Actor Sasikumar, who headlines Vadhandhi Season 2: Mystery of Mani, recently revealed that he had initially assumed he would be playing the character of Mani when director Andrew Louis first narrated the story to him. However, the filmmaker had a different role in mind—one that marked a first in the actor's career.

Speaking at the series' press meet, Sasikumar said the title led him to believe he would portray the mysterious Mani or another rugged character, given the image audiences have of him.

"When Andrew Louis first narrated the story, I immediately asked him whether I'd be playing Mani or a police officer, especially because the title is Vadhandhi Season 2: Mystery of Mani. After films like Subramaniapuram, people usually associate me with rugged, rowdy-type roles. So I assumed this would be something similar. But Andrew surprised me by saying I'd be playing the police officer instead, and that made me really happy. Audiences have seen me in many kinds of roles, but this is the first time I'm playing a police officer," he said.

The upcoming season shifts the story from Kanyakumari, the setting of the first instalment, to Madurai. Sasikumar plays SI Moosa Raaza, a police officer investigating the discovery of skeletal remains found near a highway. Although the evidence appears to point towards a mysterious man named Mani, Moosa's instincts compel him to dig deeper rather than close the case at face value.

Created, written and directed by Andrew Louis, Vadhandhi 2 is backed by Suzhal creators Pushkar and Gayathri under their Wallwatcher Films banner. The second season also stars Vivek Prasanna, Yashwanth, Anagha Maruthora, Aparna Das, Revathy Sharma and Arjun Nandhakumar.

The first season, led by SJ Suryah and Laila, revolved around the disappearance of a young woman named Velonie and the web of rumours surrounding the investigation. Vadhandhi Season 2: Mystery of Mani is set to premiere on Prime Video on August 7.