Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Sept 25: Acclaimed actor Ramesh Aravind, known for his versatile roles and clean image, takes on a completely new avatar in his 106th film, ‘Daiji’. The teaser of the film, directed by Akash Srivatsa, was recently unveiled, revealing an intense, dark tone that hints at a gripping thriller-horror experience.
Best known for directing the "Shivaji Surathkal" detective thriller series, Akash Srivatsa now teams up with Ramesh for the third time, with ‘Daiji’ promising a psychological edge unlike conventional horror flicks. Their earlier collaborations were widely praised for offering cerebral storytelling and strong character arcs.
Producer Ravi Kashyap, sharing insights into the origin of the story, said: “Ten years ago, I had narrated this story to director Akash Srivatsa. The idea is based on a real incident I witnessed while abroad. I’m grateful to the technicians and artistes who have brought it to life exactly as I had envisioned it.”
According to Srivatsa, the casting of Ramesh Aravind was central to the film’s development.“Ramesh Aravind felt like the perfect fit for the lead, and he instantly connected with the story. He plays the character ‘Surya’, while Radhika Narayan portrays ‘Bhoomi’. Actor Diganth joins the cast as ‘Gagan’, Surya’s younger brother,” he said.
The film’s title itself is rooted in folklore, Srivatsa explained: “‘Daiji’ refers to a spirit deity — a ghost god — an element drawn from spiritual beliefs. The trailer will be released soon, and we are targeting a theatrical release either by the end of this year or in early 2026.”
Ramesh Aravind, speaking about the project, shared his enthusiasm: “This isn’t your run-of-the-mill horror film. The story is layered, and Akash has brought a fresh narrative structure to the genre. I’ve acted in ten films under the legendary K. Balachander, and I look forward to continuing that same creative energy with Akash.”
“I really enjoy Diganth’s vibrance and screen presence, and I had the opportunity to act alongside international artistes in this film, which added a unique dimension,” he added.
The film also features director-actor B M Giriraj in a key role. Shrish Kooduvalli handles the cinematography, while Jude Sandy scores the background music. Editing is being done by Akash Srivatsa himself.