The internet sequence, Ayyana Mane, starring Khushee Ravi, Akshya Nayak and Manasi Sudheer is written and directed by Ramesh Indira. “I play an innocent girl, Jaaji, who marries Dushyantha (played by Akshya Nayak) to become part of the sprawling Ayyana Mane household,” says Khushee.
“Jaaji values traditions, family values but is also curious and starts digging into the family’s past, which leads to many discoveries and the family’s dark secrets come tumbling out. Will she get embroiled in the darkness she discovers or not forms the crux of the story.”
Khushee, who has simply returned to Bengaluru, submit the completion of taking pictures is a identified title in Kannada movie and theatre circles. She additionally performed the titular function within the 2020 Kannada movie, Dia, and gained accolades for portraying a brooding introvert. The movie, launched on digital platforms through the pandemic, was one of probably the most seen movies of the time.
Khushee made her characteristic movie debut with the Kannada movie The Great Story of Sodabuddi, in 2016 and went on to behave in movies akin to Spooky College, Nakshe, and the Telugu movie, Pindam.
Set within the Nineties, Ayyana Mane is shot in Chikamagalur and showcases native tradition. Khushee describes Ayyana Mane as a thriller thriller with a touch of the paranormal. The six episode sequence is the primary commissioned Kannada internet sequence, Khushee says. “Here is hoping that there will be many more.”
Working with Ramesh Indira, whose title is synonymous with Kannada serials and cinema, Khushee says was a breeze. “I always wanted to work with him as I was familiar with his work. Even if you are unprepared but know your lines, he will make sure to bring out the best in you.”
It is nice to work with a director who has absolute readability about what they need from an actor, says Khushee. “Ramesh’s fame with Sapta Sagaradaache Ello, where he plays the antagonist,put him in the spotlight as an actor. I had seen his work as a director and a writer and now to see him on screen as an actor, was mind-boggling.”
Ramesh being adept in all these roles, makes him a director par excellence, Khushee says. “I was thrilled when he offered me the role in Ayyana Mane.”
Ramesh’s writing is powerful, says Khushee. “Women always take the centre stage in his stories, be it his films, serials or a web series, like Ayyana Mane.”
Khushee, who nonetheless reels from the success of Dia, says, “I owe everything to the film and its director, KS Ashoka. To be identified with a character portrayed on screen even after five years, only shows how much people have connected with the story.”
However, Khushee says, “It is time to keep that aside and create some new stories and characters with which I again hope to create the same impact. Dia is and will always remain special to me.”
Khushee, who’s working in different south Indian movies, says each movie business is particular. “Each has its own strengths and plus points. The added edge in the Telugu film industry is that they spoil you rotten on sets.”
Though right now she is within the highlight, Khushee is in no hurry so as to add numbers to her credit score and appears for significant roles and highly effective tales. This, she says, is as a result of she comes from a theatre background.
“I trained under B Jayashree and worked with her in Spandana theatre group. Theatre changes you from inside and out. In the end, all that matters is stories, characters and their powerful portrayals on screen. I knew in my heart that I would not thrive in a nine-to-five job. I knew that acting is something I always wanted to pursue.”
In cinema, she appears to be like ahead to the discharge of the Kannada movie Full Meals and Son of Muthanna.
Ayyana Mane is at present streaming on Zee5
Published – May 06, 2025 11:48 am IST
