iWorld
Storytelling in the multiscreen age
Oh, storytelling. So much has changed and then, nothing has.
As someone who started wearing more hats (at times unwittingly) than just the creative type over time, it’s fascinating to see how the graph of storytelling is evolving.
Mobiles. Tablets. Smart TVs. Normal TVs (my parents have one). Laptops. Desktops. How do inches of screens influence the millions spent on storytelling? Let’s look at the different ‘kirdaars’ in the story of storytelling.
The story makers: Thou shalt be versatile.
Cos the audience is as diverse as it is cohorted. And the same person consumes different stories on different screens at different times in a day. One of the critical questions to ask besides others, is where will this story appear? And then nuance it to that screen(s).
The legendary 30-seconder is now 15. Or 6. The ‘long’ 60-seconder is now longer at 3 minutes. It obviously needs a different skill and craft, to do justice to both. And then there is the timing aspect – with moment marketing growing by the moment. There are new storytelling formats available, in varying degrees of maturity. Themed games – which we’ve explored with a lot of success to tell brand stories. AR/VR, metaverse, web series, branded content, blogs… the canvas just keeps getting longer & wider with each screen.
And why should stories happen in isolation? In a multiscreen, non-linear age, why not have more of ‘fluid’ stories. Brands have done it (Volvo’s The Greatest Interception Ever, Burger King + Google Home, Coinbase QR), and it adds to the creative play in a never-before manner.
The story bearers: Thou shalt be collaborative.
The ‘role’ of media, social media, broadcasters and distributors in the story-world is on the rise. And for a reason. As technology and algorithms are dictating (even predicting) more and more of what works and what doesn’t, the magic of media & creative ‘jugalbandi’ is needed more than ever before.
The good old days of jamming together are back. And we need lots more of it. A small new feature of a platform, a tweak in the algo, a new platform altogether… all these can spark a story, or elevate a story. Stories have/can become interactive using multiple senses, turning audience into co-creators.
Innovations are only as good as their use cases. And a story is only as good as how it is told. The story-carriers are and will continue to have a voice in not only telling, but also shaping the story.
The story owners: Thou shalt be open.
It’s difficult to create a good story. It’s more difficult to create a story that exceeds expectations. And it’s impossible to create something that goes viral every time.
Brands and clients who understand this, are the true BFF of storytelling. The origin point of the story resides with them (the need), as does the protagonist (the brand), as does the ownership (the monies). Having and setting clear expectations from a story is a great starting point. However small, define the outcomes. So that the story makers and bearers know what buttons the story must press.
And then, what works on one screen will most likely not work equally well on another. Understand the nuances with partners, prioritize the screen(s) and channel resources accordingly. In the BANI world, it is tough to have a straight-line Brief. So, be open to experimentation and failures. Cos you’re never too far from a blockbuster story.
The story consumers: Thou shalt be spoilt.
Enough said.
The article has been authored by IdeateLabs chief creative officer Raman R.S. Minhas.
iWorld
Hari Om OTT premieres Bhagwan Jhulelal Sai series
First devotional show on Jhulelal Sai streams in Sindhi and Hindi.
MUMBAI: Hari Om OTT just turned the tide for devotional dramas because when Jhulelal Sai steps onto the small screen, even the waves start streaming in two languages. Hari Om OTT, India’s leading devotional streaming platform launched in June 2024, has premiered Bhagwan Jhulelal Sai, a milestone series that marks the first-ever show dedicated to the revered deity of the Sindhi community. The show, starring Manish Raisinghani as Jhulelal Sai / Varun Dev and Parag Tyagi as Mirkh Shah, launched on Jhulelal Jayanti and is available in both Sindhi and Hindi.
The series chronicles the life, journey and teachings of Bhagwan Jhulelal Sai, blending mythology with historical elements to deliver an authentic and inspiring narrative for global audiences.
Manish Raisinghani said, “Portraying Jhulelal Sai and Varun Dev was not just a role, it was a spiritual journey and a moment of immense pride for my family and community. This one holds a special place in my heart, especially since the show is coming in our very own Sindhi language as well.”
Parag Tyagi added, “Jhulelal Sai is the first-ever show that beautifully blends mythology with history. Hari Om has achieved something truly special by bringing the stories of our gods and goddesses to audiences in their authentic language.”
Hari Om OTT CEO Avinash Dugar said, “With Bhagwan Jhulelal Sai, we’re excited to share this inspiring story with the Sindhi community and beyond. We will continue to showcase the stories of Indian culture and Sanatan Dharma to the world, presented in their own language.”
The premiere builds on Hari Om OTT’s track record of acclaimed devotional titles including Mata Lakshmi, Jai Jagannath, Shri Tirupati Balaji, Mata Saraswati and Chandra Dev, all focused on celebrating India’s cultural and spiritual legacy through high-quality storytelling.
In a streaming landscape crowded with fiction, Hari Om OTT is quietly proving that the most powerful stories aren’t made up, they’re the ones that have already inspired generations, now delivered straight to your screen in the language of devotion. Bhagwan Jhulelal Sai is now streaming on Hari Om OTT.
