Cinema VinesBanijay Asia’s Group Chief Development Officer, Mrinalini Jain, has outlined a new direction for Indian reality television, moving away from the conventional drama‑heavy formats that have dominated the market for years. In a recent interview with the Hindustan Times, Jain explained that the company is increasingly focusing on gameplay, strategy and scale, with shows such as The 50, Alliance and Rise & Fall serving as examples of this shift.
Jain said that the core idea behind Alliance was to place strategic gameplay at the centre of the show, rather than relying solely on interpersonal drama. She noted that the production team had introduced several firsts for Indian audiences, including vertically integrated sets and a format where contestants work in teams—a departure from the traditional individual‑competition model seen on shows like Lock Upp and Bigg Boss.
When asked why Banijay chose Kunal Kemmu as the host instead of a more conventional reality‑TV personality, Jain highlighted the importance of a host who could navigate the strategic nuances of the show. Kemmu’s background and style, she said, align with the show’s emphasis on strategy and audience engagement.
Jain also stressed that Banijay Asia believes quality should come before volume. “We are confident in the IPs we bring to the market, but every show has its own fate,” she said. “The key is to remain committed to the format and language of a show before launching it.” She added that Indian viewers are more open to diverse reality formats than often assumed, and that audiences are looking for engagement rather than scripted or purely unscripted content.
Despite initial skepticism about whether a strategy‑driven reality show would resonate with viewers accustomed to high‑drama programming, Jain maintained that Banijay was bullish on its vision. “We kept improving the show day by day, staying true to the gameplay‑centric approach,” she said, underscoring the company’s commitment to experimenting with new concepts while retaining the core ingredients that make reality television compelling.
