Lolan, George, Shibu and Shambu are probably Keralites’ most favorite names right now. Millions of Malayali audience all over the world eagerly waits to catch the latest episode of 'Thera Para’, the super hit mini web series streamlined on the Youtube channel ‘Karikku’. The number of viewers subscribed to 'Karikku', just to watch 'Thera Para' which began airing in April last year, has earned a whopping 1 million subscribers.
Nikhil Prasad is the creative force behind the channel which airs the mini web series, known for handling genuine humor. 'Thera Para' which is the first super hit web series in Malayalam has become a rage among the youth. YouTube appreciated 'Karikku’s' efforts by awarding the silver play button when the number of subscribers crossed 1 lakh. The online channel is just days away from achieving the golden play button and the cast and crew are super excited about it. Nikhil says that around 6000 – 7000 viewers subscribe to the channel on a daily basis.
Only comedy
Nikhil began producing short videos for online web platforms, two years ago. In the beginning, he mostly did videos that were informative. Later he began pondering about the scope of a web series which wasn’t common in Malayalam until then. He watched web series, in many languages, which were aired on other online platforms and did meticulous research before coming up with the idea of 'Thera Para'.
The actors were selected through auditions. They were selected for their incredible acting talents and also their ability to pull off comedy effortlessly. Prior to 'Thera Para', Nikhil did short videos related to the Fifa world cup in 2018. The characters Lolan, George, Shibu and Shambu were originally part of those videos. 'Thera Para', however, gave more clarity and expression for these characters.
Though the web series is written and directed by Nikhil, it is not shot based on a proper script. The idea would be clearly communicated with the actors who improvise on the spot. Nikhil says that he decided not to use a script as he is adamant that there shouldn’t be any artificiality in dialogue delivery and performance. Even noted film maker like Priyadarshan used to film the comedy scenes in his movies without a proper script.
Nikhil clearly knows that it is not easy to make the Malayali audience laugh out loud. Filmy clichés were avoided, so were double meaning dialogues, political and religious commentary as well, to make the narrative unique and new. Jokes were made from real life situations which the audience could easily relate with. This must be the reason why the audiences are left in splits after every episode and they can’t wait to watch the next one.
Story of 'Karikku'
The unique name of the channel, 'Karikku' or tender coconut, is what grabs the audiences’ attention in the first place. Nikhil reveals that he wanted the audience to feel fresh as if they have had some refreshing ‘Karikku’, when they watch the channel. Though the team, initially, had plans to name the channel as ‘kulukki sarbet’, they decided against it as it may seem to have close connection to Shibu’s character in 'Thera Para'.
Countless opportunities
The four lead actors in the web series have already made their way into the movies. It is their incredible talent to naturally handle humor which made the web series a smashing hit among the youth. 'Thera Para' humorously depicts the bachelor lives of three Btech graduates who are jobless and their room mate who is employed even though he is just a plus two pass.
Besides 'Thera Para', the video ‘When Girls Behave Like Bad Boys’ too had garnered likes. The funny video had a bunch of smart girls playing the lead roles. The 'Karikku' team is busy working for their next amazing project.
Advertisements are the main income of the'Karikku' channel. Besides, the super hit channel earns income from Facebook and Youtube as well. The office of 'Karikku' functions at Ravipuram in Kochi.
