Makers of Bahubali, ARKA Media launches South India’s most expensive TV fiction “Swarnakhadgam” on ETV Telugu

Hyderabad : The makers of the country’s biggest motion pictures ARKA Mediaworks has partnered with the Eenadu Network’s Telugu GEC to launch the fantasy period drama “Swarnakhadgam” which is the most expensive television fiction series in the history of South Indian television. The fantastical period drama is produced by Prasad Devineni of ARKA Mediaworks, the production house that made many heads turn with the grandeur of the  globally acclaimed movie Bahubali. Yata Satyanarayana has directed the much expected time period series while it also marks the first TV series to be shot in 4k resolution in world’s largest film studio Ramoji Film City.

The period drama, “Swarnakhadgam” on ETV Telugu gracefully depicts the folklore of the Indian culture, which was once a revered genre of storytelling on television. Swarnakhadgam brings back the folklore stories to the small screen which is off late seen replaced by Science fiction, reality TV and drama.

The storyline of Swarnakhadgamis the choice made by the protagonist, between love and his Kingdom, an ex lover is left scorned. Years later a boy’s quest for answers takes him on a journey across worlds. As the protagonist crosses many Kingdoms in search of answers,  his journey take him from the human world, across realms and into different worlds, designed around the 9 avatars of Vishnu. He finds himself in each world to avenge the deeds done to his family. In each world, he encounters friends and foe, who help as well as challenge his journey.

Swarnakhadgam takes the viewers on an adventure with the protagonist, as they travel across kingdoms in the regions, realms of the universe and worlds , on his quest for truth and revenge.

The cast has undergone extensive training for the elaborate fight sequences, to enhance the viewers experience and genuity of the shots.

The highly experienced and skilled crew of technicians and artists have put in all their efforts to make this period drama a massive hit of all time. An extensive process of pre- production has been undergone by the crew involving research and visualisation of the people, culture, dressing and lifestyle to create the fictional world Swarnakhadgam is set in. To keep up with the look and feel of the world created, elaborate looks – costume and make up were designed to further enhance the period depicted in the show.

Keeping with the genre and folklore and the roots of Indian culture, but with a contemporary touch, each character has music and sound tracks specifically designed for them by the well – known industry composers. The Art direction has played a major role in creating the larger than life sets, props, weapons, installations create size and scale to recreate a by-gone era.

Extensive computer graphics and VFX has been used in the series in order to create the magnitude and scale in this battle episodes, it is in fact the first TV series with dedicated role of VFX supervisor to ensure the vision and scale captured on screen. On average, about 50% of the shots will be supported by VFX and includes computer graphics shots.

Yata, Director of Swarnakhadgam commented,” To me, Swarnakhadgam is the revival of a lost genre. In bygone years, stories of mythology, folklore and fantasy adorned television screens. It showcased our Indian heritage and also transported viewers to other worlds , all while still being in the comforts of their homes, surrounded by family. With Swarnakhadgam , we will bring back the exploration of culture, mythology and folklore to the small screen , but unlike any other done before”

“With Swarnakhadgam we wanted to bring the technology effects, quality of content and beautiful visuals seen in films to the small screen in an episodic style, keeping in mind the audience, industry, requirements and constraints of a television series” added Prasad Devineni, Producer, ARKA Mediaworks.

Swarnakhadgam has build huge expectations among the audience as it is the most expensive TV series ever shot in the history of South Indian television. The makers of the Swarnakhadgam consider it to be television industry’s Bahubali, with large scale sets, expansive battle episodes and other worldly visuals.

ETV Telugu airs Swarnakhadgam starting from 6^th July on every Friday and Saturday at 8:30 PM.