Filmmaker Deva Katta recently shared his admiration for actor Aadhi Pinisetty's work in the web series Mayasabha, streaming on SonyLIV. The Prasthanam maker described his performance as a "marathon." Deva Katta, who had been impressed by Aadhi's dignified portrayal in Ninnu Kori, knew immediately that he wanted him for one of the lead roles when the project shifted to an OTT format.
The Republic maker recounted the detailed process of casting Aadhi. "The moment Mayasabha switched to an OTT format, he was the first person who came to mind for one of the leads—without a shred of doubt." After an extensive eight-hour Zoom call where he narrated the story, Katta left it open for the Rangasthalam actor to choose between the two lead characters. Once Chaitanya Rao was cast, the Sarrainodu actor was asked to take on the role of KKN, while Rao played MSR.
The director spoke about the complexity of the character KKN. He noted that the role required navigating multiple layers, including a stammer, financial struggles, and a core trait of approaching problems with intelligence rather than emotion. This, according to the Autonagar Surya director, represented an "ascending leadership arc." He stated that Aadhi's approach to the role was like a marathon—he absorbed the political rhythms of the era, refined his body language, and found the power in the silences between the lines.
The actor's commitment to the role was evident in his preparation. The director mentioned that Aadhi participated in script readings "like a school child." He also highlighted the actor's real-life friendship with co-star Chaitanya Rao, which enhanced their on-screen chemistry.
Deva Katta said Aadhi's portrayal of the stammer was particularly cautious and conscious, as he wanted to ensure it felt "rather cute to the audience" and resonated with them, especially since the character's journey was inspired by a real-life legend. The director believes that Aadhi's natural charm—his smile and the innocence in his eyes—is an immense asset to the show. The director concluded by saying that the tiny nuances Aadhi brought to the performance created many spontaneous and high moments in the series.
