The concept of a Malayalam web series is relatively new. Karikku might have started the current trend, but the real OG is Akkara Kazhchakal (if you haven't watched this gem, bookmark it for the weekend asap!). These series introduced us to Malayalam sketch comedy and gave us an alternative to the sitcoms and web series from other languages that we'd become accustomed to. And this sparked off a volley of YouTube creators who created web series along a similar format.
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However, Malayalam didn't get its own 'major' web series till Disney+Hotstar came out with Kerala Crime Files starring Aju Varghese. The reception that it received from the audience was a clear indication that the era of 'bigger-budget' web series in Kerala had begun. Perilloor Premier League is the latest addition to the Malayalam web series genre.
The series is set in a small town that does not have a name ('perillatha ooru') called Perilloor (a contradictory statement, I know). The story portrays a satirical view of a panchayat election, rivalry between opposing political leaders and surrounding hullabaloo. Typical to the web series genre (and new Malayalam movies), Perilloor Premier League dabbles with nostalgia and relatability with tropes around kids watching Kinnarathumbikal, mix-ups during pennukaanal, etc. which keeps thoroughly you engaged and entertained. As a fan of Malayalam cinema, Perilloor Premier League left me in awe of how far Malayalam web series has come - from the low-budget Akkara Kazhchakal to the star-studded Perilloor Premier League.
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What are the advantages of web series like the Perilloor Premier League?
A movie fanatic might perceive a web series as slow and find it cumbersome to watch multiple episodes to arrive at the end of a story. But a younger audience, who are familiar with the format, will appreciate the format for the following reasons:
Focus on details
A web series has more time to linger on the story than a 2-3 hour movie does, so both the storyline and characters get more intricate. This enables viewers to form stronger connections with the characters and become more immersed in the narrative.
For example, take the character of Keman Soman from Perilloor Premier League. We meet him as an irksome political opponent to our protagonists, but over time, you grow to appreciate his never-say-die attitude and sense of humour. The nuances of the character and his part in the story would never have played out completely in a feature film.
Consume content at your own pace
While a movie often requires to be viewed in a single sitting, one can always halt the series after an episode. If on the other hand, you like binge-watching an entire season, you can do that too. A web series allows for a more dynamic and adaptable viewing experience.
Character development
With multiple episodes or seasons, web series can delve deeper into character arcs and explore character growth and evolution over time. This extended character development can lead to richer, more complex, and relatable characters. In Perilloor Premier League, the protagonist Malu has a major character arc and development where she eventually embraces her role as the panchayat president.
Greater creative freedom
Most important of all, the absence of the box office and theatre release voids the pressure of box office numbers and earnings. Web series allow the creators a greater level of freedom - in the context of Perilloor Premier League, things like the joke surrounding 'thiruvanam' would've definitely been censored. The lack of obligation to anyone except the audience will allow the art to thrive.
Diverse Representation
Web series have the flexibility to feature diverse characters and perspectives, addressing important social issues and promoting inclusivity in storytelling. The recognition of small-time artists as recurring characters helps bring new talent into the industry and allows them to showcase their skills.
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While there are these advantages, there are disadvantages too. Budget constraints and larger-than-life storytelling are yet to be conquered. But even documentary series like Curry and Cyanide contribute to the genre of Malayalam web series. While we still have a long journey ahead to create series like the Sacred Games and Family Man with multiple seasons, the interest of OTT giants in the Malayalam industry is truly promising.
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