Aatish Kapadia on Differences in Writing For TV and OTT: ‘On Digital, You Have to Match Standards of Premium Content Like ‘Modern Family’’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Writer-director Aatish Kapadia and co-creator Jamnadas (JD) Majethia’s work is known far and wide in India. Having been a formidable force in Indian comedy television, they have also taken to digital platforms, with the latest release being “Chumbak.” Having worked on both formats of content, they have observed the details of how they function differently.

Speaking to Variety India about creating shows across the two diverse mediums, they share a deeper understanding of TV and OTT. Kapadia, who has been a part of the writing desk on “Khichdi,” “Baa Bahoo Aur Baby” and “Sarabhai vs Sarabhai”, among others, views it from an analytical lens. He opines, “Our shows were never typical television shows. They were 20 years ahead of whatever was airing at the time. Now we are being told by people that we are watching your shows. The point is, if it is still relevant, if it is still remembered, it will be watched.”

Talking about taking to OTT writing, including shows like his latest work, “Chumbak,” he says, “This is a linear story. Two parts with eight episodes. The story is not episodic. That makes the writing very fun, but you have to have a character arc.”

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JD Majethia adds, “Our first show, 'Khichdi,' is timeless because it was written daily. We did hundreds of episodes, so much volume, but we had a very different grammar for creating content.” Comparing it to releasing a show on a global platform like Netflix makes it very different for creators, he shares, “Because it will go worldwide to 100-200 regions, it’s comedy at scale. On digital, you have to match standards with international content because people will compare it to premium shows like 'Modern Family'.”

He shares how the easy availability of television factors into the writing, “On TV, people come to watch for free. But when they come to OTT, it's for prime viewing. So, they expect something more than usual.”

Kapadia also talks about the complexity of continuing to show up for television in comparison to being one-and-done with OTT projects, “Comedy writing is so difficult every day. On top of that, we do not have those kinds of actors. Soaps, dramas and thrillers are supported by technique. But in comedy, the actor has to perform. If that timing, that scene, that chemistry doesn't happen, the joke will never land. They get diluted if it’s daily.”

He reveals that with a platform, they are able to bring in production designers and cinematographers of their choice. “For OTT, we can write from our box, shoot at our comfort, cast actors and bring so many big stars together and cross the many challenges that come with TV.”