The success of Dhandha has put director Aditya Devulapally in the spotlight. The cybercrime-based vertical series, produced by Chai Shots, has emerged as one of the most talked-about microdramas in the digital space, earning praise for its fast-paced storytelling and unique presentation.
Speaking about the journey behind the series, Aditya revealed that his passion for cinema began at a young age despite being academically strong. He said he made the bold decision to drop out of engineering to pursue filmmaking and later studied Mass Communication, where exposure to world cinema helped shape his creative vision. Calling himself a complete outsider, Aditya said he entered the industry without any film connections and gradually built his career through journalism before joining Chai Shots as a creative producer.
According to the filmmaker, Dhandha was originally written by Vijay Kumar, but he extensively reworked the script by reshaping several characters and strengthening the narrative. He said the series was designed to introduce a more cinematic style to vertical storytelling while keeping every episode engaging.
Aditya believes creating a microdrama is more challenging than making a mainstream feature film. He explained that unlike movies, where emotional highs can be reserved for interval blocks and climaxes, vertical storytelling demands that every scene captures the audience’s attention instantly. He even remarked that many successful film directors could struggle if they attempted the format because of its unique pacing and storytelling demands.
Reflecting on the overwhelming response to Dhandha, Aditya said the series has received widespread appreciation for its making, performances, music, and screenplay. He added that the team has been receiving encouraging feedback from audiences and members of the film industry, who praised the show’s gripping narration.
The director also spoke about casting Dora Sai Teja in the lead role. Although he initially had reservations, Aditya said meeting the actor changed his opinion completely. He described Teja as a dedicated performer with a clear long-term vision and praised his commitment throughout the project. He also appreciated actress Akshara’s performance and said the lead pair perfectly suited their characters.
Sharing details about the technical team, Aditya said cinematographer Aswin Lenin created a distinctive visual style inspired by currency notes, while composer Rishi M completed much of the music even before filming began. He credited both for helping him achieve the cinematic experience he had envisioned.
While Dhandha was primarily created as an entertainer, Aditya said he also wanted the series to raise awareness about cybercrime. By presenting the story through the perspective of cybercriminals, he hoped viewers would better understand the dangers of online fraud while enjoying the narrative.
One of the interesting moments in the interview came when Aditya addressed speculation about filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli’s appearance in the series. Laughing off the rumours, he clarified that Rajamouli did not make a cameo. Instead, the series used a previously released cybercrime awareness video featuring the legendary director as a tribute.
Looking ahead, Aditya confirmed that he is already working on his next project. He revealed that his upcoming story revolves around a 50-year-old criminal and said an official announcement is expected within the next two or three months.
After the success of Dhandha, Aditya Devulapally has quickly emerged as one of the promising young directors in the growing vertical storytelling space. With his bold filmmaking style and strong focus on engaging narratives, audiences will be watching closely to see what he delivers next.
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