When filmmaker duo Pushkar and Gayatri set out to create Suzhal: The Vortex, they never imagined that an unexpected stop at a Tamil Nadu festival would inspire their gripping crime series. Now, as the show returns for its second season on February 28 on Prime Video, the interplay of faith and crime remains at its core.

Pushkar and Gayatri’s fascination with cultural traditions stems from a visit to the Mayana Kollai festival in 2017. “We’d grown up there but had never heard of it. Our driver explained its mythology, and something clicked,” said Gayatri of the duo behind the hit Tamil and Hindi films ‘Vikram Vedha’

While the show’s narrative explores crime during festivals, the directors emphasize that their perspective on faith extends beyond religion. “It’s about faith in oneself, in a mentor, or even an idolised actor,” Gayatri explained.

The first season of Suzhal gained acclaim for its unique fusion of mythology, religious festivals, and investigative drama. Season 2 picks up from its tense climax—Nandini (Aishwarya Rajesh) faces an uncertain future in prison, while sub-inspector Sakkarai (Kathir) arrives in a mysterious village haunted by a dark history and an unexpected murder.

“Crime thrillers are a popular genre, but we wanted Suzhal to stand out,” Gayatri told PTI. “The festival angle, and the parallel between myth and reality, became the show’s defining feature.”

Pushkar believes the crime thriller genre has evolved significantly, citing influences like The Wire, Broadchurch, and Mare of Easttown. “A crime thriller written in the '90s won’t work today. As writers, you have to keep up with how the world changes.”

With Season 2 unfolding against the backdrop of the Ashtakaali festival, Suzhal: The Vortex continues to push storytelling boundaries. Meanwhile, Pushkar and Gayatri are already brainstorming a third season—and a feature film that breaks away from their crime and dark-comedy roots.