Mumbai : The weekends are always known for the dominance of Non-fictions content with the likes of reality shows, Game shows, Chat Shows and quiz shows with GECs competing with each other to gather maximum eyeballs. However, the trend seems to be reversing back in favour of fiction content with channels taking bold steps to roll out Fiction content in the weekends.
However, they are not the same old tear jerking family dramas, rather they are unique concepts with entirely different storyline and platforms which are expected to pull the audience back to weekly fiction formats.
while Zee TV is planning to launch the new show Neeli Chhatri Wale in the weekend Saturdays and Sundays 8PM time-band from 30th August onwards, Star Plus is launching its prime property “Airlines” in the Sunday 9PM time band starting from 24th August onwards.
‘Airlines – Har Udaan Ek Toofan’ Set in Delhi backdrop, the 26-part series features the journey of First Officer Ananya Rawat who navigates through a world of gender discrimination and regressive attitudes embedded in the modern and glamorous aviation industry. In her quest to establish her identity, Ananya realises that there is more to this industry than just battling male attitudes as she comes across many hindrances that eventually make her a stronger person. A fast paced thriller, each episode poses a fresh challenge and promises to take viewers into Ananya’s new world of adventure, action, intrigue and drama.
On the other hand Zee TV’s “Neeli Chhatri Wale” is a show inspired by Akshay Kumar’s Bollywood movie “Oh My God” The show explores a unique relationship between man and God as his friend. Based on the philosophy of ‘God is within us’, ‘Neeli Chhatri Wale’ is a light-hearted drama highlighting Bhagwan Das and his relationship with Lord Shivaye who emerges in front of him
Bhagwan Das – a middle-aged, middle class man based out of Kanpur, constantly torn between his personal and professional life. Forever bullied either by his wife and father at home or his boss in the office, Bhagwan Das is always at the receiving end of flak. His kids are ashamed that he works as a salesman at ‘Titu Underwear and Baniyan’ and his wife constantly compares him to their neighbor who is better off in life. Stuck in a rut, Bhagwan Das vents his anger in a unique and funny manner. He Hangs a picture of whoever has misbehaved with him on any given day on a tree outside his house and pelts stones at it. One day, while he is busy letting out his frustration at the tree, a smartly dressed man carrying a Blue umbrella emerges from within the tree … a man only he can see … a man who embodies God.
Produced by Miditech, the show Airlines – Har Udaan Ek Toofan and trails the thrill, glamour and danger associated with the aviation industry. Set against a glamorous backdrop, viewers will see Tulip Joshi and VJ turned actor Yudishthir aka Yudi essaying the roles of pilots.
Breaking all stereotypes, Airlines revolves around a determined woman entering into a world known to be dominated by men. The show has been penned by renowned writer and columnist Advaita Kala of Kahani fame.
Moreover, many Hindi GECs like Colors and Regional GECs like Sun TV, ETV etc… has already extended their daily soaps till Saturdays instead of the earlier trend of Monday to Thursdays there by making more room for fiction content in weekends.