‘Lucia’ Director Pawan Kumar Stars in ‘Shodha’
Pawan Kumar takes lead role in ZEE5’s Kannada series.
Renowned Kannada filmmaker Pawan Kumar, celebrated for his groundbreaking film Lucia, is stepping into the spotlight as the lead actor in ZEE5’s upcoming Kannada web series Shodha. Known for his directorial prowess, Kumar’s transition to a full-fledged acting role has generated buzz among fans and industry insiders alike.
Speaking to PTI, Kumar shared his excitement about the project, citing the script’s compelling plot and scope for performance as key reasons for taking on the role. “I was drawn to the script. It has a lot of room for performance, and I thought, why not?” he said. Shodha, a seven-episode series set to premiere on ZEE5 on August 22, marks a significant milestone in Kumar’s career as he embraces acting alongside his established reputation as a director and producer.
Kumar’s directorial journey began with the critically acclaimed dark comedy Lifeu Ishtene (2011), followed by the psychological thriller Lucia (2013), which revolutionized Kannada independent cinema. His 2016 film U-Turn was a commercial and critical hit, later remade in Tamil and Telugu in 2018 with Kumar directing both versions, and in Hindi under Balaji Telefilms. However, his 2023 Malayalam film Dhoomam, starring Fahadh Faasil, received a lukewarm response.
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While Kumar has dabbled in acting with a cameo in the 2023 Kannada comedy Hostel Hudugaru Bekagiddare and a role in the 2021 Telugu web series Kudi Yedamaithe, which he also directed, Shodha marks his first lead role. “I’ve acted here and there, but I still prefer directing. Playing the lead in Shodha is a new challenge,” he said.
Kumar praised ZEE5 for supporting original Kannada content, noting the platform’s recent launch of its first Kannada web series, Ayyane Mane, in April. “Convincing major streaming platforms to back Kannada content isn’t easy. As creators, we have a responsibility to keep the momentum going,” he said, explaining his decision to join Shodha when approached by director Sunil Mysuru, a former assistant on Lucia.
The series promises a vibrant collaboration, with Kumar expressing enthusiasm about working with a cast and crew he connects with. “We had fun putting this series together. Hopefully, the audience will love it too,” he added. Directed by Sunil Mysuru, Shodha is poised to showcase Kumar’s versatility and further elevate Kannada content on the global streaming stage.
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