“Naga Chaitanya to Make Digital Debut in Telugu Web Series ‘Dhootha’ on Amazon Prime Video
Naga Chaitanya, well known for his work in Telugu films, is set to make his digital debut in the upcoming Telugu web series ‘Dhootha’, directed by Vikram Kumar. The series, which also stars Parvathy Thiruvothu, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Prachi Desai, Pasupathy, Tharun Bhascker Dhaassyam, and Tanikella Bharani, is a paranormal crime thriller set to stream on Amazon Prime Video on December 1.
In the series, Chaitanya will be portraying the role of an investigative journalist who becomes entangled in a series of mysterious and criminal incidents. Speaking to The Hindu, Chaitanya expressed his enthusiasm for experimenting in the digital space and working with a character that goes beyond the typical black-and-white roles he’s used to.
Director Vikram Kumar, known for his work in Tamil thriller film ‘Yaavarum Nalam’ (13B in Hindi), noted that the development of ‘Dhootha’ during the lockdown wasn’t intentional, but rather the story seemed to flow naturally. The series is set amidst the monsoon in Visakhapatnam, creating a visually aesthetic backdrop for the layered and complex narrative.
Chaitanya emphasized the advantage of not having to think about box office reception and the freedom to portray a complex character without the pressure of theatrical expectations. He stated that OTT platforms provide viewers with a more neutral mindset, allowing for more diverse and experimental content.
Vikram, making his digital debut alongside Chaitanya, mentioned the challenge of writing eight episodes with intriguing hooks while incorporating the monsoon season as a significant element in the storytelling. Both Chaitanya and Vikram have prioritized engaging storytelling and character depth, stating that the series refrains from excessive blood and gore to cater to a wider audience.
Both Chaitanya and Vikram are eager to see the audience’s response to ‘Dhootha’ and have expressed an interest in developing a second season. The duo revealed their ability to move on from commercial setbacks and remain enthusiastic about their future projects. With Chaitanya’s digital debut and Vikram’s venture into the digital space, ‘Dhootha’ promises to offer a thrilling and engaging experience for viewers on Amazon Prime Video.”