The name ‘Uppum Mulakum’ might sound to you like the title of a cookery show. No, it’s not. In fact, the name, which has a charm of its own, belongs to a recently-launched sitcom in Flowers channel.
Gone are the days when just tear-jerker soaps alone ruled the roost in television. An equally-competitive segment are comedy soaps or sitcoms. A change from melodramatic soaps, sitcoms give those looking for a respite a much-needed laugh.
The title is the USP of the show, according to the director R Unnikrishnan. He says: “There is always that perfect mix of flavours or ‘Rasakootu’ which makes everything special and that was what was in my mind while naming the show. Even when it comes to the protagonists, each of them add their own unique flavor to the same. And the name seems to have clicked with the audiences too, as the director says the daily sitcom is getting a good response from viewers.”
Back when he started out with the first season of popular sitcom ‘Thatteem Mutteem’, spot recording or dubbing was not quite popular. “It gives the much-need natural feel,” says Unnikrishnan, adding that he has also opted for more new faces in ‘Uppum Mulakum’ for the same reason. For the director, there was an initial dilemma whether people would accept the show. He adds, “Except for Nisha Sarang who dons the role of Neelima, all the others are new faces to the small screen.. Moreover, while there have been many sitcoms revolving around a small family with one or two kids, nobody had made any attempts to experiment with a larger family setting, and there was a doubt whether people will accept the show.” Looking at the show, one may find faint similarities to the popular Hindi sitcom ‘Hum Paanch’. So, is it inspired from it? The director nods in the negative, “The similarity ends with the number of kids. ”
Adding that he has always kept away from routine slapstick comedies, Unnikrishnan says ‘Uppum Mulakum’ will be a merry and fun comic treat for viewers. Sitcoms being his cup of tea, the director adds, “There is a large growing segment of audience who enjoy comedies. For them, such shows are a respite.”
‘Uppum Mulakum’ revolves around the lives of a married couple, their five children and the funny situations they find themselves in.