villain with a Hero
The matriarch of Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo, a gangster drama on Disney+ Hotstar, is a force to be reckoned with. Savitri runs Asia’s biggest drug cartel under the facade of Rani Cooperative, a jadi-booti and handicrafts factory. Her daughters Shanta (Radhika Madan) conduct experiments to improve the cocaine formula, and her daughters-in-law Kajal and Bijlee (Isha Talwar) manage accounts and production.
She’s a modern-day version of Bandit Queen, a movie about a lower caste woman who takes revenge against prejudice and misogyny by becoming a gangster. Her bahus and betas fight for her with unflinching loyalty, which makes for entertaining television.
7. You’re a Saas-Bahu with a Villain with a Hero
When the show first aired, no one expected it to become such a huge hit. But it gave a fresh spin to the desi saas-bahu genre and became the flagship show for Balaji Telefilms.
Unlike other TV serials where the men are reduced to tropes and sidekicks, Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo puts women at the forefront of its story. The ruthless and badass matriarch Savitri runs Asia’s largest drug cartel, while her daughters-in-law Kajal and Bijli handle the accounts and production for Rani Corporation.
The men of the family are like clowns in comparison. Their humour stems from their complete lack of virility and hunter-ly prowess. The scene involving them shooting at a wild boar — with the boar sprinting right past them — is a perfect example. In some cases, the villains may simply refuse the hero’s life-saving help because they can’t bear to be ingrates.
8. You’re a Saas-Bahu with a Villain with a Hero
Whether you are in love with the hero, hate him or want to see him get his comeuppance, this drama series is for you. Starring a stellar cast of actors, Lakhon Mein Ek has some of the most honest performances of recent times.
This saga of greedy and power-hungry gangsters is one of the most gripping Indian dramas ever. It features a powerful cast, including Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte.
The long-running dramas of Indian television are an institution unto themselves. Starting in the 1990s with shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kasauti Zindagi Kay and many others, these daytime dramas have made their way into the hearts of viewers. With shows like Tujhe Meri Kasam and Yeh Rishta Hai completing over 2600 episodes, it is safe to say that this genre is here to stay.
9. You’re a Saas-Bahu with a Villain with a Hero
Most saas-bahu soaps have at least one villain who can send a shiver down your spine and drive the good characters out of their homes. Whether it’s the vampy Aparna in Saans, the wicked Komolika from Kyunki... Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi or the docile-sweet Kaaveri from Kasautii Zindagii Kay, these negative characters are the most terrifying on TV.
A stunning example of how budget shouldn’t stop a drama, Dastaan proves that a strong script and brilliant performances can overshadow everything else. This harrowing tale of child rape highlights the ways in which society fails its victims and is a must-watch.
10. You’re a Saas-Bahu with a Villain with a Hero
Powder, starring Pankaj Tripathy and Geetika Tyaki, is one of the best Indian dramas that delves into the dark underbelly of Delhi. It shows how the cynical cop Hathiram Chowdhury and his team of women are constantly dragged into the dark side of the city’s underworld.
Similarly, the stuttering woman Thapki Pyar Ki from Yeh Hai Mohabbatein is also a hero in her own way. She is a good example of how an Indian girl can be a hero despite her problems.
Sherman Alexie is the closest thing to a rock star that Indians have in the world of literature. He wrote about drunk, despairing Indians, but he did it with charm and wit instead of doom and gloom. He rewrote the stereotype of the angry Indian, making them funnier but no less serious. The laughing Indian, however, remains a cartoon character.
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