ETV Win held a grand event on Saturday to celebrate the success of their productions Anaganaga, Constable Kanakam, and AIR - All India Rankers. On the occasion, AIR co-producer Sandeep Raj, who also played a major role in the series, spoke about the show helped him understand the impact of OTT’s reach, and also why his association with AIR remains special.
Addressing the attendees, Sandeep Raj said, “For theatrical releases, boxoffice collections are a sign. But for an OTT film, we don’t get to understand the reach unless audience comes and tells us.” Recalling an incident from the shoot of his upcoming directorial Mowgli, where a fan, recognised him from AIR, but was shocked to learn that he is also a filmmaker, Sandeep noted, “That’s when I realised AIR’s reach is far wider than our expectations. I came to the industry in 2012 to become an actor. 13 years later, that dream came true with AIR.” It is to be noted that Sandeep Raj’s debut Colour Photo, which released in 2020 amidst COVID pandemic, garnered great acclaim and popularity with its direct-to-OTT release.
Talking about the importance of shows like AIR, Sandeep Raj added, “These days, everyone including OTT platforms are going after larger-than-life stories and intense dramas. People are forgetting fun and emotions; they are going away from comedy. But with AIR, we thought of making a show about all human emotions, where audience can see a projection of themselves.
Sandeep Raj also addressed the controversy that erupted after AIR began streaming, after a scene capturing the caste-based groupism at the college drew criticism from audience. He recalled, “The journey was very tough. We were afraid that all the hard work could be wiped out by one scene alone. It was hurtful the way that scene created a different impression about us. We were wondering how to get out of it, but audience’s love helped us forget the trauma.” Talking about his lessons from the making of AIR, the filmmaker added, “Just like those three boys evolved in the show, our team too evolved during the making.”
The Colour Photo filmmaker also update on the release plans for the second season of AIR. “After big films like Peddi and The Paradise in March, Telugu audience will see the return of these three young boys on ETV Win, starring a new chapter in their lives. We will begin streaming AIR season 2 in Summer 2026. Shoot commences in December.” he said.
Written and directed by Joseph Clinton, AIR starred Harsh Roshan and Chaitanya Rao Madadi in prominent roles.
