I had to do this...there ’s now way I could resist on writing on a show that would have been a great blockbuster if only they had a good storyline...I think I am asking for too much...the show at present does’nt have a story, leave alone a good story:)
Coming to a quick recap of the show and the people working in it:
The show is based primarily in a Call centre environment. The main protagonist is Chandni, a small town girl who wants to find her lost sister. She feels that the only way she can do it is by joining the same call center where her sister supposedly worked.
There is another lead character in the show Adi and he rocks! Hey, did I say that? Sorry, that’s the patent for Adi and only he knows why and where he rocks:)
We have an over enthusiastic Bebe played by Himansi Shivpuri. For someone as good as her, this is an ideal role. To prove that it requires more than guts to do such a mindless role...She does that with elan!
Let’s see what works for this show:
The show has a good catchy tagline. Good music, ok visuals and hummable! that’s what the India Calling tagline is all about...listen to it and change the channel or else you suffer!!!
What works for this show: The plain jane look, small town language and target on the dreams that middle class ordinary people specially girls have...They have tried hitting on the bull’s eye with this one...Except Jassi none of the other serials managed to hog the limelight and inspired girls to dream big...this one does that!
Call Center Industry...the more you show about what it is all about, the more audience you gather...everyone knows or percieves it as a glamorous work place having loads of money packages and fun; the show adds on to that image...
Now let’s see what does’nt work for this show:
Let’s be clear on one thing; and that is from my personal experience. You do not get a CC job if you are not fluent in atleast one workable language. Here India Calling is supposedly an English based CC...how on earth can u employ someone without checking on her english and speaking skills...not done!
Call Center Industry is not for grabs! It is a highly taxing, interesting and fun place to work in...but u need to be trained in that...one fine day, nobody can ask you( even if he or she is the big boss!) to take calls or make calls...it is no joke:(
The story would have worked fine if Chandni would have been refused the job. She would tried again but after doing some formal traning...Many episodes could have been utlised for doing that...But no, she gets the job since she cracks a deal...lord help me!!!
Adi is a complete waste of character. He is the big boss’s brother, he doesnt take calls, he uses and misues resources...and he rocks!!! He is a bully, he tries to outdo others and he rocks!!! What can I say for such a non entity...keep rockin!!!
I have a major issue with 2 things here...let me start with one now..Why are all channels targeting the simple, plain jane image...ok, I agree that women are doing good in whatever they are doing...and even the plain Jane’s are working just fine...whay are you hell bent on transforming them to beauty queens, excellent bosses and stuff like that...Comin to this show, Chandni is far more talkatative, more dressed up and a make belief character...She needs to be mellowed down...and greatly...she is trying to show off her simple small town image but she gives a wrong impression...
Why are all the dadi’s and bebe’s of the world so touchy, so caring, so dressed up and oh- so-preachy!!! Why can’t they be simple, or rude or sometimes plain stupid...The Bebe in this show, has permanent side curls, she plays kabbadi(!) and she talks and talks...a sure shot competition to Ba of the saas bahu sagas...
I think I have written enough for a show that none of us would watch in entirety...Just one finishing note: The show could have made a good viewing if they would have done some research on how the CC industry works...People like us who have worked in this indudtry where eagerly waiting for this show...it disappointed all of us:( All in all, a complete waste of time!
Let me know if I missed on some core points!!! And keep writing!!!