Naga Chaitanya’s debut web series Dhootha, directed by Vikram K Kumar, is getting a bumper response on Prime Video. Dhootha also stars Priya Bhavani Shankar, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Prachi Desai, Pasupathy, Ravindra Vijay, and others in key roles. Sharrath Marar of NorthStar Entertainment produced the series. The producer interacted with the media today and spoke about the series.
How are you feeling about the solid response to Dhootha?
I am very elated. We completed the project in July itself and handed over the final copy to Amazon. However, the OTT platform informed us that they need to do the dubbing and subtitling work. They took more than 5 months to do that. That process was very new for us. Dhootha is getting a tremendous response from every nook and corner. Web series is still a new format in India, and our entire team is very happy about the response.
When Vikram K Kumar narrated you the script, what aspect attracted you the most?
I liked the concept very much, and it is unique. Vikram K Kumar is a great narrator. He takes us into a new world completely. I was curious how he would tell the story in 8 episodes. After a few months, he told me the story for each episode. He also told me that rain plays a key role in the series. Though it isn’t easy, we took it as a challenge. Then Amazon Prime Video became a part of the journey. They gave complete freedom.
How did Naga Chaitanya react to the success?
He is overwhelmed by the success. The series was released in 240 countries. Dhootha has subtitles in about 38 languages. This is a great achievement for any actor or producer as the work is getting a massive reach. Amazon Prime Video is a great platform. Naga Chaitanya is being lauded for his acting. The audiences are thrilled to watch Naga Chaitanya in such a new role.
Movie or web series. Which is more difficult?
Both are challenging. In films, the stardom of actors helps us a lot. But the scenario is completely different in the web series. We need to maintain the audience’s attention till the end. If the show isn’t engaging in the first few minutes, there is every chance that one might change the channel.