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Tag: Detective Boomrah

  • From being the ‘Bagheera’ among friends to becoming India’s favourite storyteller

    From being the ‘Bagheera’ among friends to becoming India’s favourite storyteller

    Mumbai: It is always heartwarming to see somebody create new footprints on the road to success and their life journey then becomes an enchanting tale for the next one striving to make it big. Sudhanshu Rai, storyteller, actor and filmmaker, is an affable name in such a list of people. Wearing multiple hats, what is even more amusing is the fact that he has created a place in people’s heart. A top Indian storyteller who can weave magic with his words, Sudhanshu Rai hypnotises you with the picture that he creates with his words and voice, a talent that has won him the title of India’s favourite storyteller. His live storytelling shows are widely considered as an excellent activity to entertain and engage creative minds, across schools, colleges, corporates as well as PSUs. Counted amongst the very few live storytellers of the country, he made a mark in a field where one can count on fingers the number of people who have succeeded.

    Hailing from a small village in Gorakhpur, Sudhanshu’s early childhood was seeped in dusty lanes where he lived the beautiful life, away from the madness of big cities. As a child, he loved watching the classic 90s animation show Jungle Book and then narrated tales to his friends. Telling them the ‘hidden truth’ that he is in fact Bagheera from the show and takes on human form during the day, the friends would listen in astonishment, without blinking their eyes. Such was his conviction that not for a second did anybody not believe him.

    With time he moved to Delhi for higher education and pursue his career. During his initial professional stints, he happened to work in the media, including as an RJ in radio, which made him well versed with the nuances of the audio format of media & entertainment. Subsequently driven by his spirit, he went on to take the entrepreneurial plunge and established a PR company, and at some point it appeared that the storyteller within had lost his way amid the hustles of life.

    But who can ignore a calling that comes from within? It was nearly six years ago when Sudhanshu decided to take up storytelling formally, and eventually launched his official YouTube channel where he would release his stories regularly. While initially his inspirational and motivational stories like Amber, Mangu Chitrkaar and Adhyapak Ram were liked by all, he soon became a sensation for mystery, thriller, sci-fi, horror and detective stories. Detective Boomrah, a character conceived by him, is widely considered to have revived the genre of detective storytelling. Some of his most captivating stories include The Killer, Sylvester’s Cottage, The Missing Mr Kwatrochi, The Possessed etc are enough to ravel you into a mystery or send chills down the spine. Besides, characters created by him, like Detective Boomrah and Doctor Shekhawat, have a fan following of their own.

    After getting established as one of India’s most renowned storytellers across channels including YouTube and social media, podcast streaming platforms, FM Radio etc, he took another leap of faith with his acting and directorial debut Chaipatti, a horror comedy loved for its unique concept. He then brought Detective Boomrah to screen where he played the title character. On a roll since then, he was also seen in Chintaa Mani. While the storyteller-actor is now set to be next seen in a sci-fi thriller feature film, which would mark the on-screen debut of Doctor Shekhawat too, the storyteller in him is unstoppable as he narrates tale after tale with enchanting conviction. The medium may change but the love for storytelling shall not.

  • “Storytelling has been a part of cultures across the world”

    “Storytelling has been a part of cultures across the world”

    Mumbai: On 20 March every year, people around the globe come together to celebrate World Storytelling Day. This occasion honors the art of storytelling and recognises its impact on societies throughout history. From ancient oral traditions to modern-day literature, storytelling has been a fundamental means of communication, education, and cultural preservation.

    At its core, storytelling is about sharing experiences, emotions, and ideas. Through narratives, we can explore different perspectives, empathize with others, and forge connections across cultures and generations. Whether conveyed through spoken word, written prose, visual imagery, or digital media, stories have the power to inspire, educate, entertain, and provoke change.

    On this special occasion Indiantelevision.com caught up with storyteller actor & filmmaker Sudhanshu Rai, where he talked about the evolution of storytelling in India and lot more..

    Edited excerpts

    On oral storytelling evolving in modern times

    The cave engravings were possibly the very first form of storytelling, at times depicting enchanting stories through pictures that were universal and on many occasions passing on knowledge to the next generation. Storytelling has been a part of cultures across the world, probably since the evolution of mankind. Most of us for instance remember stories by our grandparents who would tell tales of Panchatantra, of kings and queens and fairies and demons. We all have fond memories of those stories.

    In modern times, storytelling has also evolved drastically and explored dimensions that were unheard of. While a definitive role has been played by growth of social media and other digital podcast streaming platforms, storytelling is a proven success in radio format. Another example of the evolution of the ancient art is LIVE storytelling, which is an unparalleled form of wholesome entertainment. Furthermore, there are many genres that are being explored by the best storytellers in India. There is newfound adulation for stories that hail from genres such as detective, sci-fi, horror, thriller etc, even as comedy, romantic and inspirational stories remain the all time favourites.

    On Indian storytellers adding new dimensions to this traditional art

    Through storytelling we are not just passing on art and stories to the next generation, we are preserving history, culture and language, and also creating a time capsule that can take us back in that time every time we listen to it. The new age Indian storytellers are taking the simple storytelling forward with a multi-pronged approach. With digital and social mediums like YouTube etc, one can now share stories with a much wider listener base. Timed with jump scares, voice modulations, music and sound effects, they can create stories that are remembered for a long time. And then there is a growing affinity for Live Storytelling. Ensuring a theatre or concert like experience, here the storyteller takes the audience virtually to unexplored worlds. Through impactful oration, ambient lighting and curated music, the storyteller weaves an old kingdom, a jungle or a hitherto unknown land where nobody has ever been before. The point to note here is that LIVE storytelling has even proven to be one of the most impactful employee engagement & entertainment activities, while it’s also known to enhance the imagination skills of growing children.

    On elements that make live storytelling a wholesome experience

    These Live Storytelling shows have captured the attention of the audience like never before. While sound designers and engineers work on the production to make it a seamless experience, there are many more artists involved. At times a visual representation is also accompanying the storytelling enabling the audience to have a beautiful experience. Experimentation is also being seen in the storylines and genres. The audience loves a great thriller or a horror story and even those with time travel or mystical elements. And all of this comes together to create an experience for the audience that they have never had before.

    On fictional characters including the iconic ones like Detective Boomrah

    When I sit down to create any character, the intention is always to create somebody with their own distinct personality, yet relatable. So many of my characters are based on personality traits of real-life people. Even the naming of characters is a long drawn process. So, if it is a story of a common girl, let’s say Mausami in one of my popular stories, Gulabi Rang, then the name will be a not so common one, but one that is relatable. People often think, oh yes, we know a Mausami around us. But when I am naming characters like Detective Boomrah, then the name should resonate with his personality. It is a unique name, something which many of us haven’t heard earlier. And in this quest, I will think and search till I find the right name.

    On Dr Shekhawat setting to make its on-screen debut in your upcoming feature film

    Dr Shekhawat has solved many cases dealing with supernatural and psychiatry in stories written by me. He has the ability to decipher phenomena and events that maybe beyond the understanding of a normal person. Immensely intelligent, he is sharp, has a great understanding of the parallel word and is the right culmination of brain and brawn. He is charismatic, and has great physical prowess. And Dr Shekhawat is an integral part of our upcoming sci-fi thriller film that is gearing for launch soon. Tarun Khanna has essayed the character of Dr Shekhawat and he has done full justice to the character.

    On being a storyteller helping you as an actor and filmmaker

    As a storyteller I have already shared hundreds of stories with my fans and continue to fulfil their demand by releasing new stories on my official YouTube channel regularly. Being a storyteller primarily strengthens my fundamentals as an actor and a storyteller, because ultimately it’s a story that is at the crux of any format of cinema, whether it’s a feature film or a web series. Chaipatti, Chintaa Mani and Detective Boomrah, all our previous projects had story at its centre, rather than a conventionally popular name or face. Being the writer of the stories further helps me understand the intricacies of a character better as an actor.

    My upcoming Hindi feature film is a never-seen-before sci-fi thriller. The audience will see the Hindi heartland of the country in its true and real form, but with unimaginable elements thrown in that will surprise them every time. For more, you will have to watch the film in theatres. An announcement on the release will be made shortly.

  • Sci-fi series ‘Detective Boomrah’ streams on MX Player

    Sci-fi series ‘Detective Boomrah’ streams on MX Player

    Mumbai: Produced by Saints Art, the new sci-fi series ‘Detective Boomrah’ is now streaming on MX Player. The release marks the OTT debut of the character of Detective Boomrah which is already popular in the audible and radio formats.

    In the first season comprising three episodes, Detective Boomrah and his partner Sam visit Ropam Haveli in Rajasthan to investigate the case of a man who appeared mysteriously in a locked room and then jumped from the roof to vanish midair.

    The web series presents the audience with a fictional detective character who confronts the paranormal. Apart from being a rare genre, it also has unique references to the rich Indian cultural heritage that is expected to strike a chord with the audience.

    The series has been directed by Sudhanshu Rai, who also plays Detective Boomrah, and produced by Saints Art. The cast includes Raghav Jhingran, Manisha Sharma, Shobhit Sujay, Abhishek Sonpaliya, Priyanka Sarkar and Garima Rai.

    Rai had earlier directed ‘Chaipatti’, a horror comedy already streaming on MX Player.

  • The tale of ‘The Invisible Man’ whose presence meant death, featuring Detective Boomrah

    The tale of ‘The Invisible Man’ whose presence meant death, featuring Detective Boomrah

    Sometimes, the answer to what is happening today lies in the past. And it takes a unique vision and approach to find that answer. In a yet another nail-biting thriller story series by Kahanikaar Sudhanshu Rai, the audience is invited to explore mystery surrounding The Invisible Man. This latest story is set in Kwatra, an ancient village with rocky mountains that has a mysterious black lake. What makes it more interesting is that popular character Detective Boomrah will be seen unravelling the mystery of The Invisible Man overcoming various hair-raising twists and turns.

    Imagine you are in the comfort of your home, caught up in your daily routine and suddenly in one moment you sense an unwelcoming presence lurking in some dark corner of your home; observing you. What would you do? The residents of Kwatra village are experiencing something similar. The calmness of Kwatra village, situated far away from the hustle-bustle of cities, is disturbed by a strange presence – a figure in long black clothes with a rope cascading from his shoulder and holding a cagy wooden stick. People who encounter this presence would either disappear or commit suicide the next day.

    In the first two parts of the series released by Kahanikaar Sudhanshu Rai, The Invisible Man chooses some horrendous means to make his presence felt and the villagers are grappling to keep themselves sane and safe. One by one many in the village meet their dark fates but how does The Invisible Man select his prey and what is the ultimate aim?

    With his engrossing narration, the storyteller transports his listeners to the Kwatra village, and the fear of villagers can be felt profoundly. As a ray of hope, Detective Boomrah makes his way to the village in the hope of finding the truth. But is Boomrah aware of what he is getting into? Is his own safety at stake as he decides to uncover the mystery of The Invisible Man?

    Boomrah is a highly popular detective character of the era who people love and trust to crack any case. Boomrah is different from traditional detectives we have come across earlier, and so is his style. Are you ready to indulge deeper into the mystery of The Invisible Man with Detective Boomrah?