Before the second wave of COVID-19, Ramesh Aravind had plans to begin shooting for Akash Srivatsa’s Shivaji Surathkal sequel. However, these plans have now come to a standstill. “Everyone and everything seems static at this moment because of the pandemic lockdown,” says the actor-director, adding, “Thankfully, the script of the Shivaji Surathkal sequel has been locked, and this will be the first assignment I'll take up as and when the entertainment industry reopens.”
Ramesh is also ready to hit theatres with his latest directorial, 100, which co-stars Rachita Ram. The filmmaker, who is doing his bit to spread awareness on Covid-19-related issues and the importance of vaccinations, has simultaneously occupied himself by penning fresh storylines.
He is in discussions for various other projects as well, including an upcoming thriller with a fresh team. “The producer is from Mumbai, and the team had approached me with an interesting subject. They sent me the story, which I felt was very modern and upbeat. This is another thriller, and like Shivaji Surathkal, this can also continue as a franchise. Right now, the team is getting ready with the bound script, post which more details can be shared,” he says.
The writer, actor, TV host and director, is also producing a serial titled Sundari for the small screen. In addition, Ramesh is set to make his debut in the digital space. “I am working on a web series for the Kannada audience. It has a lot of references to local history, and will be shot in Karnataka. I am waiting to bring it to a full-fledged Kannada OTT platform.”
Talking about foraying into the digital space, Ramesh says, “Currently, things are looking up in the digital world, and we get to watch different kinds of content and on different mediums. From what I understand, content — irrespective of the language — is key. The story needs to click with the audience.”
Ramesh also points out that there is an audience for films, serials, and web-series. “The approach to these mediums is different from each other. In my observation, viewers who watch web series are smart and that demands a different kind of a subject,” he adds.