Vijay Raghavendra to play a vulnerable cop in upcoming web series Rakshasa: Playing this character was challenging and quite a journey for me as an actor

Kannada actor Vijay Raghavendra is all set to make his web series debut with Rakshasa, and the actor says the project came to him at a time when he was consciously inclined towards exploring the OTT space. Directed by Tharun Sudheer, the series blends crime, psychology and elements of the supernatural, rooted in the cultural and social landscape of North Karnataka. Speaking to ETimes exclusively, Vijay shares what drew him to the project. “Initially, I was excited because I was approached for a web series. I had been inclined towards exploring this space lately. And when it came from my dear friend Tharun Sudheer, that was an added plus. The script was amazing. It had the tinge of North Karnataka in its soul. It felt special to be part of a dialect and cultural setting that we don’t often get to explore in depth.” The actor adds that the emotional and cultural texture of the region played a big role in shaping his performance. “Usually, people connect with the way I speak and the image they associate with me, and I can’t completely disconnect from that. But this series is set in North Karnataka, where the culture, the rhythm of speech and the lifestyle are different. Shooting there makes a big difference. Being in that atmosphere, observing the people, the land and the energy around helped me bridge the gap between being myself and becoming the character. Location does half the acting for you.” In Rakshasa, Raaghu, as he is beloved called, plays a cop, but he says this character is very different from the lawmen he has portrayed earlier. “All this while, when I played cops, they usually had an upper hand over the circumstances. They were in control. But here, it’s very different. This cop is dominated by circumstances and, at times, even by the people around him. He is vulnerable, conflicted and constantly struggling to hold his ground. Playing this character was challenging and, honestly, quite a journey for me as an actor.” On the creative freedom he received while building the role, Vijay says the director gave him space to explore the character’s emotional layers. “When you play someone who is constantly affected by the crime around him and by the environment he lives in, you can’t approach it superficially. As an actor, I bring in my experiences and emotional understanding. Tharun had a very clear vision of the world of Rakshasa, but he also gave me a huge canvas to explore the depth of the character. We had detailed discussions about his fears, his moral compass, and his inner conflicts. That freedom helped me perform with more honesty.” The actor says the theme of belief versus instinct made the series relatable to him on a personal level. “There are people who believe only in what they can see. Then there are people who believe in the existence of good and evil, God and demon. I feel there’s a small bridge between these two worlds, and that bridge is instinct. I believe somewhere in between. This series plays in that space, between reality and the unseen, and that made it very relatable for me. It makes you question how much of what we experience is rational and how much of it is beyond logic.” When asked if he had to mentally prepare himself for the emotionally heavy journey of the series, the actor mentions, “Yes, I did prepare myself mentally. Every scene needed a certain amount of preparation. It was like carrying a torchlight in the dark — I had to constantly remind myself of who this character is, what he is going through and where he is emotionally at that point in the story. The headspace stays with you even after pack-up.” One particular scene continues to stay with him. “There’s a scene where the character is completely helpless. He doesn’t want to give up on what he has sworn to do, but everything around him is collapsing. That moment of helplessness, of wanting to hold on to your oath when the world is crushing you, was very intriguing to perform. Those are the scenes that drain you emotionally but stay with you for a long time.” Talking about the difference between acting for web series and films, Vijay says the medium doesn’t change the core of performance. “Acting is reacting to people and situations, irrespective of the screen. Whether it’s a web series or a film, the process of acting remains the same. Of course, the format allows you to explore a character over a longer arc in a series, which gives more room for detailing and layering. But the honesty of performance remains the same.” On whether OTT platforms are allowing actors to explore darker and more layered characters, Vijay agrees with a balanced perspective. “Yes, OTT has definitely opened up that space. There is more room to explore grey zones, darker emotions and layered personalities. But personally, I also believe there has to be a sense of responsibility. It depends on the target audience and the intention of the story. I am a believer in balance. You can explore darkness, but it should serve the story and not just exist for shock value. As an actor, I want to expand my horizons, but I also want to be mindful of what I am saying through my work.” The actor feels the OTT boom has been largely beneficial for the Kannada industry. “OTT has given tremendous scope for our industry, for actors, writers, technicians, directors, everyone. There is so much more work happening now. Stories that may not have found space in theatres are finding a voice on digital platforms. It’s creating opportunities across departments.” He adds that OTT should be seen as an extension of cinema, not competition. “OTT has become more of a comfort than a competition. It came in when people wanted to explore more kinds of content. It’s not about one medium replacing the other; it’s an extension. The audience is growing, and their appetite for stories is growing too. That’s a good sign for the industry.” Vijay is currently juggling multiple releases, with Rakshasa releasing around the same time as the second phase of his film Seetharam Binoy. “I am overwhelmed right now. The second phase of my movie Seetharam Binoy is also releasing along with Rakshasa. I’m trying not to overthink it. I just want to stay blank and let things unfold.” Reflecting on his journey, he signs off on a philosophical note: “Life has been kind and testing. I’m grateful for the love and the opportunities, and I’m also learning from the challenges. At this stage, I just want to keep doing honest work and grow with every project.”