Khushee Ravi on ‘Ayyana Mane’: Thriller with a touch of supernatural

Khushee Ravi on ‘Ayyana Mane’, a Kannada original on OTT

The web series, 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 just returned to Bengaluru, post the completion of shooting is a known name in Kannada film and theatre circles. She also played the titular role in the 2020 Kannada film, Dia, and won accolades for portraying a brooding introvert. The film, released on digital platforms during the pandemic, was one of the most viewed films of the time.

Khushee made her feature film debut with the Kannada film The Great Story of Sodabuddi, in 2016 and went on to act in films such as Spooky College, Nakshe, and the Telugu film, Pindam.

Set in the 1990s, Ayyana Mane is shot in Chikamagalur and showcases local culture. Khushee describes Ayyana Mane as a mystery thriller with a touch of the paranormal. The six episode series is the first commissioned Kannada web series, Khushee says. “Here is hoping that there will be many more.”

Working with Ramesh Indira, whose name 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 great to work with a director who has absolute clarity about what they want 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.”