With Vikkatakavi, ZEE5 and SRT Entertainments bring audiences a unique detective thriller set in historical Telangana, starring Naresh Agastya and Megha Akash. Directed by Pradeep Maddali, known for his work on Sarvam Shaktimayam, the series promises an engaging journey through time, rich with suspense, mystery, and layered storytelling. The web series is set to premiere on ZEE5 on November 28 in Telugu and Tamil.
The series is penned by writer Teja Desraj, known for his work on films like Awe and Kalki. “Teja, a friend, pitched Vikkatakavi to ZEE5, and after various discussions, he approached me,” says Pradeep Maddali. The production began with Ram Talluri as producer, balancing the budget constraints with Maddali’s vision for the period setting.
“The series spans two fascinating eras, the 1940s and 1970s,” Maddali shares. He describes the thrill of recreating these worlds, where every element, from costumes and language to lighting and production design, had to evoke a long-gone time period. “We aimed to present the series with a royal look while also delivering a strong thriller element,” he explains, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail needed to balance historical authenticity with cinematic drama.
Maddali emphasises the careful selection of his team, bringing on cinematographer Shoaib for a fresh visual perspective. Despite initial industry skepticism due to Shoaib’s background in Punjabi music videos, Maddali trusted his vision and paired him with colourist Sanjeev, to “achieve a distinctive, vintage texture.” The results are set to deliver a visual experience that transforms familiar shooting locations like Ramoji Film City into seamless parts of Vikkatakavi’s fictional world.
Casting Naresh Agastya in the lead was another significant decision. Inspired by the wit of the legendary Tenali Ramakrishna, Agastya’s character embodies sharp intelligence and charm. “He completely immersed himself in the retro look,” Maddali notes, while Megha Akash’s role as the princess of Amaragiri, a psychiatrist, brings a modern touch to the historical narrative.
Vikkatakavi, with its layered plot and vintage styling, unravels a compelling mystery in Telangana’s fictional Amaragiri estate. Maddali confirms that a second season is already in development, promising an even grander scale.