Imagine stumbling upon a hidden world where the scent of aged paper and the rustle of pages turning can rekindle forgotten passions and spark unexpected connections—welcome to the enchanting realm of books, bookstores, and the bittersweet thrill of lost love. But here's where it gets controversial: In an age dominated by digital screens, is there still magic in flipping through physical books, or are we all just nostalgic fools clinging to the past?
Diving into this captivating space is Madan Kumar's Flying Dose Films, a creative venture dedicated to delivering 'gari gari kathegalu'—those snappy, engaging tales that pack a punch. They've bottled this evocative nostalgia in their Instagram micro-series, cleverly dubbed 'In Between the Lines,' where Madan experiments with uplifting, relatable narratives that resonate with everyday folks. 'This style of storytelling is already a hit in places like China and the United States,' he shares, 'and I've been itching to bring a taste of it to our shores. We've seen a handful of these in Telugu and Hindi too.'
For those new to the concept, micro-dramas—or micro-series—are bite-sized video productions, typically clocking in at under two minutes, designed specifically for vertical viewing on smartphones. Think of them as quick, addictive episodes that cater perfectly to our scroll-happy habits, much like the viral reels that keep us glued to our feeds. Madan, who also steers the creative ship as the series' maker, emphasizes how this format aligns with the fast-paced world of social media consumption.
Of course, crafting something meaningful in such a short timeframe isn't without its hurdles. Madan admits, 'Standing out amidst the sea of millions of reels is tough—it's tempting to churn out quick-and-dirty content, but we strive to deliver substance in those fleeting moments.' This is the part most people miss: The real challenge lies in condensing depth and emotion without losing the essence, turning a simple idea into a memorable experience.
When it comes to platforms, YouTube presents its own set of obstacles. 'It's expensive to produce for, and getting noticed is a uphill battle,' Madan notes. 'Instagram, on the other hand, thrives on its tight-knit communities, making it easier to build visibility and grow organically.' Director Abhiraj Dethe echoes this sentiment, adding a layer of insight: 'Sure, it's tricky to hook viewers, but a compelling story can work wonders. Even if someone jumps in midway—say, at episode 6 or 9—it should be so intriguing that they rewind to the start, eager for the full journey.'
The online buzz around the series has been overwhelmingly positive, according to Madan. 'We mix English and Kannada in the dialogue, which drew some initial comments about the English being overdone. But given that the story unfolds in a bustling city like Bengaluru, a touch of English feels authentic and necessary to reflect the modern, multicultural vibe.' And this is where it gets controversial: Does incorporating English make the content more accessible globally, or does it dilute the regional flavor, potentially alienating purists who prefer pure Kannada narratives? It's a debate that highlights the tension between tradition and innovation in storytelling.
At its heart, the series cleverly champions the love for reading, which Madan finds delightfully ironic. 'We're using short-form videos to spotlight books—talk about a paradox!' Through the character of Bookworm, a cherished bookstore nestled on Bengaluru's Church Street, he paints a vivid picture of people wandering in, swapping tomes, and sharing chats amid the tunes of classic melodies. This isn't just about selling books; it's about fostering a sense of community.
Madan, who previously served as creative director for a documentary on Bookworm and its owner, Krishna Gowda (check out the piece here: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/bookworm-krishna-completes-25-years-selling-books/article65619736.ece), is passionate about promoting these spaces. 'Reading extends beyond purchasing—bookstores are vibrant hubs for interaction and connection, and that's what I've aimed to capture.' Abhiraj chimes in, 'Our goal was to revive that joy of discovering bonds through pages, rather than endless social media profiles.'
'In Between the Lines' weaves a charming tale around Dhruva, played by Aashith, and Tara, portrayed by Teju Belawadi, whose paths intersect at Bookworm. 'We fused the punchy style of ads with the heartfelt depth of web series to create a breezy, feel-good story,' Madan explains. Dhruva, a 25-year-old emblem of the digital generation who's never cracked open a book, contrasts with the slightly older Tara, a voracious reader who bridges the gap between old-world wisdom and new-age distractions.
Aashith, who's no stranger to Instagram reels, finds the format exhilarating. 'It's fascinating to develop a character fully in such a compact space—the broader exposure is thrilling, and in a platform overflowing with content, making viewers anticipate each drop is a unique rush.' Teju, known for her roles in films like 'Gantumoote' (a tender Kannada coming-of-age story: https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/gantumoote-this-kannada-coming-of-age-film-is-a-precious-gem/article29840511.ece) and 'Laughing Buddha' (a comedic take on police life: https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/laughing-buddha-movie-review-a-humorous-non-judgemental-look-at-the-everyday-lives-of-police-officers/article68584353.ece), as well as the epic play 'Parva' (Prakash Belawadi's powerful adaptation of SL Bhyrappa's work: https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/prakash-belawadis-tribute-to-sl-bhyrappa-breaking-down-his-social-political-dichotomies/article70107615.ece), describes the shoot as intense yet invigorating. 'Being involved in every single moment was a blast—any performer dreams of being fully immersed like that.'
Since the series launched on Instagram, Krishna Gowda has noticed a fresh influx of patrons, some even inquiring about the plot twists. Madan has bigger plans ahead, aiming to delve into richer narratives and intricate relationships. 'Think of this as a teaser, not the finale,' he says. 'If the opportunity arises, I'd love to adapt classics like Poornachandra Tejaswi’s 'Parisarada Kathe' or RK Narayan’s 'Malgudi Days.' After all, a book embodies an author's raw vision, and a micro-drama evolves it into something fresh and dynamic.'
Currently, all 22 episodes of 'In Between the Lines' are live on Flying Dose’s Instagram page, with six more on the horizon in the coming weeks. Dive in and watch them here: https://www.instagram.com/flying.dose.films/?hl=en.
So, what do you think? In a world obsessed with instant gratification, can short-form stories like these truly reignite our passion for reading, or are they just another fleeting trend? Do you agree that bookstores remain irreplaceable community spaces, or do you see digital libraries as the superior alternative? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you side with embracing a mix of languages for broader appeal, or would you fight for linguistic purity? Let's discuss!
