The Indian television landscape often struggles to present crime thrillers that break free from clichés, featuring formulaic plots, melodramatic dialogue, and overly dramatic soundtracks. However, SonyLiv’s original web series, Brinda, successfully navigates these pitfalls, providing viewers with a unique and engaging experience. The eight-episode series emerges from the creative vision of debut director Surya Manoj Vangala, who has spent more than a decade developing the concept.
In an insightful discussion with Gadgets360, Vangala delves into the show’s inspiration, the emotionally intense research process, its target audience, and his perspectives on extremism.
Inspiration and Personal Connection
Brinda unfolds as a compelling murder mystery surrounding the introspective police officer Brinda, played by Trisha Krishnan. As she investigates the case further, despite opposition from her superiors, she uncovers a disturbing tapestry of faith, violence, and superstition. The series portrays shocking scenes of child sacrifice, communal violence, and mob lynching, all of which reflect real-life issues.
Though fictional, the incidents dramatized in Brinda resonate with genuine occurrences, a point Vangala emphasizes. He notes that extremism can manifest on both ends of the ideological spectrum.
“To some, invoking the name of God may seem like extremism, while others may exhibit an extreme form of religion that lacks tolerance for differing beliefs,” he says.
Vangala expresses concern about the dangers posed by all forms of extremity, noting that amid the clamor from opposing sides, individuals may struggle to find their own beliefs: “Where do you fit in?”
This internal conflict has preoccupied Vangala for many years, inspiring him to create Brinda. Like the characters in the show, he has grappled with questions about faith, the imposition of superstition, and the violent rejection of religion. “These are the questions that I’ve woven into Brinda’s narrative,” he shares.
The Research Behind Brinda
Brinda is laden with provocative dialogue, theories, and unsettling scenes. In an era marked by rising intolerance, it is crucial for productions to ground their narratives in factual accuracy.
Vangala admits he hasn’t witnessed extreme rituals, such as human sacrifices, first-hand. However, years of thorough research have allowed him to reveal disturbing practices that persist even today. He points out that the series is the culmination of nearly a decade’s worth of rigorous study, encompassing numerous interviews, panel discussions, and workshops.
One particularly alarming story emerged during his research about a young girl within a religious institution being confined in a dog kennel upon menstruation. A similar incident of cruelty is depicted in the series.
Vangala describes the research journey as emotionally taxing, as the team uncovered numerous tragic accounts stemming from both religious and anti-religious extremism.
“It weighed heavily on my heart, and I joked about needing to follow this with a comedy project,” he confesses, noting that darker revelations caused him to spiral into a pessimistic mindset.
“Fortunately, like Brinda, I realized that one should focus on the goodness within. It’s essential to nurture the positive aspects of life, and everything will eventually fall into place,” he reflects.
Character Depth and Unique Elements in Brinda
Vangala highlights the complexity of all characters, including minor figures, in the series. He elaborates on one of the antagonists, describing him not merely as a villain but as someone shaped by extreme religious beliefs. Notably, the negative characters are crafted in ways that evoke empathy rather than disdain.
An insightful character is a psychology professor who shares various theories throughout the series. When asked about the involvement of a psychological consultant, Vangala assures that the screenplay followed extensive consultations with experts and literary references, emphasizing the importance of accuracy in portraying sensitive subjects.
Creative liberties were taken as well; Vangala expresses pride in the introduction of a fictional flesh-eating bird, which leaves distinct wounds on its victims. This ominous creature, vital to certain human sacrificial practices, is said to soar over the Himalayas.
“I devised a unique (and fictional) name for it, aiming to weave mythology into our narrative,” Vangala shares enthusiastically. “This bird has its own story!” Although he doesn’t confirm plans for a second season, he hints at a desire to explore the character of the bird further, humorously suggesting it could warrant its own spin-off in the “Brinda franchise,” akin to how the Joker has captivated audiences in the Batman universe.
Where Philosophy Meets Genre
In discussing his writing approach, Vangala reveals his intention to engage viewers in the murder mystery while guiding them toward profound philosophical questions.
A murder mystery provided an ideal vehicle for conveying these themes without appearing overly didactic, ensuring that audiences remain captivated.
“Once you start uncovering the identity of the perpetrator, you begin to ponder the underlying ‘why,’ thereby maintaining intrigue,” he notes. Vangala emphasizes the need for movies and shows not to underestimate the audience’s capacity for critical thought.
Yet, Brinda transcends its exploration of extremism, offering additional elements to captivate diverse viewers. “The show is not solely focused on its themes; it also includes engaging technical aspects, character dynamics, and music that enrich the viewing experience,” Vangala states. “The story’s core message transcends genre classification.”
With a talented team that has contributed to some of Southern India’s biggest films, Vangala believes Brinda has the potential to deliver a memorable cinematic experience. “While we strive to express philosophical ideas, providing an immersive cinematic journey is paramount for our audience,” he concludes.
