Aditya Devulapally is the director behind Dhandha, a vertical series emerging from Chai Shots. It has taken the internet by storm. Garnering glowing reviews and widespread acclaim, Dhandha isn't just another digital release; it is a masterclass in modern, rapid-fire entertainment.
In a candid interaction, Aditya opened up about his journey, his creative process, and why microdramas might just be the hardest nut to crack in visual media.
From Engineering Dropout to 100% Outsider
Aditya’s journey to the director’s chair was anything but conventional. Despite being an academic topper, his heart was set on cinema from a young age. Driven by passion, he made the radical decision to drop out of engineering. "I am a 100% outsider," Aditya clarifies. "A lot of people claim they are, but they are somehow related to someone in the industry. I am not."
Equipped with a basic camera gifted by his supportive family, he pursued Journalism and Mass Communication at St. Mary’s College. Under the mentorship of his professor, Amrit sir, he immersed himself in world cinema, absorbing French and English classics. His stint in journalism helped him build crucial industry contacts, eventually leading him to pitch a violent, raw narrative to Anurag from Chai Biscuit.
The Genesis of Dhandha: Ego-Free Collaboration
While the original concept of Dhandha was penned by Vijay Kumar, Aditya saw massive potential to shape it into something punchier. He rewrote the narrative, contributing nearly 40% of new material to bring completeness to the story. "I have no ego about giving Vijay writing credit, and neither does he," Aditya shares. "I love directors like Puri Jagannadh, Ram Gopal Varma, and Upendra. When I read Dhandha, I saw my raw style in it."
The result? Universal acclaim. The series hasn't received a single negative review, with audiences and top industry stalwarts praising its relentless pacing, stylish visuals, and crisp music.
Why Microdramas Are Harder Than Mainstream Films
Transitioning to the vertical format requires a complete overhaul of traditional filmmaking rules. Aditya believes the microdrama space demands far more precision than standard silver-screen projects. "In vertical storytelling, every scene must feel like a climax," Aditya explains. "In regular films, highs and lows come at intervals, but in vertical format, there is no time for setup."
He boldly asserts that 80% of great movie directors might fail if they attempt a microdrama simply due to the intense pacing required to keep modern audiences hooked. Vertical content demands instant gratification, forcing filmmakers to grab attention within seconds.
A Bespoke Vision: Music, Visuals, and Technical Perfection
Aditya is a director who prefers a hands-on approach to every technical detail, from camera lenses to color palettes. The Visual Style: Cinematographer Aswin Lenin designed the series’ unique color palette inspired directly by currency notes, pairing it with high-end lenses to elevate the visual scale. The Soundscape: Music composer Rishi M crafted a standout score, with most of the music finished even before shooting commenced. Aditya praises Rishi as "a crazy new talent that TFI desperately needs."
The series also features a clever homage to director S.S. Rajamouli. Being a fan without direct access to the legend, Aditya incorporated an official cybercrime awareness video featuring Rajamouli as a stylistic tribute within the show.
Casting Success and the Core Characters
The casting choices for Dhandha played a massive role in its success. Dora Sai Teja was cast as Aravind, delivering a performance that Aditya describes as "1000% committed." Despite initial hesitation surrounding Teja due to public chatter, meeting him in person convinced Aditya of his dedication and talent. Joining Teja is actor Nithin Prasanna, alongside Akshara as Neeru, both fitting into the gritty world seamlessly.
The dialogues were heavily influenced by Aravind's unique backstory, a character raised in a library.
Social Impact Wrapped in Pure Entertainment
While Dhandha is built to provide raw entertainment, it carries a crucial social message regarding the rising threat of cybercrime. "Cyber criminals are looting thousands of crores, yet we struggle to catch them. Even a simple OTP can lead to huge losses," Aditya notes.
The Road Ahead: 'Watch It to Know Gen Z Mass'
Aditya credits his mother for his relentless drive, even incorporating her favorite belief into the series: "A stubborn man is stronger than a king." His father, a fan of heist media like Money Heist, accurately predicted the series' success right after the first narration.
For those yet to experience the series, Aditya has a simple message: "If you want to know what Gen Z mass feels like, watch Dhandha. Start watching by underestimating microdrama, and my series will change your opinion."
With Dhandha establishing his signature style, Aditya is already busy writing his next feature, which is a gritty story centered around a 50-year-old criminal.
