Are action sequences needed on TV?

Stunts or action sequences are used to  add zing and spice to mundane Saas-bahu sagas. However unlike films’ stunt sequences, the TV action be it cycling, high diving, car chasing sequence, high jump or even shooting on hill tops, trees etc. are mostly done by the actors theme selves. Many a times, this leads to disasters.  Though some actors do it for passion, others do it as part of their job. After Hrs finds out from experts if such risky actions sequences are important in a TV show and do they raise TRPs.

Raakesh Paswan who prodices Zee’s show Afsar Bitiya says, “Fights are common in small towns or cities  and even colleges, so stories have requirement of such sequences to show more drama or bring in a twist in some stories. Accidents are also common in real life as well as TV shows. There is a risk factor but producers have to take full precautions whenever such a sequence is being shot.”An actor on condition of anonymity says it’s a huge risk that they undertake. “Actors get an opportunity to showcase themselves differently and most want to do the stunt themselves as it gives them a thrill. Also,  if the sequences take the story forward, audiences are delighted and if it is promoted well in advance then people make it a point to catch it, which in turn may help TRPs as well,” he adds.

Precaution is better than cure, feels producer Nikhil Sinha of Devon Ka Dev Mahadev. He says, “Risk factor is there but then necessary precautions are taken as well. TV is a huge medium and there isn’t much difference now between TV and films in terms of glamour and presentation.  Risky sequences have an attraction of their own and actors, especially, male actors keep looking for an opportunity to do it themselves as they get to show off their macho side. The episodes featuring such sequences are surely a high point and come as a surprise to audiences.”