Teri Meri Love Stories’ air-time chopped; low TRPs disappoint makers

Star Plus’ weekend telefilm series Teri Meri Love Stories has not really set the TRP meters on fire (1 TVR). And according to producer Siddharth Malhotra (Cinevistaas), whose two telefilms go on air this Saturday and Sunday, “he will not make any more telefilms”.

“The channel does not really promote the slot as much as they should and plus stiff competition in the weekend slot has meant that the ratings are not much to talk about. In such an environment I don’t feel like investing more time, effort and bandwidth.”

In the face of lower ratings the channel has also reduced the duration of the air-time. Last Saturday’s episode of Playtime Creation’s telefilm starring Amit Verma had a one hour slot. Siddharth also said that, “Saturday’s telefilm will be of one hour duration while Sunday will be one and a half.”

Even Sargun Mehta’s upcoming telefilm is only of one hour duration. Our source said the channel apparently realized that one and half was long hence they re-worked on it. What could further complicate matters is Kaun Banega Crorepati (Sony Entertainment Televison). Our sources further added that it might harm the Sunday’s telefilm more than the Saturday one.

The fear of Mr Bachchan hosted quiz show was also conceded by Sargun who said, “Yes, it is there but let’s be hopeful for both are completely different genres. One is non-fiction (KBC) and other is fiction (Teri Meri).”

Producer Ila Bedi (Trilogy Krikos) who is also weaving a telefilm for the Star Plus series stated, “Rather than talking only about lower ratings, we should congratulate Star for their attempt to offer something new which always takes time to get eyeballs. They could have easily aired films which would get 2+… if a movie is an average grosser. But rather they created a new genre which in the long run will benefit all concerned.”

Sometimes…experimentation takes time to click!!!