T here are reality shows, reality shows, and then there is, it seems, ‘Super Star – The Ultimate.' Amrita TV's new show, which began on Monday, is pegged to be the ‘ultimate reality talent hunt' for singers from across Kerala, what with its “mega talent, music industry titans on the judging panel, and a spectacular 360 degree set.” Telecast on weekdays at 7 p.m., it showcases the talents of 20 singers, all between the ages of 16 and 30. Anuroop M.T., producer of ‘Super Star – The Ultimate,' talks to Friday Review about the show. Excerpts ...
What's different?
From the contestants to the judges to the set, the show is a true confluence of music, and only music. It does have a traditional reality show format, but it's the quality of talent and entertainment that takes the show up several notches.
Judging ‘coup'
The judging panel include playback singer P. Jayachandran, music director Sharreth, and singer Rimi Tomy, apart from a celebrity judge. Manoj K. Jayan was the guest for the first week. Getting Jayachandran sir on board as a judge was a real coup. This is the first time that he has ever been a permanent judge on a reality show. Admittedly, we were a bit apprehensive as to how the maestro, a stickler for tradition, would react to the typical format of the show. But he has proved to be a gem on account of his involvement by way of his apt comments and the way he treats each of the contestants. He patiently explains their mistakes, if any, and if needs be he even sings a particular song just to help them out. Of course, getting Sharreth sir too was a boon. He is one judge who understands the pulse of the audience, being a reality show veteran, so to speak. Vivacious Rimi Tomy, meanwhile, adds that much-needed verve to the panel.
Role of the mentor
The mentor, Palakkad Sreeram, is another highlight of ‘Super Star.' This music director, singer and character actor will be a constant presence on-screen and off-screen throughout the competition. Not only will he provide the necessary, and rather intensive, backstage grooming to the contestants to get them ready for the stage, but he will even stand up for them before the judges, if needs be.
The stage is set
On the technical front we wanted something spectacular. Unlike the conventional 180 degree format used for television shows, we have introduced a 360 degree perspective set design, spread over a 10,000 square feet stage at Chitranjali Studios in Thiruvananthapuram – perhaps a first-of-its-kind on an Indian reality show. Stage designer Sabu Sivan has innovatively incorporated a lot of large mirrors (usually not found on a set because of its reflecting property) and a number of ‘video walls' to create a multi-dimensional viewing experience for the audience, the judges, and the viewer. Because of its unique design we've also been able to play around with rare camera angles.
The competition
There are six levels to the competition, with three rounds in each level. The first round on level one is ‘Right Here, Right Now' that features the latest Malayalam numbers. ‘Upbeat' is the next round and will feature fast numbers. The first level rounds of with a tribute to late music director Johnson. The competition is going to be tough for the level of talent is quite high. There is no sms vote to influence one's place in the competition and it all depends on one's performance in front of the judges. How one dances during the performance or dresses for it is not going to be an issue. It's only one's talent that counts.
Published - October 03, 2011 05:26 pm IST