Exclusive: Karanvir Bohra Tells Us Why Time Travel Series ‘Bhanwar’ Is An Unachievable Feat
The series was shot entirely during the lockdown and the actors had to stay together on the same premises due to the restrictions!
A science-fiction thriller Bhanwar will be releasing on ZEE5 on August 18. A ZEE5 Original series starring the dashing Karanvir Bohra and Priya Banerjee is going to be one classic snackable series of just eight episodes. Do you think short length video content do not have a depth in the story? Bhanwar will prove you wrong! With a ghost house, a time travel machine and a serial murderer on the loose, Bhanwar is one of a kind! The series will also star the famous RJ-turned-actor Mantra, Karanvir Bohra’s wife Teejay Sidhu and production-whiz-turned-actor Payal Sodhi in pivotal roles. The series was entirely shot in lockdown and how did the cast and crew manage this with the limitations and the rules? Hear it from the producer-actor-director of Bhanwar – Karanvir Bohra!
Watch the trailer of the series here.
1. Why did you choose a sci-fi thriller genre?
Ans: The reason I chose a science-fiction genre, especially time travel was because I wanted the people to experience something new. If you see the Western shows, German shows, Italian shows even South Indian series and films, they are whipping up some amazing content. So I think it is high time that we make shows that push the boundary beyond reality and create something that is unique, untouched and leaves an impact!
2. What is it like being a director (since it is your debut)?
Ans: I don’t know, I can say only one thing that if I can direct, I think anybody can! Because all it takes is a little effort and a little bit of concentration and a vision. And I see that in this day and age there are so many social media platforms wherein people create their own videos from 30-second videos they can start creating 30-minute videos too, it is really not a big deal.
3. Why did you choose the name Bhanwar for this ZEE5 original series?
Ans: I chose the name Bhanwar because of the time-travel. So Bhanwar indicates a vortex, it indicates something to do with a whirlpool, it’s a wormhole. In the show, the characters travel through the wormhole and therefore the name seems apt for it.
4. How does it feel to have conquered such an amazing feat of completing an entire series during Lockdown?
Ans: I think the biggest feat that we have conquered is that we have shot the entire show during the lockdown, the actors have been amazing and understanding. They have also been so helpful. There has been so much of initiation and excitement from their side as well. Whether it is Priya Banerjee, my wife Teejay, Mantra, and my production, my right hand Payal Sodhi. She was not only production but I made her act as well as I needed someone to fill in a role. I am extremely thankful to Raju Gowli who is the DOP (cinematographer) for the series. I also have to mention that my backend team, Prashant Singh Rathore who is the editor did a phenomenal job. Arijit Dutta made a terrific background score and my sound designer Dheeraj was great too. The VFX team and the DI person Nikhil Jadhav were exceptional too. When you watch the show you will realise that it looks completely international. The VFX done by Parth Garjar looks kickass. And of course, my writer, Deepak Pachauri, and I created the idea of Bhanwar sitting at home.
5. What is your message for the audience?
Ans: I would say watch the series because it is an unachievable feat. Nobody did it during the lockdown, We did it!
Are you excited to witness Karanvir Bohra’s directorial debut Bhanwar on screen? Then get the ZEE5 Club Pack and access the show at just Re. 1/day!