Film Industry: AFTER MUSIC AND DANCE, CRIME REALITY ON TV

AFTER MUSIC AND DANCE, CRIME REALITY ON TV

Forget music and dance reality shows, there’s another trend emerging on TV —. crime-based reality shows. After the success of Crime Patrol, that depicts real-life cases solved by the police, many channels have started similar programmes, with some variations. Savdhaan India, Gumrah or the latest Shaitaan are all focussing on crime cases. And these shows aren’t just late night or weekend programmes, but are aired on regular prime-time slots. In fact, channels frequently air their repeat shows as well, realising the growing demand.

So, what’s it about this genre that appeals to audiences?
Crime always sells and when it’s real-life crime, viewers have a deeper connect with it. There is apathy coupled with fear that something like that could happen to them too.
It creates awareness, so people can take better preventive measures and guard themselves against a potential crime. It also gives a glimpse into the mind of a criminal, be it a seasoned one or a first-timer. Anup Soni, who has been anchoring Crime Patrol, sums it up: “People have always been interested in real-life crime stories, earlier through the medium of books and newspapers, and now through television shows. What has worked for us is the fact that we have kept things simple and real. We never tried to sensationalise crime. Instead, we chose an honest approach to present an incident as it was and thus create awareness.”