ZEE5 is not just an OTT platform. It's more than that. It has always been dishing out the best in terms of content. Its content has touched millions of hearts. Without limiting itself to a genre, ZEE5's offerings have belonged to various formats: cinema, original movies, and web series.

ZEE5 recently joined hands with BBC and NorthStar Entertainment for a web original titled 'Gaalivaana'. Senior heroine Radhika Sarathkumar and senior hero Sai Kumar are fronting the series. Chandini Chowdary, Nandini Rai, Chaitanya Krishna, Thagubothu Ramesh, Jyothi Pradeep and Ashritha Vemuganti form the rest of the cast. Radhika, who has played versatile roles on the big screen and small screen, is doing this web series with great enthusiasm. BBC is stepping into regional entertainment with this project. 'Thimmarusu' fame Sharan Kopisetty is directing it, while Sujatha Siddhartha is its cinematographer.

The last schedule of production works is currently going on at Gachibowli in Hyderabad. On Tuesday, the unit members spoke to the media about it.

Speaking on the occasion, Senior actress Radhika said, "I have seen Sharath Marrar garu with Chiranjeevi garu in the past. When he met me with the offer, I listened to the story. Since I liked the story, I accepted the offer. 'Gaalivaana' has got well-written characters. It's a good family crime thriller, which I am very glad to be acting in. I have done dubbing and enjoyed watching the well-etched characters. I am proud to have done this character. Sai Kumar garu has done an amazing job. I hope this web series becomes a big hit."

Actor Sai Kumar said, "I am happy to be working with a senior like Radhika garu. It was my long-time interest to work with her. OTT is a worldwide trend these days. And I am happy to be working with a young filmmaker like Sharan. This web series will be not only thrilling but also emotional and entertaining. Since I have been caught up with feature film projects, I didn't find time to do a web series in the past. Sharan's narration got me hooked and I am here. I am confident that 'Gaalivaana' will be a sure-shot hit."

Producer Sharath Marrar said, "This is a very special project for us at Northstar Entertainment. We have joined hands with BBC and ZEE5 for it. The story is so interesting, and I am glad that Radhika garu and Sai Kumar garu are doing it. Nandini Rai, Chandini Chowdary, Chaitanya Krishna, Ashritha Vemuganti, Tagubothu Ramesh and several other talented artists are part of the cast. Sharan is extracting the best from his artists. He is a meticulous technician. With this last schedule, the entire shoot will be completed. We are going to release the web series soon."

Padma Kasturirangan, Vice-President, Telugu original content (ZEE5), said, "Plans are afoot to release a hit web series every month on our platform. 'Loser 2' has been a big hit. 'ATM' was announced recently and is in the making currently. Sharath Marrar garu had understood the potential of OTT four years back and started investing his energies on it. Radhika garu and Sai Kumar garu are making a debut on OTT and we are very glad. Our collaboration with NorthStar and BBC will be a great one. 'Gaalivaana' will also have a second season. 'Gaalivaana' will be released in April."

Director Sharan said, "NorthStar is like a home banner for me. 'The Grill' was my previous project with the banner. The producer asked me to take up this project when I was thinking of some other project. I am glad to be working with senior actors. This is a crime thriller with a myriad of emotions. It challenges the vision of a director. Radhika madam and Sai Kumar garu are like elders for us. Sri Charan Pakala is composing the music. ZEE5 Padma garu, Anuradha garu, Radha garu, Keerthi garu, Neelima garu have been fully supportive. We are coming out with a promising subject.

Actor Krishna Chaitanya said, "I have known Sharrath Marrar garu since 'Katamarayudu'. Doing a web series under his banner feels great. Radhika garu and Sai Kumar garu are seniors and great talents. I thank the director and the producers for this opportunity."

Actress Chandini said, "It was a long-time wish to work for Sharrath garu. I have been a fan of crime thrillers since childhood. 'Gaalivaana' has been a great journey with Radhika garu and Sai Kumar garu."

Actor Tagubothu Ramesh said, "I have been stereotyped so far in cinema. For a change, I have got to act alongside senior artists. I thank the director and the producers."

Actress Nandini Rai said, "This is my fifth project with ZEE5. Radhika madam and Sai Kumar garu are great actors. Like my previous collaborations, this one too will surely be a hit."