Writer, director, producer, creative producer and dance director Palki Malhotra is instrumental in the creation of popular shows like Dil Mill Gayye, Dil Dostii Dance, MTV Girls on Top, and the recent OTT youth drama hit show Campus Beats! Palki is also a successful dance director of the dance crew Desi Hoppers, who have represented India across various International dance platforms! Palki’s show Binddii, as producer, on Colors TV is creating big buzz with a great storyline, unusually great chemistry and some fabulous direction and performances!
We at IWMBuzz.com got into an exclusive chat with Palki Malhotra on the show and more.
Read on.
Tell us your idea behind the concept of Binddii?
The idea behind Binddii is an adaptation of the Telugu show Chinni. We, as Producers, were captivated by Chinni after watching an episode, which tells the story of a girl born in jail who maintains a remarkably positive outlook on life. Her mission is to bring justice to her mother and help free her from prison, a goal she pursues at just 10 years old. The narrative follows her struggles as she ventures into the real world in search of her mother. Recognising that storytelling in regional formats tends to unfold more slowly than in Hindi, we decided to adapt this touching tale in our own way. Given Colors TV’s reputation for heavy storytelling, they have embraced this opportunity to reinterpret the original concept in their unique style.
The acceptance of the actors in their roles is a satisfying outcome for the team.
The show has been picking up well with the audience. How has the response been?
The show has been a slow starter, particularly given the challenging 8:30 pm time slot competing against three popular shows. We were aware that presenting an emotional narrative would be difficult, but we have infused the story with dramatic elements and engaging hooks to attract viewers. The positive response from audiences is encouraging, as they are beginning to discuss the show and connect with its characters. Notably, Sanchi, who plays Binddii, Radhika as the mother, Kajal, and Krushal as Aviraj, have garnered appreciation from viewers. Although the story centres on the mother-daughter relationship, we anticipated that the antagonist would also resonate well with audiences. Overall, the acceptance of the actors in their roles is a satisfying outcome for the team.
Filming in a real jail setup brought its own difficulties, but we embraced the challenge wholeheartedly.
Tell us about this new cast of the show?
The project features an entirely new cast, with whom I have not worked before. Our goal was to step out of our comfort zones and fully immerse ourselves in the characters, showcasing the best talent available in the industry. I am happy that the actors chosen have embraced their roles enthusiastically. I am also thankful to the original makers of Chinni, because they have written the characters so brilliantly that it is actually very easy for people to be convinced.
Manav Gohil was the first actor cast for the project, as he perfectly embodied the character of Daya. There were no other contenders in our minds for this role. When we began developing the character of Aviraj, Krushal Ahuja quickly emerged as one of our top five choices. Although we were unsure if he would accept the role, his enthusiasm for playing a father figure was encouraging. We were particularly impressed by his commitment to thoroughly preparing for the character, including mastering the nuances, diction, and other important aspects. It’s rare to encounter actors who are so dedicated to bringing their characters to life in such a thoughtful way.
During the audition process for the role of Binddii, many candidates were considered before Sanchi Bhoyar. Although her audition was not initially scheduled for viewing, the team decided to watch it together and quickly recognised her potential for the role. Portraying Binddii is quite challenging due to the character’s background; she lacks the innocence typically associated with her age because of her upbringing in jail. Sanchi’s ability to embody this complex character was remarkable, earning her high praise from the team. She is a star!!
Radhika Muthukumar has a good understanding of the nuances needed for her role. Her character, Kajal, is complex and not without flaws. Although Kajal has been wrongfully imprisoned, she has also made significant mistakes in her past, adding depth to her emotional journey. Balancing vulnerability with the strength of being a dedicated mother presents a challenging task, which Radhika has executed remarkably well. Working alongside such a talented team has been a rewarding experience, as everyone shares a common goal of elevating the show Binddii to great heights.
What were the challenges while working on Binddii?
The main focus of our drama revolves around the character’s narrative set in a jail environment. One of the primary challenges we faced was the dispersed nature of the storyline, which is not centralised in one location. This requires significant effort to unify the various character arcs despite their physical separation. While this presents a considerable challenge, we found it to be an enjoyable one. For the initial episodes, we travelled to Bhopal to film at the Bhopal jail, capturing the authentic atmosphere during the monsoon season. Filming in a real jail setup brought its own difficulties, but we embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. Additionally, our show airs seven days a week, requiring us to integrate multiple individual storylines. Working with a child actor adds another layer of complexity to the production. Overall, the experience has been hectic yet fulfilling as we tackle these various challenges head-on.
What is the USP of Binddii?
Binddii’s USP lies in its compelling emotional narrative centred around a 10-year-old girl who has made a promise to her mother to help her get out of jail. The story follows the girl’s journey as she believes her sole purpose is to free her mother. This narrative is distinctly emotional and packed with drama, highlighting the internal conflict as the protagonist faces off against her own father in her quest to reunite with her mother.
You are currently juggling between TV & OTT, tell us about it?
To be very honest, Chinni brought me back to television. I am so happy that my first experience as a producer for a TV show is with Binddii. The telling of the show is so different. Overall, I have taken a very conscious decision that I want to work on all formats. I am at a stage where everybody, every individual, is experimenting on all platforms. In today’s landscape, platforms such as Instagram serve as crucial avenues for content showcasing, underscoring the importance of understanding market dynamics and audience preferences. We are about to start work on Campus Beats, which is expected to return for its next season soon. Collaborating with Saurabh Tiwari and Street Lamp Creative, we aim to give it all for Binddii. I want to engage with all possible mediums, and be identified as a storyteller at heart, whether that be vertical videos, YouTube content, or presentations at film festivals, alongside traditional OTT and TV mediums.
Tell us about the chemistry between the leads of Binddii, which is working well with the audience.
In Binddii, the chemistry between the male and female leads was not a primary focus at the beginning. However, my shows have always had the chemistry between the hero and heroine as the main hallmark. This is particularly evident in my earlier work, Ssshh Koi Hai, which garnered high ratings thanks to compelling love stories intertwined with horror elements. In Binddii, the characters Kajal and Aviraj are seen as well-matched for a captivating love story. The narrative features a toxic romantic dynamic, exploring the complexities of an anti-hero and a heroine in conflict. Where there is a clash, there is chemistry!! Krushal and Radhika are doing such a fantastic job, and I am so proud of them!
