Why we love Crime Shows?

Any recounting of a real life crime is tricky. I remember stealing “Manohar Kahaniya” from my grandmother and reading the chilling real life stories of murder and rape with a mixture of dread and wonder when I was a kid. It is not a secret that while all of us look upon crime with disgust and fear, we are also plagued by the spirit of voyeurism and there is an adrenaline rush, when we watch these things happen on TV.
This is why I call the idea of recreating a crime scene on TV tricky. There is the constant lure of falling in the pit of sensationalism, which might get you the TRPs but you end up losing out on ethics. TV is a medium of influence and that is why how a criminal’s story presented is extremely important and needs delicate handling.
Crime Patrol - Dastak on Sony TV has got it just right. The presence of the word “Dastak” asserts the preventive nature of the telecast- the series brings to life different incidents of crime in the past with surprising authenticity. The focus remains however on how these incidents could have been prevented. The ball is thrown in the viewer’s court: they identify with the victim and pick out clues pertaining to the behaviors and the circumstances around the crime and unconsciously prepare themselves for facing an actual crime in future.
IN PICS: Suhaib Ilyasi to Anup Soni: Crime show hosts on TV
The host Anup Soni is an asset. His involvement with the story he is narrating is balanced. He is aloof enough to pick out the gaps from both sides (criminal and the victim), yet manages to express the anguish that a bystander feels when faced with unfair stories. His quick summary at the end of each episode: underlining the points, where various “Dastaks” materialized but were not heeded to, leaves a strong impression on your mind. His appeal as an host is the genuineness and the absence of theatrical antics: as the nature of the crime, his narration seems real and you listen to him.

Another crime show on Life OK, “Savdhaan India” focuses on the victory of normal people over criminals. Though the intent of the series is very noble and a lot of episodes are inspiring, there is a hint of theatrical glorification of the crimes. There is a very thin line between spreading awareness and sensationalism, when it comes to this genre and Savdhaan India sometimes hovers delicately over that thin line. Having said that, the concept behind this series is brilliant and the message it is sending out is important: there is a hero in every one of us.
In this regard, Code Red on Colors has taken this evolution a step further by seamless amalgamation of entertainment and social awareness. While other shows narrate crimes, Code Red explores the psyche behind these crimes. This way of handling the show makes it instantly interesting because it gives you a glimpse of what happens inside the minds of individuals who might not have a criminal background but end up deviating from their “normal” behavioural patterns. Various taboo issues unexplored till now, like suicides and domestic violence are being brought to light effectively. With an impressive TRP of 1.7, the show has garnered quite a few loyal viewers. Created by the team of “Crime Patrol” and hosted by Sakshi Tanwar, this show is in experienced hands and brings a welcome change in the TV world.
READ: Code Red clocks 100 episodes
Evolution of the Indian TV has therefore, been noteworthy in the genre of non-fiction crime. Finally, TV is playing an important part in bringing lessons in safety and caution to homes. Congratulations to the creative teams that think out of the box and make TV not just entertaining, but intelligent too. TV is not just an idiot box anymore. It brings you lessons that can even save your life. As Crime Patrol puts it: "Satark Rahen, Surakshit Rahen."
Tulika is a freelancer who contributes TV series reviews to The Times of India - Digital. She can be followed on Twitter @tulikaD and @TVwithDD. You can also read more on her blog Dramas and Dreams.
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