Why Choose Indian Content? Addressing Common Concerns
A very good friend once asked me why I prefer Indian dramas, considering they are often perceived as long, lacking subtitles, and of inferior quality. This question likely resonates with many, so I thought I'd share my response here.
Audience
Firstly, it’s essential to understand that the primary audience for Indian content is the Indian population. This audience is shaped by geographical culture, gender, age group, and various other factors. Indian dramas are tailored to resonate with these viewers, offering them relatable stories and familiar cultural contexts.
Length
When it comes to length, let's draw a comparison. Many people enjoy Turkish, Spanish, and Lebanese dramas, which often run for 100-250 episodes at 2.5 hours per episode. In contrast, Indian dramas usually have episodes that are only 20 minutes long. If we consider 1,000 episodes:
- Indian Drama: 20 minutes/episode * 1,000 episodes = 20,000 minutes = 333 hours
- Turkish/Spanish/Lebanese Drama: 150 minutes/episode * 150 episodes = 22,500 minutes = 375 hours
As you can see, the difference in total viewing time isn’t as significant as it might initially seem.
Subtitles
The issue of subtitles is also becoming less of a problem. Official networks now provide subtitles on their websites as soon as the episodes are telecast. Additionally, subtitles are often available on free and paid sites if you search for them. So, language barriers are being addressed effectively.
Quality
Quality can vary, and it often depends on the production company. Indian serials, updated daily, face constraints on time and budget, which can affect their quality. However, there are many high-quality Indian dramas and movies available. Web series, in particular, have shown significant improvements in production values.
Every country's entertainment industry produces both high-quality and less impressive content. For instance, I recently watched a drama from another country that had 50-52 episodes of 45 minutes each. Despite its popularity, I lost interest after 24 episodes due to poor writing and illogical plot developments. This shows that quality can be inconsistent everywhere.
Viewing Preferences
Indian serials used to air one or two-hour episodes weekly until the 1990s when the format shifted to 20-minute daily episodes. Indian audiences appreciate this frequent, shorter format. Conversely, other countries offer weekly episodes of longer duration, which can create more anticipation and perceived value due to their rarity.
For example, a show with weekly episodes might get hyped up, even if the story drags, simply because it airs less frequently. This is true of many international dramas that gain attention despite inconsistent quality.
Diverse Preferences
Ultimately, the reasons why audiences like or dislike content are varied. Preferences can be influenced by favorite actors, directors, producers, storylines, genres, cultural elements, or even scandals at the time. Each audience has its unique preferences, and it’s vital to respect that diversity.
It’s not necessary for everyone to like or dislike the same content. You are free to have your preferences, just as others are free to have theirs. There’s no need to look down on someone for their different tastes in country or content.
In conclusion, Indian dramas offer a rich tapestry of stories and characters that many people find appealing. They are evolving, with improvements in subtitles and production quality, and they provide a unique window into Indian culture. So, why not give them a chance?