Ace producer Asit Kumarr Modi is increasing his beloved Taarak Mehta universe of characters in keeping with widespread Hollywood franchises. The first step in the course is available in the type of an animation collection for youngsters, titled Taarak Mehta Kka Chhota Chashmah, which can begin airing on Sony Yay from April 19. What’s new, you ask?
‘Everything.’ From the storyline to remedy and humour, Asit says the world of Chhota Chashmah is his current for the youthful audiences of the present who’ve been braving with coronavirus pandemic for over a yr now.
He shares, “Our show’s characters have become household names. There’s a loyal audience that tune into their TV sets everyday and a major portion of them are children. So I came up with the idea of this animated cartoon series which will cater to our younger fans. The new show is very different from the usual Ooltah Chashmah. We are introducing new stories and the focus is more on capturing the fantasy and imagination of kids. At the same time, it will remain a family show at heart and our aim is to spread joy, laughter and happiness. I hope whosoever watches Chhota Chashmah revisits their own childhood. I notice this overwhelming perception that animation is only for children, but with the new show, we want to encourage family viewing.”
Asit stresses that youngsters have suffered lots throughout the coronavirus pandemic and his new present will look to cheer them up. “I thought of making something special for kids during Covid. Their childhood got lost somewhere during the past year. They have been missing out on school life and friendship. The psychological impact has been huge. I want to bring the smile back on their faces. In Chhota Chashmah, we have created simple stories that are full of innocence, with a focus on laughter, hilarious dialogues and music. All the characters are familiar and the connect will be instant.”
From his expertise of executing ‘clean’ humour in exhibits, Asit says, “Children love comedy. But while doing humour, one tends to often do double meaning and cheap jokes. While doing Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, my idea was to bring the family together. I am doing the same with Chhota Chashmah now. It will be full of joy and punchlines. Interpersonal relationships is the mainstay. We will deliver social messages too.”
The reputation of Taarak Mehta’s characters is immense, contemplating it has been on-air for 13 years. On plans of banking on the present’s attain and viewers base, Asit shares, “Chhota Chashmah is just the beginning. It is a step towards expansion of Ooltah Chashmah’s legacy. The animation series will be followed by a host of other ventures including the launch of an all exclusive line of merchandise. We will also introduce computer and TV games and toys.”
On the chance of wanting into character-centric spin-offs from Taarak Mehta universe, Asit doesn’t fully rule out the concept, saying, “When a character gets popular abroad, we see a lot of products on it in the market like films, action figures etc. We are expanding the universe of all our Taarak Mehta characters on similar lines. We will continue to reach our audience in various forms. Spin-offs are planned for later. We are already shooting Taarak Mehta on a regular basis and certain things are not possible during Covid.”
Where does Asit search inspiration from for his exhibits? “Literature,” he says. “I see that India is very rich in literary forms. Especially children’s tales. I strongly feel that it should be adapted on various mediums.”
Meanwhile, Asit’s Neela Film Productions can also be seeking to enterprise in the OTT and film area. “A lot of it is being thought out but coronavirus is playing spoil sport. Permissions and shooting are getting difficult. We are planning something on OTT and a film is also in the pipeline. Taarak Mehta is a big responsibility. We have to make sure that people continue to watch it. But we will keep trying new things like this animated series. We have worked from home on Chhota Chashmah. Animation and music have been conceptualised over the past year and now we are finally coming out with it. I hope it will receive the same love as Ooltah Chashmah,” he indicators off.
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