TIL Desk Entertainment/ Inspired by true events, Raktanchal 2 is a 9-episodic political-drama set in a backdrop of revenge, deceit and power games at the behest of its four main protagonists – Ramanand Rai (Ashish Vidyarthi), Vijay Singh (Kranti Prakash Jha), Waseem Khan (NikitinDheer) and Saraswati Devi (Mahie Gill). Directed by Ritam Srivastav, it also stars Karan Patel and Soundarya Sharma in pivotal roles and brings alive the early 90s when the entire dynamics of UP politics was about to change.
Q. Raktanchal season 1 was a hit, and the audience appreciated your characters. Tell us more about this?
A. We are extremely happy that the audience loved season 1 of Raktanchal. For any actor, it’s a proud moment when the audience appreciates their hard work. We are grateful to our audiences and happy that the team at MX have decided to bring Raktanchal 2.
Q. When you first heard the story, what made you think you would be more suitable for Waseem Khan, or how did you pick this character?
A. I was offered the role of Waseem Khan, and I quite liked it. For Vijay Singh, I don’t think anybody could have done a better job than Kranti. I thought I could bring more to Waseem Khan and do justice to the role – the physique, vigor in dialogues, passion – all of it. Both of us are playing to our strengths.
Q. How did you adapt to the language of UP and how much time did it take?
A. Being born and brought up in Mumbai, it was quite challenging for me to put on that accent and say words that I have never used before. But with the help of the writers and star cast, I believe I’ve successfully managed to bring in the right flavour.
Q. Both Waseem and Vijay are strong characters, do you think the story would have been incomplete if the other role didn’t exist?
A. In the series, if Vijay didn’t exist, the story would have fallen flat. The anger they have for each other, the rivalry that’s highlighted in the series is the core of Raktanchal. The equation between the two where one is the Bahubali by choice and the other has been forced to be one is what drives the series.
Q. One unforgettable moment of the shoot ?
A. During the whole shooting, Kranti didn’t speak to me because Waseem and Vijay are enemies in the series. This helps Kranti in his process.
Q. Did you get any preference because of your father?
A. No, I have never got any preferences because of my father or grandfather. My love for cinema is the only inheritance I have got from him. And for me, there was never a Plan B.
Q. How are you enjoying the OTT platform?
OTT has given us a lot of name and recognition. It feels good when people recognize you for your work. OTT is an amazing platform because it provides employment, it provides a different channel to meet people, explore more and reach out to a wider audience.
Q. Your off-screen bonding with each other?
Due to the pandemic, most units could not spend much time with each other post-shoot. But I must say, nobody from the cast had ego issues. We used to get along with each other well. But the web series has some structure and track, scheme of events. So, Vijay and Wasim cannot collide so easily. Hence, we hardly have any tracks together. Our call times were different too. But overall, a great atmosphere at the location.
