Director Prashant Pandiyaraj Explains Why He Took on the Lead Role in His Series Warrant

Mumbai, May 23: The South Indian web series industry is no longer limited to regional audiences; it is gaining recognition across the country. Among the latest buzz is a new rural crime series titled ‘Warrant.’ What sets this series apart is that director Prashant Pandiyaraj has stepped into the acting realm for the first time.

Previously known for his storytelling behind the camera, Prashant is now taking center stage. In an exclusive interview, he shared his reasons for becoming an actor and how this opportunity arose.

Speaking about the series, Prashant Pandiyaraj stated, “When I wrote the story for this series, I realized that it needed a completely fresh face for the lead character. The audience should not have any preconceived notions about the actor. If a well-known actor played the role, viewers would inevitably compare them to their previous characters. This is why the team was searching for someone the audience did not already know. It was crucial to maintain the story’s authenticity.”

He added, “I didn’t have much time to choose an actor. The entire team had to select someone quickly, prepare them for the role, and complete the shooting. Director Vignesh Natarajan was looking for someone who didn’t necessarily look like a typical police officer, as the story revolves around a constable who is initially deemed unfit for the job but later proves himself.”

Prashant continued, “When Vignesh saw me, he felt my personality matched the character. He then suggested I lose some weight and try acting. Initially, it was a new idea for me, but the G5 team also liked it, and that’s how I became the lead actor in this series.”

He shared that shooting began on January 5 and the series was released on May 22. The entire series was completed in just a few months. Initially, the team planned for seven episodes, but as the story progressed, they realized that an additional episode was necessary to portray the narrative effectively. Consequently, it was expanded to eight episodes. The OTT platform G5 showed complete trust in them and provided full creative freedom.

When asked whether he prefers directing or acting, he smiled and said, “I enjoy both immensely. Directing is my identity, but the experience of acting has been very special. Therefore, I want to continue working both behind and in front of the camera.”