C omedies are a staple on every television channel. However, unless a certain standard is maintained, it is not easy to sustain viewership. One programme that has managed to do that is ‘5 Star Thattukada’, aired on Asianet Plus. It recently completed 200 episodes. Harishbabu Karipuzha, producer of the show, talks about what has kept the programme going. Excerpts:
What is the storyline of the sitcom?
Two couples share a house with its owner Veronica, who is often caught between the two.
So it is not connected to the first season of the show?
No. The first season, aired on Asianet, was a satire that revolved around a thattukada (wayside eatery). We have borrowed the title. But then there is a thattukada in the present programme and that is a bone of contention between the two couples.
Harishbabu Karipuzha
Who are the actors and director?
Rajeev Nedungandam is the director and script is by V.C. Ashok. Reputed artistes such as Yamuna, Amrita, Archana Suseelan, Kottayam Rasheed, Anoop Chandran and Jayakumar enact the characters.
We went for familiar faces to grab viewers’ attention.
What is the challenge in making a sitcom?
The biggest challenge is in keeping the humour clean because the programme is targeted at families. At a time when double entendres are used to elicit laughter, we have successfully stayed away from all that.
Which is the show that gave you a break?
It was ‘Janakeeyam Janaky’. Currently I am producing ‘Shappile Kariyum Naavile Ruchiyum’, a cookery show featuring signature dishes from toddy shops across Kerala. That has completed 150 episodes and is going strong.
( ‘5 Star Thattukada’ airs on Asianet Plus, Monday to Saturday at 9.30 pm)
