Black, White and Gray creator says show is about us, not about its characters

India Today

17-05-2025

Sony LIV's latest crime thriller 'Black White and Gray - Love Kills' broke the mould of conventional storytelling by adopting a mockumentary format rarely seen in Indian OTT space. Set against a backdrop of fractured truths and morally grey characters, the show stands out not just for its form but also for its emotionally resonant narrative. In a candid conversation with India Today Digital, the show's creator-producer, Hemal A Thakkar, opened up about the process, the inspiration, and the real intentions behind the storytelling used in the series.advertisementThe Mockumentary FormatWhen asked how the idea of the mockumentary format came about, the creator credited long-time collaborator Pushkar Sunil Mahabal, who is also the co-producer of 'Black, White and Gray - Love Kills'. He said, 'The mockumentary format was actually Pushkar's idea. He had been watching a lot of documentaries around that time and felt inspired to create a crime story using that style.''What excited me was how he cracked not just the format but also a compelling storyline to go with it. From there, we began developing the show bit by bit. It was a truly thrilling process, watching an intriguing idea grow into a full-fledged narrative,' he shared.What's more fascinating is that this entire process unfolded virtually. Thakkar explained that it was during the pandemic they developed the project. And that too, just over Zoom calls and phone conversations. 'That period, despite its challenges, gave us the focus and momentum to shape the story in a unique and powerful way,' he told us.Crafting characters that aren't just Black or WhiteadvertisementIn a world where audience perception often swings between extremes, 'Black, White and Gray' dared to dwell in the grey. The show revolves around a high-profile case of serial killings set in Nagpur 2020. Thakkar mentioned taking inspiration from the contradictions people carry in them. The grey and a side of minute cynicism.'The first step was acknowledging that all of us, in real life, are morally grey. We've seen it, especially during times of crisis, how we all carry contradictions within us. That was a big part of Pushkar's writing. His sharp, often cynical, observations about people brought a lot of clarity to how we shaped these characters,' he shared.Additionally, Thakkar mentioned that Mahabal 'had a very clear understanding of how flawed, shameless, and complex human beings can be and that honesty helped us create characters who are deeply real.'However, they were sure that the show would strike a chord on the basis of 'authenticity'. It was the 'how' that they weren't sure of. Fortunately, they played their cards right and the audience loved every colour - Black, White and Gray, quite literally.Giving an understanding of this, Thakkar said, 'Deep down, we all know we aren't purely black or white. We make choices based on convenience, emotion, and self-interest. The show simply holds up a mirror to that.'No real-life incidents, just real emotionsadvertisementFor those who have watched 'Black, White and Gray' on SonyLIV, despite the grounded realism, they know that the story wasn't inspired by a specific event. Instead, it came from a more universal place.According to the creator, there wasn't any one real-life incident that sparked it. The story really came from Pushkar's imagination. 'These are stories that disappear from public memory quickly. But sometimes, the most random, ordinary day can turn into something life-altering.'Blurring the lines between truth and fiction wasn't easy. And, choosing a mockumentary wasn't just a stylistic call - it was deeply intentional. Thakkar discussed what drew him to the format was the reality of media consumption.Watch the trailer of the show here: He said, 'The mockumentary gave us a way to show how biased and fragmented our perception of truth has become. It also lets us present a simple story through multiple perspectives, each shaped by ego, agenda, and emotion. The beauty of this format is that it blurs the line between fiction and reality, allowing the audience to experience the same confusion and doubt that the characters feel. It made our storytelling deeper and much more layered.'advertisementBeyond the suspense and emotional arcs, the show also questioned how we, as viewers, interpret the world. Thakkar said, 'The show isn't just about the characters, it's about us. We're the ones forming biases, often without even realising it. We follow a narrative, believe in something, and repeat it until it feels true, without ever questioning where it came from.'Challenging the status quo in OTT storytellingAt a time when viewers are bombarded with glossy romances or cookie-cutter thrillers, 'Black, White and Gray' offers a breath of fresh air.'This show aims to go beyond that. It tries to connect with the audience's heart and mind, not just with technical finesse but with storytelling that feels rooted in our lived reality. And since we're creating content for an Indian audience, we made sure the narrative felt culturally relevant.''Too often, we end up copying Western formats and losing the essence of what Indian viewers actually care about. But audiences are smart; they're not just looking for a shift, they're looking for meaningful stories. They want to invest their time in content that respects them, engages them, and leaves them thinking. That's what we've tried to do with 'Black, White and Gray'.''Black, White and Gray - Love Kills' doesn't just tell a story - it challenges the audience to reflect on their own perceptions, their own biases, and their relationship with the truth. It's not a show that gives easy answers, but rather one that dares to ask uncomfortable questions in a format that feels deeply relevant in today's media landscape.