Reality bites OTT: Content creators’ tryst with true tales
A boom in real to reel adaptation is further fuelled by the success of many such projects
Aashram, Scam 1992, Jeet Ki Zid, Avrodh — what do these web series have in common, besides their immense popularity? Well, these are all inspired by real life stories – be it of some tragedy, success, conspiracy or crime.
Ashram is loosely inspired by the life of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, Scam 1992 is based on 1992 Indian stock market scam committed by stockbroker Harshad Mehta, Jeet Ki Zid is the story of Major Deependra Singh Sengar, a highly decorated war hero of the Special Forces and Avrodh is inspired by the Uri attack and the following surgical strikes
And the list goes on. Actor Randeep Hooda is also set to mark his web series debut by playing a cop inspired by the life of police officer Avinash Mishra. So what’s attracting makers to adapt more and more real life tales on the digital platform?
Actor Amyra Dastur, who’ll be seen in an upcoming web series on the life of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim – Dongri to Dubai, says, “Every Mumbaikar knows the story of Dawood Ibrahim, in fact every Indian does. Even my parents are super excited for it because it is a story that everyone knows and can relate to, that way it makes it a much easier watch.”
Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani is making Mumbai Diaries 26/11, which is set against the backdrop of the terror attacks of November 26, 2008. “Real life stories are most fascinating to tell. But they are also not easy to pull off because you feel so responsible. The reason the web space is seeing more real life stories is because there is more scope to explore the story at greater length,” says Advani.
Actor Nikhil Dwivedi, who was a part of the web show, Scam 1992, adds, “It is more fun being a part of real life stories as there is so much restrictions that it pushes you further to adapt and be a certain character.”