Ramesh Aravind’s Shivaji Surathkal: The Mysterious Case of Maayavi gets festive release

In 2020, Kannada filmmaker Akash Srivatsa introduced audiences to his version of Sherlock Holmes with Shivaji Surathkal, a slightly eccentric and temperamental detective, played with aplomb by Ramesh Aravind. From the beginning, Akash was clear that he intended to turn it into a franchise, with each instalment not only unravelling a new mystery, but also delving deeper into who and what the protagonist is and the circumstances leading to why he is the way he is.

The first film was earmarked as Case no: 101, a nod to the fact that it was Ramesh’s 101stfilm as an actor as well. When the sequel was announced, they’d said it would be Case no: 103, also because it was Ramesh’s 103rd film, but the latest is that The Mysterious Case of Maayavi transpires six years after the events of the first and is his 131st case. In an earlier conversation with OTTplay, Ramesh had said that a much more sober version of Shivaji would be seen in the sequel, as he’s been receiving treatment and taking medication to calm his nerves. A teaser that the team had released to announce the start of the project hinted at ghosts and the paranormal being a main part of the narrative.

The film, produced by Anup Gowda and Rekha KN, is now ready for release, and the team has zeroed in on April 14 as its date with audiences. April 14 is also when Vijay Anthony's Pichaikaran 2 and Samantha’s Shakunthalam are coming to theatres, as it is a festive weekend. Last year, it was Rocking Star Yash who took up the challenge of clashing with Vijay’s Beast at the box office.

Shivaji Surathkal 2 has Radhika Narayan returning to play his late wife, while Meghana Gaonkar joins the cast as the protagonist’s superior office.