Thaindian News

March 19, 2010 (Sampurn Wire):For two seasons, Indian viewers were to glued to the bang-bang cricket of Indian Premier League, but the remote control is now back into the hands of the women and it’s still the saas and the bahu who reign supreme in most households. The Indian Premier League, which returned to India, has got a lukewarm response to its opening matches.

IPL has clocked an average TVR of 5 for the first three matches, same as last year, according to Tam data for All-India market. This is less than the inaugural edition, which drew an average TVR of 5.6.

The inaugural match between Deccan Charges and Kolkata Knight Riders got a TVR of 5.9. The second match between Mumbai and Rajasthan on 13 March drew 3.7 TVR while the third match that took place later that evening between Punjab and Delhi fetched a rating of 5.4. Despite the presence of Bollywood and international stars, the opening ceremony could only manage a TVR of 2.6 on 12 March.

In contrast to the IPL, the Hindi GECs bettered its GRPs from the earlier week. Colors regained the number one spot after two weeks with 338 GRPs, three above Star Plus. For Colors, it was their little bride Anandi who yet again propelled their ratings. The episode on March 11, which saw Anandi being shot, drew a handsome TVR of 7.7 making Balika Vadhu the top rated show for the TAM week 11 (7-13 March). Star Plus’ Yeh rishta kya kehlata hai came second with a TVR of 7.5. Out here, the high point was the reunion of the warring protagonist Akshara and Naitik. Bidaai, Uttaran and Pavitra Rishta completed the top five with TVR of 7.3, 6.00 and 5.8 respectively.

One man who is overjoyed is Rajan Shahi as his two shows Yeh rishta.. and Bidaai did exceedingly well throughout the week with an average weekly TVR of 7 and 5.8 respectively.

“It’s ironical to hear that during IPL seasons our shows are maintaining their TRP ratings. This has yet again proved to be a morale booster for us. I thank the viewer who has held the remote control firm during IPL. After such success, I’m eagerly awaiting the fourth season of IPL,” says a cocky Rajan Shahi.

Meanwhile, Zee TV was the biggest loser of the week losing 59 GRPs from the earlier week and stood at third with 242 GRPs. Imagine TV, which last week fetched 172 GRPs (courtesy grand finale of Rahul dulhaniya le jayenge) drew just 109 GRPs thereby conceding the fourth spot to Sony (157 GRPs).

So, in the end one can summarise that IPL hasn’t got going in the first Powerplay but the real verdict will be out in the next ratings. The game isn’t over just yet.

-Mayur Lookhar/ Sampurn wire