‘Dhootha’ is a global thriller that captivates audiences with its supernatural elements, starring Yuvasamrat Naga Chaitanya, has garnered significant interest. Directed by creative filmmaker Vikram K Kumar, it also features pivotal roles played by Priya Bhavani Shankar, Parvathi Thiruvothu, Prachi Desai, and others.
Produced by Sharat Marar, it is set to premiere on December 1 on Prime Video in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. Director Vikram K Kumar interacted with media about the film..
Talking about Dhootha he said, "Having transitioned into the supernatural genre after ’13B,’ I haven’t explored it much in cinema. The opportunity presented by the web format intrigued me, and ‘Dhootha’ has been a fulfilling experience. The challenge lies in maintaining suspense and engaging the audience throughout each episode in the long format. The writing process was enjoyable, and I’m eager to see the audience’s response to the show."
Talking about OTT release, he said "OTT platforms offer a significant advantage. ‘Dhootha’ is now available in 240 countries worldwide, reaching a massive global audience. Viewers worldwide, including fans of Korean and foreign shows, are showing interest in our Telugu show. The natural thriller genre has a broad fan base globally, and our show is anticipated by Telugu-speaking audiences as well."
Talking about Naga Chaitanya reaction on the story, he said "Chaitu is a good friend, and we collaborated for the third time after ‘Manam.’ I narrated the horror story during the making of ‘Manam,’ and he expressed fear of horror stories. However, he really liked the ‘Dhootha’ narrative, considering it a super-natural thriller fiction."
Being a journalist is a powerful role. In the democracy, journalism is a cornerstone. Investigative journalism, in particular, involves a lot of risk. To be in that profession, one needs a lot of guts. Not everyone can do that job. In this story, portraying such a character was wonderfully challenging and Chay pulled it off well.
I really like this genre. After ’13B,’ I haven’t done such stories until now. If I make stories in a similar manner, it feels like I’m repeating myself. So, I haven’t ventured into that zone again. Now, with movies like ‘Virupaksha’ and ‘Mangalavaram,’ I am excited to explore such stories again. I have missed this genre for a long time. Now, with ‘Dhootha 2’ and ‘Dhootha 3’ discussions happening, it seems like I am back in that groove.
“Dhoot” stands out for its exceptional episodes, especially during the climax and shoot sequences. Chaitu’s performance in those moments is remarkable. Nagarjuna garu has given valuable suggestions and praised my efforts. The project has been a great collaboration.
The web series required meticulous work, and quick completion of shooting and heavy post-production took place. It was well-received for its technical brilliance and engaging storyline. We have shot for 100 days in the rain, which is quite a meticulous job. The focus on editing and the brilliant music by Navin added to its quality.