Shruti Naidu, a well-known producer in the Kannada TV serial scene, has created some of Zee Kannada's top shows from 2008 to 2020, including hits like Yaare Nee Mohini, Brahmagantu, and Shreerastu Shubhamasthu. So, when she got the chance to explore something new while still staying within her content creation comfort zone, she eagerly took it. Shruti has now produced Zee Network’s first original Kannada web series, Ayyana Mane, set to premiere on Zee5 on April 25.

“I really needed a change because I was feeling burnt out from just doing television. It was quite stressful. The issue with shifting to cinema is the current uncertainty in the Kannada film industry, which makes it hard for creators to feel confident about investing in new projects. I was at a crossroads, unsure of my next move when the Network approached me with the idea of developing a Kannada original mini-series,” Shruti shares.

Ayyana Mane, created and helmed by Ramesh Indira

She then reached out to filmmaker and actor Ramesh Indira, who had directed many of her successful TV series and the film Premier Padmini, to create a story that would resonate with the network. “Web shows are a whole new territory for us, so we asked the network what they were looking for to help guide our development. They provided us with some insights, and from that, Ramesh crafted a basic storyline that got the green light. We received a work order for seven episodes, all of which Ramesh wrote. They were pleased with the screenplay, but then the budget became a concern,” Shruti explains.

The producer of Ayyana Mane emphasizes that compromising on quality was never an option, despite facing budget limitations. She believes the team did their utmost within those constraints, stating, “People often think that creators struggle to deliver quality Kannada content. I aimed to change that perception and provide the highest quality possible within our means. Since Zee5 was just starting to offer Kannada content, the budget was quite tight. I was determined to meet the demands of the subject, no matter what.”

Shruti Naidu: Steering clear of another typical series with Ayyana Mane

Shruti mentions that filming in outdoor locations pushed them to their limits, but it was essential to capture the authentic look and feel of the house central to the story. “We needed an old Malnad-style mansion, which we couldn’t replicate on a set, so we traveled to Chikkamagaluru for those scenes. Now that I see the final result, I’m really pleased,” she shares. However, the bigger challenge, according to Shruti, was convincing viewers that Ayyana Mane wasn’t just another typical serial. To achieve this, she advised Ramesh to assemble a crew of technicians experienced in cinema, ensuring top-notch video and audio quality.

Ayyana Mane is a crime thriller presented by Shruti and Ramesh, featuring a touch of the supernatural. The story unfolds within a single house, showcasing a diverse cast of characters, each with their own backstory. While crafting an engaging narrative and fleshing out each family member, the duo has made sure to keep the pacing tight, avoiding any unnecessary distractions from the main plot. “We initially created 7 episodes but have now reduced it to 6, with the possibility of trimming it further for a more concise viewing experience. We understand that audience attention spans are short, so we focused on delivering only what’s essential to the story,” she explains, noting that each episode runs for about 18-20 minutes.

The team hopes that the feedback from Kannada viewers regarding the story, screenplay, and direction will help Ayyana Mane gain traction and attract an audience beyond Karnataka. The series features a talented cast, including Kushee Ravi, Akshya Nayak, Ramesh Indira, Vijay Shobraj, Anirudh Acharya, Archana Kottige, Manasi Sudheer, and Hitha Chandrashekar, among others.

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