After a long wait, Bollywood actor/director Aamir Khan finally made his television debut with the highly talked about bi-lingual reality show ’Satyamev Jayate’. The show first aired on Sunday may the 6th, with applauds from eminent political giants, social activists and media houses. With special acclaims from the likes of Ekta Kapoor, Anna Hazare, Kiran Bedi, Sonia Gandhi and believe it or not! even Bal Thackery..! The show is taught to be the next big thing in TV Journalism. Many even hailed it as India’s version of the Oprah Winfrey show..!
So what is the secret behind this trendsetting aura? what are the main highlights? what are the positives & negatives ? how the future will pan out..? Let’s waste no time and jump straight into my review of ‘Satyamev Jayate’:
The Concept
As I mentioned above, the show has been in the limelight for over two years. Even though there were so many grapevines in the media about it being the common man’s show, the real concept behind the show was not revealed till it was aired on Sunday, May 6th. The concept is simple and basic; it’s one of its kind show where Amir Khan with the help of some common middle class people try to unveil the darker sides of our society. Comprehending Social issues like child labour, female feticides and other health problems, it’s the first ever show in Indian TV to be aired simultaneously on a private channel and national network (Star & DD National).
The show first aired with huge expectations from both audience& media on may 6th 2012. The opening episode touched on the sensitive issue of female feticide and highlighted how medical practitioners are hand in glove with the families wanting to kill the female unborn baby. The following are some of the features of the show: -
Theme: - Social issues.
Format- Chat show/ Drama/ Docu Drama.
Broadcasting Time: - Sunday 11 am with repeat on Tuesday 2 p.m.
Duration: - 1 Hour.
Producer: - Star India/ Uday Shankar, CEO.
Host and Co-producer: – Amir Khan.
Director: - Satyajit Bhatkal. (Previous venture:- Zokkomon)
Episodes planned: - 16.
Broacsting channels: - Simulcast all over India in multiple dubbed languages.
Primary Language: - Hindi.
Sponser: - Bharti Airtel.
Soundtrack:- Satyamev Jayatey
Mr. Perfectionist Amir Khan: The Trumpcard
Unlike his contemporaries who chose to go with reality entertainers, Amir once again proves he has a perceptive eye to the problems of the nation . I must say it was a masterstroke of a campaign by manipulating the actor’s star power to create a halo effect on the public. As a host Amir is suitably camp showing off his charm and audacity. For a debutant his composure is tremendous, his articulation is pitch perfect and his timing and rapport with others is impeccable. Even though I do feel a bid for Amir, since the critics have opened with polarizing responses with some going on to bash his overacting/drama playing approach in the show, instead of appreciating the ’human side’ in him. It is a ridiculous even to think of criticising ’a man’ who has contributed a lot to the nation many times before and now again. After all he is also a brother from another mother.
The Future challenges
Eventhough the opening episode of ‘Satyamev Jayate’ was a huge success doesn’t mean everything can be taken for granted. The TRP is so high that any chanel may look enviously in to the prospect of taking up a similar project. Also the future viewership can drop especially considering the couch potato lifestyle & ’entertainment ke liye kuch bhi karega’ attitude of the middle and higher class indians (me included). With all these challenges ahead one can only hope that with Amir’s star power and continuous improvement they maintain the first movers advantage.
My Expectations & Final Verdict
In an interview Amir Khan said that this show is mainly about bringing up certain issues to the limelight. Being a keralite are more so an Indian, I really hope Amir and Co take up the Endosulfan and Mullaperiyar issues. These are two biggest issues threatening our country which can result in the lifes of millions (especially Endosulfan).
All said and done, the show is definitely up to its initial hype, its relevant stories are definitely an eye opener for the young and old. Infact, Ram Sampath’s opening credits is more than enough evoke the patriotic in me, such a great salute to the mother of the nation..! So that’s a thumbs up to Amir Khan’s Satyamev Jayate, a sort of show that will linger in your heart even after hours of watching it, technically speaking it’s an exquisite piece of journalism.. Don’t miss it..!