Lucia director Pawan Kumar to play the lead in ‘Shodha’; premiere on August 22

Acclaimed Kannada filmmaker Pawan Kumar, best known for his cult

psychological thriller

Lucia, is stepping into a whole new role, that of the lead actor in the upcoming

web series

Shodha, which is set to premiere on August 22 on OTT.Over the years, Pawan has earned a strong reputation for crafting distinctive and thought-provoking stories with films like Manasaare, Pancharangi, and Lifeu Ishtene. With

Shodha

, he trades the director’s chair for the spotlight, marking a bold new chapter in his career.Reflecting on this transition, Pawan shared, “Acting in Shodha has been a completely new journey for me. Coming from writing and directing, stepping in front of the camera challenged me to explore emotions in a new way.”Though the makers are keeping the plot under wraps, the series is said to feature a gripping narrative layered with drama, suspense, and emotionally charged moments. Pawan’s deep understanding of storytelling is expected to enhance his performance, offering audiences a lead character shaped with precision and authenticity.

Shodha is part of a growing wave of

Kannada originals

making a mark on the OTT landscape, highlighting the industry’s shift towards high-quality, homegrown digital content. The move also reflects a creative trend where filmmakers are exploring new artistic avenues, breaking away from conventional roles.For audiences, the excitement lies not just in the story but in witnessing one of

Kannada cinema

’s most innovative directors bring his artistry in front of the lens. Early buzz suggests the series will be an immersive watch, blending cinematic finesse with the intimate engagement that web storytelling offers.With the premiere date drawing closer, Shodha is already one of the most anticipated Kannada OTT releases of the year, and Pawan Kumar’s transformation from director to leading man is set to be its biggest draw.