Renowned producer Sunjoy Waddhwa reflects on the dynamic nature of television and how it stands apart from OTT and films.
From Balika Vadhu to Ranneeti, he shares insights into the evolving storytelling formats across platforms.
Television storytelling is open-ended
Producer Sunjoy Waddhwa, known for iconic shows like Balika Vadhu, Gangaa, and Saat Phere – Saloni Ka Safar under his banner Sphereorigins, believes television, OTT, and films vary significantly—not only in the kind of stories they tell but also in how they are produced and presented.
OTT Is Like a Long Film, But TV Is Constantly Evolving
Citing his OTT series Ranneeti, based on the Balakot airstrike, he explained the challenges involved in its production. Sunjoy Waddhwa said, “We shot planes, tanks, dogfights—all in different locations. It was nothing like making a daily soap. OTT shows are like long films—you know the beginning and the end. But TV is open-ended and keeps evolving with the audience.”
Television Never Sleeps
Discussing the pace of television production, Sunjoy Waddhwa shared, “There’s writing, shooting, editing, and delivering—all on a daily basis. The biggest challenge is keeping creativity alive for hundreds or even thousands of episodes.”
Producer Sunjoy Waddhwa on the evolving nature of TV
Sunjoy Waddhwa also highlighted the grueling work schedules in the television industry. “In the past, productions operated on a shooting schedule aligning with the five-day airing format. Now, many shows run on a 7-day schedule. Films wrap in 40–50 days, but TV never stops,” he concluded.
