Kannada actress Kushee Ravi is poised to embrace the enchantment of acting once more. Her initial taste of this magic came with the release of "Dia" in 2020, a film that garnered positive reception during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting on that experience in a relaxed conversation with Hindustan Times, she remarked, “We were merely experimenting. None of us anticipated that Dia would achieve such remarkable success.” Now, she is set to embark on a new journey with Zee5’s inaugural original Kannada web series, "Ayyana Mane," scheduled for release on April 25.

Although Kushee is married to Rakesh Kumar and has a daughter, she does not conform to the traditional image of a '90s housewife. Nevertheless, she relished the opportunity to portray such a character, as it provided her with a fresh challenge as an actress. “My character, Jaaji, is an introverted, loving, and innocent individual who holds deep respect for tradition,” Kushee explains. She adds, “The web series delves into her experiences as she transitions to her in-laws' home as a newlywed, where her curiosity begins to surface.”

Kushee was particularly attracted to this project because it allowed her to explore a ‘vintage role’ for the first time. “Director Ramesh Indira is also a talented actor, and his work consistently features strong female characters, which is significant to me at this point in my career. I watched several films from the ‘90s to grasp how Jaaji would behave and speak. However, portraying her was effortless, as Ramesh guided me through every nuance of her character. I found myself falling, running, and shouting while wearing a saree, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!” she shares.

Kushee notes that Jaaji in "Ayyana Mane" is a stark contrast to her character in "Dia." “You know how heroines are often expected to be beautiful and smiling? I remember questioning my director (KS Ashoka) about who would relate to Dia, as she is perpetually crying and facing challenges in her life. She appears quite dull as well. However, I’m pleased to admit I was mistaken,” she states, adding, “While Ayyana Mane may showcase me in a completely different light, I aspire for it to be as groundbreaking as Dia was.”

Why 2025 is Kushee Ravi’s year

While Dia received a positive reception during its theatrical release, the reviews that followed its debut on Prime Video told a different tale. Its success was significant enough to inspire remakes in Telugu as Dear Megha, in Hindi as Dear Dia, and in Marathi as Sari. "Before the lockdown, Kannada films were primarily for Karnataka audiences, unless they featured well-known stars. Dia was the film that transcended these limitations, earning praise from notable figures like Mani Ratnam and Rajkumar Hirani," states Kushee.

Although the actor acknowledges the benefits of going viral through OTT platforms, she maintains that theatrical appeal remains crucial for those aspiring to achieve success in the film industry. "Attracting audiences to theaters has become increasingly challenging. When a smaller film is released, many people think they can simply watch it on OTT later. Thus, while having a digital revenue stream is advantageous, it also presents challenges. Ultimately, nothing surpasses box office earnings," she asserts.

What are her future plans for establishing her presence in the film industry? "I have five projects scheduled for this year," Kushee shares with enthusiasm, adding, "These include Full Meals and Son of Mutthana, as well as a female anthology featuring Roshini Prakash and other actors. This will be my first experience shooting with sync sound in an experimental film centered on two characters during a babymoon. I am determined to make this my year!"

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