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Different strokes
AMIDST THE glitz and glamour of today's daily soaps that seem to rely on star power to an unhealthy extent, there is one that is making waves without ado, triggering debates without fanfare — ``Agni Sakshi'', telecast on STAR Vijay. Yet, do not for even a moment think that this remake of the popular Hindi serial ``Kora Kagaz'' is a flawless presentation. In fact, from the storyline that has unwarranted jumps to the inconsistency in characterisation, from characters who vanish abruptly to absurd and unnecessary interpolations, the negative factors that you see in many a serial are aplenty in ``Agni Sakshi'' too. All the same, if STAR Vijay has scored over others with one ingenious stroke, it is by presenting a formal debate on the serial itself, this Sunday last.
For audiences so used to run-of-the-mill, sob stuff, Aarthi, the heroine of ``Agni.....'' is different. The husband deserts her on the day of the wedding, but she stays with her husband's people for the next five years (why on earth you may ask) and eventually when Mahesh, the husband, returns she refuses to accept him. At this stage in the story, she seems to have developed a liking for the husband's brother. This has definitely created quite a stir among the passive viewers. The serial is still going on.
A man's waywardness, illegal liaisons and immoral adventures are easily accepted — but no, a woman cannot dream of even a slight deviation from the set moral code! So STAR Vijay, which seems to know the pulse of the viewer, had arranged for a ``Pattimandram'' with speakers Sudha Seshaiyyan, Revathi Kirubakaran and Rukmani Panneerselvam voicing the views of the modern day woman who refuses to be bogged down by the shackles of society. Nagaichuvai Navarasu, Arunachalam and Arul Prakash, on the other side contended that in the land of "Silappadikaram" and Kannagi, whatever the husband's frailties, a woman has to accept him.
``I agree that the debate was a promotional campaign'', says Sumi Ratnam of STAR Vijay. ``But we saw it also as a way of preparing the audience for the shock in the episodes to follow.'' Initially, the response for the daily soap was lukewarm but now it is picking up quite well.
The radical change in the outlook of women that is being projected would not find takers among women themselves, especially in the rural areas and towns. ``Yes'', agrees Sumi Ratnam, ``it is a city-oriented subject but we have made people sit up and think''.
``The debate formally kicked off by the channel is undoubtedly a master stroke'', comments ``Agni .....'s'' hero Venu Arvind. ``It has kindled interest and curiosity in what is going to happen...'', he adds.
When the trend is to rope in big names from the big screen, how did STAR Vijay settle for Easwari Rao to play the heroine's role? ``She was our only choice... and we are very happy with her work. Again, Venu Arvind is a seasoned actor and hence we could not think of anyone else to play Mahesh'', says Sumi Ratnam. Panneer is the director who is delivering the goods. The role of the brother-in-law, played by Ajay, is significant but is yet to make an impact. However, ``We are proud of all the artistes from Shakuntala, who plays the mother of the hero and Delhi Kumar'', concludes Sumi Ratnam.
The debate had Valampuri John as the moderator and judge. The women's arguments about the equality of the sexes and about Aarthi's right to make her choices would have gone down well with the viewer.
The men who countered the women's points placed arguments that did not hold water at all. And Valampuri John decided that Aarthi's stand was right in not accepting the man unquestioningly.
Every issue can have varied viewpoints — a poet would see a piece of paper as something he can write verses on, but the donkey would only think of chewing it up, said the judge. You could not help smiling. Whom or what did you refer to in conclusion, Mr. John?
MALATHI RANGARAJAN
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