OTT platform digs into hush-hush plots and topics

OTT shows seem to pushing the envelope in terms of storylines and plots, and there are a lot of taboo and sensitive topics being dealt with on the platform. With shows such as The Married Women, which is based on a homosexual relationship, and Fabulous Lives Of Bollywood Wives, where Botox and face upliftment procedures are openly discussed, the Indian audience is now exposed to content on topics that have not been dealt with freely on the Indian screens before.

Sahir Raza, who has directed "The Married Woman", says that he is glad that OTT is open to topics as the one his show addresses.

Writer Suparn Verma, who has written the show "Main Hero Boll Raha Hu", says: "While making a film, you need to see if a certain type of audience will accept it. A subject might not be appreciated in, say, Bihar. This is not true for shows on OTT. This is for individual audiences where makers are not tied down by logistical economics. Therefore, you have a lot more freedom to write and explore themes. Also, everyone wants to be unique, hence newer themes are explored."

Actress Kirti Kulhari, whose show "Four More Shots Please!" was heavily criticised by certain sections for being too feminist and bold, says that such shows help people become aware of how things are actually changing in the world.

Director Aarambhh M Singh, who has directed the series Jamai Raja 2.0, says that the fact that OTT shows can be viewed in a personal space is what helps makers to explore different topics.

Here are some of the topics being explored by OTT, which were a no-no on the Indian screen till a while back:

Homosexual relationships

The "Married Woman" is a show that explores the relationship between two women. Based on the book by Manju Kapur of the same name, the show's teaser featured a kiss, which has been spoken about in detail. This unconventional love story stars Riddhi Dogra and Monica Dogra.

Live-in relationships

In the series "Little Things", the lead couple, essayed by Dhruv Sehgal and Mithila Palkar, stays together and the arrangement is openly accepted by their families.

Erotic stories

The show "Gandii Baat", exploring eroticism in rural India, is a perfect example of this. Controversial and popular at the same time, the show is currently streaming its fifth season, and has been directed by Sachin Mohite. Each episode features an eroticism-themed story from rural India.

Unconventional marriage

"Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives" showcases an unconventional marriage between Seema Khan and actor Sohail Khan. While the two did not appear to live together, he did come in at times to spend time with the kids.

Botox and face upliftment

Talk of nose job and lip job were a hush-hush affair till now, especially among members of the film fraternity. However, the entire procedure was showed in an open manner on "Fabulous Lives Of Bollywood Wives".

Unwed mother

There is a story angle in the show "Four More Shots Please!" where Saiyami Kher discovers that she is pregnant. While she has a miscarriage later on, the topic of an unwed mother is explored as she decides to keep the baby. Her family supports this move.

Godman as a conman

The show "Aashram" is based on a godman played by actor Bobby Deol. Issues such as rapes and drug trafficking by conmen passing off as gurus are explored in the series. (IANS)

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