What’s widespread between Qala, Jubilee, Taj: Divided by Blood and upcoming The Archies? It’s the truth that are all interval dramas. The tales may belong to totally different genres, however they appear again at totally different eras in time to churn out a narrative.

Not too long ago, Jubilee was the net sequence which look again on the journey of movies in India

If Taj: Divided by Blood relives the historical past of the Mughal empire, Jubilee is ready within the Nineteen Forties-Nineteen Fifties to hint the evolution of the movie business. Tripti Dimri and Babil’s Qala narrates a narrative of affection and fervour set within the Nineteen Forties whereas Rocket Boys tells the story of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai. Within the West, exhibits like Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story and The Crown are creating ripples.

“We can’t go back in time, but period drama allows us to do that. And that is working in favour of the genre which is why it is garnering popularity. This was one of the main reasons which got me excited about Jubilee. It takes one to another world,” says actor Wamiqa Gabbi, including, “The same is the case for the audience as well. Especially in these times, where everyone is running at such a fast pace, period dramas help you slow down and look at life from a different perspective.”

Taj: Divided by Blood actor Ashim Gulati provides, “When it comes to period dramas, the storyline is important. There are multiple layers to the story such as drama, love and politics. It has to do what story you are telling. The story is the winner, and the vision of the maker.”

Actor Aparshakti Khurana, who was seen in Jubilee, shares, “Indian filmmakers have entertained the audience with different kinds of storytelling which is the reason why we have more experimental makers today, and platforms who are giving the liberty, confidence and budget to these makers to make such shows. In fact the trend is also a reflection of the success of shows such as The Crown from the West.”

THE VISUAL APPEAL

The director of Taj: Reign of Revenge, Vibhu Puri believes an extended format is the essence right here. “OTT gives the freedom to explore the story in a longer format. It allows the audience time to soak into that world, and absorb the charm. It gives them a chance to delve into the world, and relate to it. The stories come from an era which we all have heard about, but never got a chance to see. So, the visual appeal adds to it.”

Speaking of visible attraction, The Empire actor Dino Morea provides, “We have heard glimpses of the stories while growing up. When we get to see it visually on the screen, it makes for a beautiful and engaging watch, which keeps the viewers hooked. It is very engaging to go back in time. And the stories are very varied, and touch upon every emotion from highs, lows, deceit, betrayal, love, and lies.”

Up subsequent, there may be Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s excessive scale Heeramandi, and Zoya Akhtar’s The Archies set within the Sixties.

Based on Nimisha Pandey, chief content material officer, ZEE5- Hindi Originals, it’s the escape from actuality by interval dramas that’s enticing for the viewer.

“Whether it’s with the set or the costumes or the visual design, period dramas have always drawn the audiences as they help escape the mundane and the viewers can live a life vicariously of a different era,” she says.

BIG BUDGETS, BIG PAYOFFS

Taking part in on nostalgia and world-building has rewarded makers handsomely, which is one more reason why the style is changing into a favorite.

Akshay Bardapurkar, founder, Planet Marathi OTT, explains, “Such shows create nostalgia with the way makers recreate the world. There is a pull for the audience which is why it does good business. The budgets are very high. If we are creating something for a Marathi space, it ranges between ₹4-10 crore, and when it comes to Hindi projects, the crores just adds up. I am also working on several period projects at the moment in the Marathi space.”

THE CHALLENGES

With nice recognition and demand, come better challenges. “The biggest challenge is to maintain authenticity of the era, language, costume, art, makeup and look. We have to get it right while trying to weave the story relevant in today’s era. The grasping attention of the audience is very low. We are fighting Instagram, sleep, phone calls, FB notifications. The challenge is to stay true to the era, but make it more contemporary and relatable,” says Puri.

Morea provides in settlement, “We need to get the facts right, especially our history. We don’t have to distort anything. If the makers are adding some fiction element to make it more wholesome, it is important to highlight that clearly.”

One other hurdle confronted by the makers if the excessive finances required to make such exhibits. “The time and money needed to make a good period drama is always a challenge, neither of it is enough when it comes to making a period drama,” states Pandey.