Stepping aside from larger existential issues, like the rise of nationalist borders, problems of home-schooling and financial worries, I’ve spoken about in my previous few posts; I’d like to address the change in priorities this lockdown has brought about.
Ever since the television aka the idiot box was introduced to the world, it became a reason for families to stay home. With time, TV gave way to other forms of technological entertainment like video games, VCR’s/ CD’s/ DVD’s and finally streaming services and our dependence on these technologies proportionately increased.
When lockdown was announced, it became clear that people, particularly those from the middle and upper classes, hungered for entertainment in addition to essential services. Everyone began watching more TV than they might have earlier- for news, entertainment, and to stay connected with the world outside.
- Doordarshan, the dinosaur of TV channels, was resurrected from near extinction with the re-launch of cult favourite TV shows like “Mahabharata” and “Dekh Bhai Dekh”.
- Streaming services scuttled to tie up with big production houses to be ahead of their competitors in the game, as with Hotstar + Disney.
- Other streaming services began releasing oodles of new content every week, at a much faster pace than usual.
- Movies that were set for national release across theatres resorted to direct digital releases, so as not to lose their money.
- Digital content creators (like me!) began recommending endless binge-worthy TV shows to stay connected with their audience.
So yes, the idiot box and its connected services have seen an immense upsurge in their importance during lockdown. A funny video I recently watched, summed it aptly in one line- “As long as I have wi-fi, I know I will survive!” (sung to the tune of the famous Gloria Gaynor song!).
This excessive dependence on, and move towards a virtual world worries me a little. Last year, on a flight, I saw Steven Spielberg’s film “Ready Player One”, set in a dystopian future where life is lived on a virtual video game, because the real world is fraught with poverty, pollution and myriad other problems. People have jobs and earn money, meet people and even fall in love on this video game. Though the film was too sentimental to be alarming, its underlying message stood out. I fear that we are heading towards that strange situation where virtual will replace real, but let’s hope it doesn’t.
On that note, last night I watched Irrfan Khan’s comeback film “Angrezi Medium”, which was forced to have a digital release on Hotstar. It’s sad that this fabulous actor’s return to cinema, after battling cancer, coincided with the advent of coronavirus. I have reviewed the movie on my latest IGTV video, while I create a makeup look, and I hope you’ll watch the video for the makeup, or the review, or both!
My tip to beat the lockdown blues today would be to de-clutter your online streaming subscriptions. Remove the ones you don’t use frequently. Currently, I have 4 subscriptions, and here are my thoughts on each:
- Netflix is great for high-quality content from around the world. It’s the most expensive subscription but it is far better than others in terms of quality.
- Amazon Prime Video offers good Indian content, as well as a lot of new Bollywood and Hollywood releases. The shows are good but not of the same level as Netflix. Its subscription is affordable and gives you access to Prime for delivery of products as well.
- Hotstar is great for mainstream programs and movies that are hard to find on other streaming services. Plus, their recent tie-up with Disney is wonderful if you have kids at home. It’s a reasonably priced subscription, though more expensive than Prime Video.
- Zee5 produces regional content aimed at the masses and is the most affordable subscription of all. However, by charging less they compromise on the quality of the content.
Of these four, I plan to remove Zee5 once this month is over. I haven’t yet tried services like Voot- what do you think of them?
As for a TV show recommendation with the letter I:
“I Dream of Jeannie”, was an American sitcom similar to “Bewitched”, though not as good in my opinion. It chronicled the lives of a man and his female genie. Another funny old-school TV show was “I Love Lucy” starring the fabulous actress Lucille Ball. You can watch episodes from both these shows on Youtube.
If you prefer reading a good ol’ book instead of drowning yourself in virtual reality, here’s my recommendation for today:
“Interpreter of Maladies” written by Jhumpa Lahiri, won a Pulitzer Prize for its sensitive portrayal of Indians living abroad, attempting to preserve their native culture while adapting to a new one. A must-read set of short stories.
That’s all for today folks!
Do check out my daily update videos on Instagram Stories for #LockdownWithTheLadyLawyer and follow me there to stay better connected. Also tell me your favourite TV Shows/ movies/ books/ bloggers with the letter I?
I’ll see you tomorrow!
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This post has been written for the #AtoZChallenge 2020. My theme this year is #LockdownWithTheLadyLawyer, where I’m journaling my thoughts during the coronavirus lockdown, and sharing numerous recommendations that will help keep your spirits up.
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