 "Netflix’s Tribhuvan Mishra: CA Topper, Maamla Legal Hai and The Great Indian Kapil Show made us cry with laughter? | Year Ender 2024")
Comedy has always been the heartbeat of Hindi cinema, and it’s evolving in exciting ways. Today’s comedies are more than just laughs, they tackle complex social issues, political satire, and even explore dark humour.
‘A day without laughter is a day wasted’ - said Charlie Chaplin! Tanya Bami, Series Head - Netflix India says, “Audiences enjoy content that’s easy to consume with family and that’s where the love for comedy as a genre stems from. It’s so multifaceted that it can appeal to diverse moods and any occasions because - what is entertainment, if it doesn’t evoke an emotion and wind you down.”
Tanya Bami explains, “We work closely with creators who bring fresh perspectives and distinct styles to their stories, ensuring that each project feels authentic and connects with its target audience. This understanding driven us to invest in a wide range of comedy genre titles this year such as The Great Indian Kapil Show, Maamla Legal Hai , Tribhuvan Mishra: CA Topper among others.”
Netflix’s Tribhuvan Mishra: CA Topper creator, Puneet Mishra says**,** “With Tribhuvan Mishra: CA Topper, we wanted to explore how humour can be more than just entertainment, it can also make you think. Comedy allows us to connect deeply with audiences, and it’s especially powerful when it comes from a place of relatability.”
Comedy resonates with audiences
Comedy connects strongly with audiences today because it offers both laughter and perspective. Puneet says, “With Tribhuvan Mishra: CA Topper, I wanted to explore how humor could also reflect the quirks and complexities of real life. This genre strikes a chord when it’s authentic—rooted in relatable characters and situations. Today’s audience values comedy that not only makes them laugh but also sparks thought. Netflix’s openness to diverse stories allowed us to bring this vision to life, and the positive response to the show reaffirms that viewers are eager for fresh, meaningful narratives.”
Comedy brings characters to life in a way that feels personal and relatable. It’s nothing but everyday observations - of people, cultures, situations and daily encounters that the audience resonates with.
Anukalp Goswami Creative Director of The Great Indian Kapil Show says, “The characters or the one liners in The Great Indian Kapil Show, for example, are an insight into the films we’ve grown up with or an exaggerated take on celebrities we love or the quirky personalities that have somewhere made us chuckle from time to time. It’s not just about delivering laughs; it’s about making those moments feel authentic and relatable. Each moment or joke brings something unique to the table, and that’s what makes comedy so powerful today—it’s personal, diverse, and connects with audiences in ways that feel familiar.”
Comedy an integral part of the entertainment landscape
Comedy has always been an integral part of the entertainment landscape. Anukalp explains, “With The Great Indian Kapil Show , I’m incredibly proud of how it continues to bring people together—breaking barriers through laughter while celebrating stories, people, and perspectives.”
Although very difficult as a genre, Anukalp added, comedy has a unique ability to lighten the mood and leave a lasting impression, and The Great Indian Kapil Show stands as proof of how this format can evolve to stay relevant and engaging on a global platform. Through this show, we’re uniting audiences across generations, creating a shared experience rooted in joy and connection.
Lachmi Deb Roy is the entertainment editor of Firtspost, Network18. She reviews films and series with a gender lens. Her interviews are called 'Not Just Bollywood' because she takes huge interest in world cinema. OTT over theatrical releases is her preference unless and until its a King Khan film. She takes interest in fashion, food and art reviews too.