Yuva Samrat Akkineni is all set to entertain the audience with Naga Chaitanya’s ‘Doota’ web series. As ‘Doota’ is Naga Chaitanya’s first web series, the audience is very interested in it. 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. The already released promotional content of ‘Dhoota’ has raised a lot of curiosity. The series will be telecast in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam on Prime Video from December 1. In this context, director Vikram K Kumar shared the features of ‘Doota’ web series with the reporters.
When a project comes from you, the audience definitely expects unique concepts and novelty.
– After 13B I have not done films in the supernatural genre. Really miss that genre. I thought of doing a similar genre in a longer format in the context of such an opportunity from the web. The messenger idea has always existed. I told Naga Chaitanya. He liked it very much. Later I played the screenplay. It is a supernatural thriller. There are many twists and turns. In the longer format, each episode should have a twist. The audience should be taken along with the story till the end. This is a big challenge. I really enjoyed the writing process. I am eagerly waiting to know the reaction of the audience on this show.
What is the background of ‘Dhootha’?
A messenger is a messenger. A journalist who brings an event to the public is also a messenger. It takes place in the setting of a journalist.
Did you think of the Messenger idea for a web series?
The messenger idea has always existed. When I wrote that idea as a screenplay, I wrote it keeping the web series in mind. Some ideas are enough for two hours. Another idea can be shown very broadly. The idea of a messenger has the power to hold eight episodes.
How did you feel doing the web series?
OTT has a great convenience. Duta, which is now being released, will be telecast in around 240 countries. Audiences from all over the world will watch. We watch Korean and foreign shows. We want them to watch our Telugu show as well. Doota is a supernatural genre. There are fans of this genre all over the world. It’s a good feeling that they enjoy our show too.
What was Naga Chaitanya’s reaction when he told this story?
Me and Chaitu are good friends. We worked together for the third time. At the time of ‘Manam’, I told a horror story to Chaitu. But he is afraid of ghost stories. He said, ‘I don’t want horror stories, I’m scared’ (laughing). He liked the story of ‘Doota’ very much. It is a supernatural thriller. A fictional story.
Naga Chaitanya is being portrayed in a different look, isn’t it?
Before Doota, he did ‘Thank You’. It has a beard. He was also seen with a beard in his earlier film Love Story. He looks very handsome in beard. I also love Chaithu’s beard look. But when the messenger came, he said, let’s try something new. If you look clean shaven.. see how it is, he said. A photo was sent. Looked great in a clean shaven, moustache. We fixed the same look.
The role of a journalist in the setting… a fictional story… sounds very different doesn’t it?
A journalist is a very powerful role. Journalism is a pillar of democracy. There is a lot of risk in investigative journalism. It takes a lot of guts to be in that position. Not everyone can do that. In this story, such a character has been portrayed very well. There are many layers in this supernatural thriller. They give the audience a very thrilling experience.
Doota is the biggest web series in Tollywood. Promotions are also in the same range. The expectations of the audience are also at the same level.. How do you feel?
In fact, if a movie is released, the result will be known in the first game on Friday. But the web series is a unique situation. It will take some time to find out if people like it or not. Compared to the movie, the pressure is less in this matter.
Was writing a supernatural thriller a challenge?
I love this genre. But after 13 B, the same kind of stories were approached. For a few years, I didn’t go into it because if I did the same kind of stories, I would get the impression that I would be able to do the same. But these days I really missed that genre. Now, with movies like Virupaksha and Tudda, such stories are getting a boost. I enjoy writing stories like this. Doota 2 Doota 3 ideas are also there.
What is your favorite episode of Doota?
I enjoyed shooting the pre-climax and climax. Chaitu’s performance in those scenes is amazing.
Did Nagarjuna give you any suggestions?
If you try something new, Nagarjuna will appreciate it. All the best while doing this project.
About the roles of Priya Bhavani Shankar, Parvathy Thiruvothu and Prachi Desai?
While writing this story, I thought of Parvati as Kranti. He is a versatile actor. He wants to do a Telugu film. I am happy to come in Telugu with the series directed by me. He plays the role of a police officer in this. It is very brilliant. Also the roles of Priya Bhavani Shankar and Prachi Desai are very important. Everyone performed very extraordinary.
Is there some delay in the release of this web series?
We completed the shooting quickly. But a lot of heavy post-production work was done. Web series are widely available. The technical work should be very brilliant to make the audience sit through the show. In order to do Youngage in eight episodes, a lot of care should be taken in terms of editing. We took the necessary time for that. Nicely edited by Naveen. Also we have taken a lot of care in the matter of music. And web series means OTT companies have some formalities. There are quality checks. They naturally take some time.
How did it feel to screen Dutani at the Goa International Film Festival?
Very good experience Andy. We have screened an episode. Everyone liked it.
How did the producer Sarath Marar support the production?
It is a very passionate series in terms of structure. This is possible only because of a passionate producer like Sarath Marar. This is three movie length content. Almost all the scenes were shot in the rain. In my previous films, I used rain only for two or three days. I have used it for 100 days. This would not have been possible without a production house like Sarath Marar.
What are your favorite web series?
I like many shows like Family Man, Patal Lok, Scam, Jubilee
Are you from Kerala? When will you make a Malayalam movie?
Our relatives are also asking for the same. Can a Malayalam film be made? (Laughs) I have to do it too. But so far no such story has been written. Let’s see if such a story will happen in the future.
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