‘Dhoota’ is getting a great response from the audience: Producer Sarath Marar

Young Samrat Akkineni Naga Chaitanya made a grand OTT debut with the massive blockbuster ‘Doota’ web series. Created as a supernatural thriller, this web series is directed by creative director Vikram K Kumar. Priya Bhavani Shankar, Parvathy Thiruvothu and Prachi Desai played other important roles. Producer Sarath Marar has ambitiously produced this web series under the banner of Northstar Entertainment Private Limited. ‘Doota’ web series telecasted on Prime Video in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam from December 1 is entertaining the audience as the biggest OTT hit with unanimous blockbuster response. In this context, producer Sarath Marar shared the features of ‘Doota’ with the reporters.

‘Doota’ achieved a massive blockbuster in OTT .. how does it feel?

Very happy. We completed this project in June and July and gave the final copy to Amazon. However, it has already been explained that after giving it, it will be dubbed and subtitled in many languages ​​and released later. The process took about five months. The whole process was new to us. But after the release, there was an amazing response from all quarters. We know that we have made a good product. But the response from the audience gave us great joy. Naga Chaitanya, Vikram.. the entire team is very happy with the result. Long format storytelling is a new format in India. Even though some series have come, it is like entering a new world. It is a wonderful experience to get such a good response from the audience for a project done in this order.

What attracted you when Vikram Kumar told this story?

Loved the idea and concept of ‘Duta’. Vikram Kumar is an excellent storyteller. We are held in that world while he is telling the story. He has the ability to take us along with the story. It is already known that the Doota concept is very unique. But there was curiosity about how the idea would be converted into eight episodes. After a few months, the story was told episode by episode. It felt amazing. Later Amazon came as partners. Great support. A lot of freedom was given creatively.

This is the first web series for Naga Chaitanya.. How did you convince him?

We have great respect for Naga Chaitanya in this regard. When Naga Chaitanya was thinking whether to make a web or not, he came forward to do it after hearing this story. This format has to be expanded. Freedom will be found to make different stories’, he said. That gave us more encouragement.

The reason for doing this story with Naga Chaitanya?

When Vikram told the story, it was thought that a leading actor with sensibilities like Naga Chaitanya would be good for this story. It felt right to all of us. Director Vikrame decided the choice of actors for each role in this series.

The role of Brahmanandam’s boy Gautham was a surprise.. How was his role chosen?

Director Vikram selected all the actors as very particular actors after seeing their previous work. They thought that Gautham would be good for that role. Gautham acted very well. He showed his mark among these artists. Also Ravindra Vijay has done his role well.

The main cast Naga Chaitanya, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Prachi Desai all added a new flavor to the series with their excellent performances.

Compared to movies, the web projects you did got good results, didn’t you?

I never compared. I started with television. Then came the opportunity in movies. Kalyan gave films consecutively. Northstar Entertainment banner was born because of Kalyan. We know the web is the future. The grammar contained in it will make sense only if you go through it quickly. So let’s get into it early. In this order, we did The Grill, Sin, Expiry Date and Galiwana series. Now it is a pleasure to have a big success with Doota. There is also a focus on movies. We are working on stories. We do both movies and OTT.

How did it feel to premiere ‘Doota’ at the International Film Festival Goa?

An episode of ‘Doota’ was screened at the International Film Festival Goa. It was a wonderful experience for all our team.

How did Naga Chaitanya react to the success of ‘Doota’?

Naga Chaitanya is very happy. This series was released in 240 countries. Sub titles have been done in about 38 languages. For an actor or a producer, it gives great happiness to have their work reach such a wide range. Amazon offers a great platform. Naga Chaitanya’s performance is getting excellent response. Seeing Chaithu in such a role is very new and the audience is praising it.

Naga Chaitanya, Vikram Kumar.. If such a combination is possible, they want to make a film.. How did you feel about doing OTT with this combination?

We will also try to make a film with this combination (laughs).

This series was shot in the rain for almost 100 days.. What kind of challenges did you face in terms of production?

Since Vikram told this story, rain will also be a character in it. It is already known that there will be challenges with this. Shooting in the rain is not easy. But taking it as a challenge seems to bring a character with the rain. Vikram’s vision came to the screen in a wonderful way.

Movies, web series .. Which of these two is more difficult?

That’s the challenge of anything. The stardom of the hero in the film helps a lot. Gets some traction with star power. The web series should be held and taken from the beginning to the end. Even if the first ten minutes are not interesting, the viewer will change the channel. So.. what is the difficulty!!!

Are you trying to make a film with Pawan Kalyan again?

It is a great pleasure to have done three films with Kalyan. If I get a chance to do a film with him again, I will do it very happily. But he is busy with politics. There are some projects in hand. But he is confident that if he can take a story that he likes and a story that is suitable for him, then he will make the film. If he wants to, he will definitely do it.

When are you introducing your son as a director?

He will launch when he gives permission (laughs). He should write a story. It takes time.

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