From Hit Songs to Gripping Stories: Vinayak Sasikumar's New Chapter
Vinayak Sasikumar has long been a familiar name in the music industry, captivating audiences with his lyrical prowess in popular tracks such as 'Illuminati' from Aavesham and 'Ninakku Nizhalayi Enne Njan Othukkivechathum' from June. His words have dominated playlists, but now, he is embarking on an exciting new journey as a storyteller. His debut in this role comes with the recent web series 'Secret Stories: Roslin', a psychological thriller that marks a significant shift in his creative career.
A Long-Awaited Dream Realized
In a candid conversation with ETimes, Vinayak expressed his overwhelming gratitude for the positive responses to the series. "Getting great responses for the series, grateful, it is making me hungry for more. I wish more people would watch the series and enjoy it," he shared enthusiastically. Reflecting on his entry into story writing, Vinayak revealed that this was a long-term aspiration. "Writing stories was always in my mind. I love to try many things, write stories, direct a movie, and there are many more. Coincidentally, songwriting came out first, and I could happily continue it for 13 years with more than 300 songs. But then I thought, it's time for something else, and this story happened," he explained.
Collaboration and Creative Synergy
For his debut, Vinayak teamed up with director Sumesh Nandakumar, another debutant for Roslin. Their collaboration resulted in a psychological thriller designed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Vinayak highlighted how Sumesh played a crucial role in bringing the story to life. "Many people in the industry knew that I wrote stories. Though many approached me, it was Sumesh who could push me to get it into paper. He even went to the extent of saying that he would do his debut direction only with me. I loved the chemistry we had; he was someone I could trust with my story," he said. The duo also sought feedback from acclaimed filmmaker Jeethu Joseph, known for his mastery in thrillers. "We went to Jeethu Joseph with the script; for me, he is the master of thrillers here. When he liked the story and even said to back the project, what else do we need?" Vinayak added, underscoring the validation they received.
Writing Process and Narrative Techniques
When asked about the thrill of writing a story for the first time, Vinayak disclosed an unconventional approach. "Yes, I started with the climax. What if the story ends like this? This was my first thought, and gave me a kick. Then, it was easy to go in reverse and frame the story," he revealed. This method allowed him to build suspense and deliver a powerful payoff, which is central to the series' appeal.
Addressing Audience Feedback
The series has garnered praise for its gripping storyline and exceptional performances by actors Vineeth and Meena. However, it has also faced mixed responses regarding its pacing. Vinayak addressed this criticism thoughtfully. "Accepting the healthy criticism well, but I feel the story needs a bit of lag. The audience gets to feel the same frustration as the protagonist because of this slow pace. It is this time that they stay in the story that gives them the last kick with the climax," he explained, emphasizing the intentional design to enhance emotional engagement.
A Message to Viewers and Future Plans
For those who haven't watched the series yet, Vinayak has a compelling message. "If you are watching the series, please watch it fully; if you do that, you will definitely get a good payoff," he urged, highlighting the importance of experiencing the complete narrative arc. Looking ahead, Vinayak is not abandoning his roots. "More songs and more stories," he concluded with his signature flair, indicating a balanced future where he will continue to excel in both lyricism and storytelling.
