In an exclusive interview, Raj and DK, the creators of the hit series "The Family Man," addressed comparisons between their show and Netflix's "Sacred Games," one of the earlier and highly acclaimed Indian web series. The duo emphasized that they weren't focused on "Sacred Games" during their creative process, as they were aiming for something entirely different.
"We were not even looking at it because…," Raj began, "OTT was very new then". DK further elaborated, stating that they were wary of the existing template used by streaming platforms before "The Family Man". According to him, most shows at the time heavily relied on "murder, gore, and sex".
Manoj Bajpayee, who plays the lead role of Srikant Tiwari, recalled being pitched the show with the line, “James Bond, but from Chembur". This unique premise immediately hooked him. He also noted that while he was aware of web shows like "Narcos" gaining popularity in the US, "Sacred Games" had just arrived in India when "The Family Man" was conceived.
Raj and DK have a quirky sense of humor, which underlines the style of "The Family Man". One film enthusiast noted that the directors know how to infuse humor and integrate it within the narrative, whether it be a film or web series. Their ability to blend genres was evident in their previous work, the blockbuster "Stree," a horror-comedy. Therefore, when they announced they were creating a spy thriller, expectations were high for something unique.
The success of "The Family Man" is evident through the viewership its trailer garnered before the series' release. Within a week, the trailer had already broken records as the most-watched trailer for an Indian series, surpassing "Sacred Games 2" by a significant margin.
The directors also shared insights into the upcoming season 3 of "The Family Man." They revealed the meticulous process of developing new antagonists who could match the impact of Samantha Ruth Prabhu's character, Raji, from season 2. DK emphasized that both Mira and Rukma aren't just antagonists, but also the protagonists of their own stories. According to him, they only become antagonists when their paths cross. Jaideep Ahlawat, who joins the cast as the ruthless Rukma, described his character as driven by power and money, thriving in a challenging world.
While both "Sacred Games" and "The Family Man" have earned their place among the top Indian web series, they offer distinct narratives and viewing experiences. "Sacred Games" is based on Vikram Chandra's novel and delves into India's underworld with a sense of mystery, while "The Family Man" combines action, drama, and dark humor to portray the life of a middle-class man juggling his family responsibilities with his secret job as an intelligence officer.
