Rajesh Mapuskar discusses the twisted chemistry between Rudra and Aliyah

The Disney+ Hotstar series Rudra: The Edge Of Darkness (2022), which marks Ajay Devgn's digital debut, was released earlier this month. An Indian adaptation of the BBC series Luther, Rudra is going strong on the streaming platform.

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The show was noted for the twisted chemistry between Devgn's titular character Rudra and Raashii Khanna's character Aliyah. While their paths first cross with a crime, they go on to develop an inexplicable relationship.

Speaking of how he planned to direct their scenes, director Rajesh Mapuskar said, “It’s a tricky one, this equation, and I’ve been fascinated with it from the start. Both [artistes] have tremendously value-added (sic) to the written lines with their own interpretations. Aliyah’s character is more volatile, about action and physical activity, while Rudra is more stable, steady, deep. But they found themselves in their pauses.

"These pauses were very important for me. The chemistry lies not in what they say but in their silences — when they don’t speak and just look at each other and she waits for his next words or move.”

He continued, “They are both extremely intelligent and talented [artistes]. Along with getting under the skin of their characters, they have each drawn from a part of themselves. In addition, Sanjay Memane’s cinematography created the frames and backdrop to this contradictory, complicated relationship. And, most importantly, Antara Lahiri’s editing ensured there was an impact. It was a delicate balance to maintain — but she has done a wonderful job of holding on to the silences, the looks. The drama of the chemistry is in that.”

The filmmaker went on to define the relationship between the two as “yin and yang”. He added, “Sometimes she is yin, he is yang, sometimes the reverse. Essentially, they are connected to each other and complement each other. They become more interdependent as the series progresses, and more overlaps happen in the yin and yang. Black bleeds into white, white into grey — in each of them."

Produced by Applause Entertainment, in association with BBC Studios India, Rudra: The Edge Of Darkness is now available on Disney+ Hotstar.