Press meet for the Prime Video web series ‘Vadhandhi Season 2: The Mystery of Mani’, starring Sasikumar.
A press meet was held in Chennai to promote the web series ‘Vadhandhi Season 2: The Mystery of Mani’, which will be available on Prime Video starting August 7th. Produced by Pushkar and Gayatri under the Wallwatcher Films banner and directed by Andrew Louis, the series features Sasikumar in the lead role.
Held at a star hotel in Chennai, the event was attended by Sasikumar, Yashwanth, Anagha Maruthora, Aparna Das, Vivek Prasanna, Revathi Sharma, Arjun Nandakumar, director Andrew Louis, producers Pushkar and Gayatri, music composer Simon K. King, and the Prime Video team.
Speaking at the event, producers Pushkar and Gayatri said:
“This web series has turned out exceptionally well. While we shouldn’t be the ones to boast about it, we were immediately drawn to the story director Andrew pitched—a tale about Moosa Rasa, a dedicated police officer committed to ensuring that not a single innocent person is punished. The fact that Sasikumar was playing the role made it feel as though the story had been written specifically for him. Furthermore, this series introduces a host of talented young newcomers. Amazon Prime Video’s support has been outstanding, as always. This series is sure to captivate audiences across the board.
Director Andrew had the idea for Season 2 even while he was writing the story for Season 1. The concept for Season 1 was that it had to be a single story—centered on a specific crime and set within a particular town.” Season 2 was to feature a different crime story, and the director suggested setting it against a Madurai backdrop. This came as our first pleasant surprise. Although Director Andrews is not from Madurai, he lived there among the locals for several months to gain a deep understanding of the setting. He finalized the screenplay only after thoroughly studying their mannerisms and way of life—something that truly delighted us. He has portrayed these nuances beautifully on screen, allowing the audience to easily connect with and journey alongside the character, Moosa Rasa.
I was thrilled when the idea of approaching Sasikumar for the role of Moosa Rasa was first raised. We had both celebrated the release of Sasikumar’s film Subramaniapuram with great enthusiasm, watching the very first show on opening day; ever since then, we had harbored a desire to work with him.
A Madurai backdrop and Sasikumar in the lead—yet no aruval (sickle), no knives, and no bloodshed—was the initial thought that crossed our minds. However, a conversation of just a few minutes with Sasikumar reveals that he is the perfect fit for the character of Moosa Rasa. He is an incredibly warm, humble, and soft-spoken person.
From the moment work began on Vadhandhi Season 2, we were constantly pleasantly surprised. Whether it was the story, the characters, or the music—every aspect brought us joy.
After the release of Vadhandhi Season 1, Director Andrews took considerable time to craft the screenplay for Season 2. This was actually the third story draft he completed for the season, which explains why Season 2 is arriving four years after the first.
Speaking about the project, Director Andrew Louis remarked, “Vadhandhi Season 1 was an organic success.” When Vadhandhi Season 2 was subsequently announced, anticipation for it skyrocketed.
Lifting a stone when no one is watching is no feat; the real challenge lies in lifting it while everyone is watching. I believe my true challenge lay not in directing Season 1—when there were no prior expectations—but in directing and ensuring the success of Season 2 amidst such high expectations.
Before submitting the story to Amazon Prime Video, I presented it to directors Pushkar and Gayatri. They constantly encouraged me to keep adding fresh, innovative elements. Once the screenplay was finalized, I was shielded from the difficulties of the process, as I focused solely on creation while they handled the coordination and integration of all aspects. I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to them.
During the production phase, the workload was equivalent to shooting three feature films. Everyone involved—not just the producers but the entire team—offered their full cooperation and dedication to make this happen.
When viewers watch the series, they will be fully immersed in the world of Vadhandhi Season 2. However, creating that world required a continuous 43-day shoot across Madurai, Karaikudi, Ramanathapuram, and Trichy.
They worked for 18 hours a day. Everyone was confident that Vadhandhi Season 2 would turn out well, and I thank them all for that.
I want to thank SJ Suryah for the massive success of Vadhandhi Season 1. The way he handled his character in the first season left an indelible mark on the audience’s minds.
When I approached Sasikumar with the story for Vadhandhi Season 2, I hadn’t yet finished writing the full script. I met him in Madurai and narrated the story; he agreed to act in it immediately, without any hesitation. He then asked me to return only after completing the entire screenplay. Once he agreed to the role, I began writing the character of Moosa Rasa specifically for him—this became the major difference between Season 1 and Season 2.
I must also mention music composer Simon. The music for Vadhandhi Season 1 is distinct from that of Season 2. In a way, he is a storyteller too; when I watch an episode of this series with my eyes closed, the music itself tells the story. He possesses such immense artistic finesse. I would like to express my gratitude to him at this moment as well.”
Speaking on the occasion, actor Sasikumar said:
“The director met me in Madurai and narrated the story of Vadhandhi 2. Upon hearing the title, I assumed I would be playing the character ‘Mani.’ Given the Madurai connection, people usually envision me as a rowdy—like in Kutti Puli. I have acted in over 30 films, yet no one had ever thought to cast me as a police officer. I asked the director two or three times to clarify: ‘Am I playing Mani, or the police officer Moosa Rasa?’ He confirmed that I was indeed playing the police officer, Moosa Rasa.” “Since the story was set in Madurai and cast me as a police officer rather than a rowdy, I listened to the entire script. If this character has turned out so brilliantly, it is entirely due to Director Andrew’s hard work.
When I thought of playing a police officer, I imagined walking around majestically in the uniform. However, the director insisted that I shouldn’t act like that; he wanted me to be natural. He would constantly remind me that the character was just an ordinary policeman from Madurai. I also liked the story itself—it’s about a police officer fighting to save an innocent person. The narrative of Vadhandhi Season 2 unfolds from the police officer’s perspective.
In most investigative thrillers released so far, the tension usually revolves around catching the criminal. But in this series, the focus is on the poor hero—the tension lies in the police officer trying to find the real culprit and exonerate him.
Moreover, Vadhandhi Season 1, starring S.J. Suryah, was a massive hit. While this series is unrelated to the first, it offers something fresh. I believe that after this web series is released, I will end up playing many more police roles.
I found it quite challenging to play this character. During the shoot, if I even smiled slightly, the director would remind me that ‘Moosa Rasa’ wouldn’t smile. It was a bit difficult for the first two days of filming, but I got used to it after that. While playing this role, I simply did exactly what the director asked of me.”
Actor Vivek Prasanna said:
“When working with a dream producer and a dream director, the acting comes naturally to us. Everything is already laid out on paper; on the set, all we have to do is follow the director’s instructions.” “Working on a Pushkar-Gayathri production is a joy for everyone involved. They embrace, care for, and show genuine affection toward the entire team.
In my opinion, Director Andrew is one of the finest writers in India. Reading his writing and scripts always delights me. However, he wouldn’t send the script for the eighth episode until the very last minute—often the day before the shoot—even though I was eagerly waiting for it.
There are high expectations for Season 2 of Vadhandhi, surpassing even those for Season 1, and I am confident that this season will live up to them,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, actor Yashwanth said:
“Producers Pushkar and Gayathri treated newcomers like me with respect, teaching us so much and guiding our performances. Everyone on their team offered excellent guidance, and I am grateful to them all.
Director Andrew didn’t just give me an opportunity through Vadhandhi; he gave me a whole new life. I thank him as well. The character I play in this series is substantial. I wasn’t sure if a newcomer would ever be entrusted with such a significant role and the creative freedom that comes with it. I want to thank the director once again for that opportunity. I have also sung a song for this project, and I thank the music composer for giving me that chance.”
Actress Aparna Das said:
“After the movie DaDa, in Tamil…”
“I had been waiting for the right story to act in. That was when Director Andrew Louis narrated the story of this film to me. I loved it. Among the roles I have played so far, the character ‘Sumaiya’ stands out as unique, interesting, and delightful. The entire filming experience was unforgettable.
Sasikumar has a massive fan base across Kerala—especially for the way he nods his head in the song ‘Kangal Irandal’—and I am one of them. I had long dreamed of acting alongside him, and that dream has come true with this project. I thank him for that. Vadhandhi Season 2 releases on August 7th. I hope you will shower even more love and support on this second season than you did on the first,” she said.
Actress Anagha Maruthora said:
“I thank the director for giving me the opportunity to play the character ‘Leelavathi’ in this series. Initially, I was hesitant to take on the role, but Director Andrew explained the character to me, convinced me, and got me on board. It was only later that I realized how significant my contribution to the series was. Everyone wants to work with producers Pushkar and Gayatri because their office feels like a second family to us.
This is the second time I am working with Sasikumar sir, following the film Garudan, and that alone brings me great joy.”
Music composer Simon K. King said:
“While composing for Vadhandhi Season 1 and Season 2, the tagline associated with each season was what really caught my attention. Season 1 was titled ‘The Fable of Veloni,’ while Season 2 is ‘The Mystery of Mani’—that is how I perceived the Vadhandhi (rumor/mystery) aspect.
Season 1 featured a different story and a different landscape.” “The music for it will be distinct. Season 2 features a different story and a different setting; consequently, the music will also be unique.
Both seasons of Vadhandhi are deeply rooted in human emotions, and the music we have composed reflects that. I hope you enjoy it.
While Vadhandhi Season 1 did not feature any songs, Season 2 includes two tracks. This is sure to be a highlight for fans. Through this, we have also introduced lyricist Mani Romeo,” he said.
The web series Vadhandhi Season 2: The Mystery of Mani premieres in Tamil on August 7 on Prime Video, India’s leading entertainment platform. Additionally, the series will be available via dubbing in Telugu and Hindi, and with subtitles in over 15 languages (including English), streaming exclusively across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.