All set to captivate the audience with her fantasy drama, Yakshini, Vedhika, ahead of the release, interacts with The Pioneer, speaking of her character and what captivated her about getting onboard for the project.
SHIKHA DUGGAL
As we prepare for significant Telugu releases this year, turn to OTT platforms to watch some of the hottest Telugu web series. From edgy and atmospheric horror films to poignant coming-of-age dramas, there’s a film for everyone. One of them is actress Vedhika’s opulent, captivating fantasy drama, Yakshini.
Teja Marni directs this slow-burning series, which perfectly combines folklore and romance. Yakshini narrates the story of Maya, a spirit who was doomed to live among mankind as punishment for a heinous deed. She sets off on a mission to sacrifice 100 men to save her people, but her resolve wavers when she meets Krishna, a kind-hearted young man. The series will release on Disney+ Hotstar on June 14!
And as the release date approaches, we get to speak with Vedhika for an exclusive interview in which she begins by saying, “I am playing the role of Maya. As soon as I read this phrase in my script reading sessions that my character is actually cursed by God, it immediately drew me in. I am very excited to be a part of a series that depicts mythical characters who have previously existed in our tradition. You will see characteristics of a “temple guard” who is both sensuous and attractive. That piqued my interest, too.”
Yakshini’s story is entirely fictitious. However, Vedhika points out, “Although it is entirely imaginary, my filmmaker has effectively combined it with mystical elements that complement the plot of Yakshini. Our audience is extremely modern, so I am convinced they will be able to connect with both aspects of Yakshini.”
Vedhika was really excited to be on the board because Yakshini combined so many genres. Of course, there would have been challenges, as mentioned by the lead actress. For example, in the interview, she stated, “I had to empathise with Maya’s character rather than sympathise with her. Then I was meant to provide my own interpretations! I attempted to include my personal emotions into it to make it more realistic for you all.”
She shed some information on her director, Teja Marni, who is helming Yakshini, saying, “Everything went very well with no compromises! He wasn’t rushing to finish this series; his main goal was to authentically present the socio-fantasy genre to cinegoers. Because it’s a really difficult genre to handle, as I saw on the Yakshini sets!”
“I had more dramatic moments over lighter ones; other cast members had lighter scenes to perform, but I had to be really intense in Yakshini. My character could not have been white or black. This time, I’m trying to take you all away from reality, and I adore how cinema allows me to do that,” adds Vedhika, who seemed genuinely engaged in the interview talking about her character Maya.
Vedhika further mentioned, “We used CGI and VFX extensively, and I shot on green screen! Arka Media went all out to make Yakshini look like a spectacular series. That made me even more delighted to be in my own dream world. Even an action sequence in our web series relied heavily on the script writer’s imagination. I believe that is Yakshini’s primary selling point.”
Coming to the end of the interview, Vedhika believes that the audience may really relate to her character Maya’s heroism! “My character isn’t weak at all and a part like this is truly a career milestone for me. Arka Media brought Baahubali to the globe, so what makes you think I would have turned down this script? Nah!”
There’s no doubt that the fans are quite enthusiastic to see Vedhika, and what better way to accomplish so than with a wholesome fantasy series like this? The first-look poster for Yakshini was unveiled newly. This series is being produced by Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni, the same people who made Baahubali popular. Yakshini is the third collab between Disney+ Hotstar and Arka Media Works, following the success of Parampara 1 and 2. Vedhika was recently seen in the period action-drama Razakar!
