Introduction
Inside Edge is an Amazon Prime Original Series created by Karan Anshuman and produced by Excel Entertainment. This series takes a closer look at the underbelly of cricket and the operations of franchise leagues beyond the 22 yards and the game played on the field. In this essay, we will discuss how cleverly this series communicates and instils its agenda among the viewers by analysing essential plot points.
Series Theme
The first two seasons of this series focus primarily on the Powerplay T20 League and two competing teams, Mumbai Mavericks and Haryana Hurricanes. It talks about the murky dealings of the franchise owners, the changing dynamics between players and other unlawful acts happening around the league, such as spot-fixing, doping, etc. In the third season, the creators shifted their attention to International cricket and the rivalry between two extremely passionate cricket-loving nations with a fair share of history - India and Pakistan. The series also reflects upon the functioning and politics running through the cricketing authority at the top and its board members.
Agenda Setting Media Theory
According to the agenda-setting theory, the mainstream media is responsible for setting the agenda of public discourse. It means that the public will evaluate an issue as essential or not depending on its coverage in different media channels. Media accomplishes its agenda not by telling people what to think but by provoking the thought in their minds.
Series Analysis
In a country like India, where cricket is revered more than just any other sport, there have been several incidents where the game is scrutinised and questioned. The series encapsulates this passion of the nation and serves it in a palette encompassing several of its criticisms. It draws inspiration from real-life players, leagues and personalities, developing a fictional narrative addressing those numerous curious speculations that at some point might have been raised in the minds of viewers and fans of this thrilling sport. For example, the exposition, which takes place in season 1 and how it establishes the entire Powerplay T20 League, makes the reference point of the actual ‘Indian Premiere League (IPL)’ clear as day.
The good part about this show is that it not only scratches but also goes beyond the surface level to provide information about the matter at hand. For example, how the creators have talked in great detail regarding the doping scandal in season 2 forces the audience to think closely. It happens because they have highlighted the entire process, provided proof of its relevance and showcased its adverse effects on the player. This sub-plot brought to the forefront an interesting and often less spoken angle related to the field of sport.
Another plus point about this series is that it has a great balance of fiction and reality, which makes it more believable with its stream of reasoning. For example, in season 3, two of the primary characters are in a meeting with Renuka Shahane, portraying the role of the Prime Minister of India, where they convince her to legalise betting through Fantasy Apps under the pretext of collecting taxes out of it. Today, there are a number of similar betting apps running in India and various cricketers have been seen actively promoting them, which has become quite a topic of debate.
The show, with its clever writing and staging, puts forth its agenda effectively. It highlights several activities that take place outside the cricketing field to make the game a source of entertainment for the viewers and a commodity for the broadcaster and owners to further package, advertise, sell and make money. It provides an important commentary on different aspects such as power, politics, monetary benefits, etc., which cannot be foreshadowed and instigates the viewers to align these parts together with every sport and sporting event.
Conclusion
The creators of Inside Edge have created a fascinating fictional show that keeps on crossing paths with reality from time to time. This series put forth its agenda skillfully using a gripping narrative around a sport that has a massive and loyal fan following. Moreover, it successfully manages to bring forward various unspoken angels surrounding the game of cricket with fine precision. Beyond these nuances, the show is extremely palatable and enjoyable throughout the three high-on-drama and engaging seasons, which keeps the viewers hooked to their seats.
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