Mumbai: Spotify’s brand new Original podcast, Virus 2062, voiced by Bollywood actors and couple, Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal is now available to stream and download for free on the platform. The audio thriller, a 10-episode one time release, centres around “patient 63” (Fazal), who says he’s time traveled from the past to prevent a pandemic.
The podcast is an adaptation of Caso 63, a Spotify Original from Chile. After transfixing listeners with its science fiction and thriller storytelling in Chile and Brazil, the time traveling show is going the geographical distance with its release in India. It has been produced locally by MnM Talkies, which produced podcasts such as Bhaskar Bose, I Hear You, and Darr Ka Raaz with Dr. Phobia. Virus 2062 is the first on Spotify in India, to be led by voices from Bollywood, bringing together Chadha and Fazal as protagonists.
According to Unni Nambudripad, Executive Producer – Podcasts, Spotify India, “Spotify is where audio storytelling is. Virus 2062 will keep listeners on the edge of their seat. We are releasing all episodes together so that it’s a complete audio thriller experience that can be binge-listened to. It’s also been such a privilege to work with Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal for this podcast given their background in theatre and the creative process they brought while recording the podcast.”
“Recording a podcast is very different from dubbing for shows. It requires the right voice modulation and practice to keep listeners engaged throughout, because even your expressions reflect in the narration. Because Virus 2062 is a fiction thriller, I had the opportunity to explore a new form of storytelling and it was an insightful experience for me to work with Spotify and Mantra. I try and do unconventional roles in theatre, film, and now on audio, and hope my fans like this new experiment I’ve done”, explained Richa Chadha
Speaking about his experience and creative process while recording for the show, Ali Fazal said, “Making a shift from onscreen to audio has definitely been a fun ride. It’s new, exciting and fresh. As an actor, I am always looking for ways to expand my creative abilities and starring in a podcast has given me just that. Thanks to Spotify and the MnM Talkies team for guiding me throughout and making this entire experience so fulfilling.”
The original story of Caso 63 was written by Julio Rojas, and is set in the year 2022, when psychiatrist Elisa Aldunate begins a series of therapy sessions with “patient 63.” As the sessions progress, time, space, and reality begin to blur, playing with listeners’ minds. Drama builds over the course of 10 episodes, delivering thought-provoking mystery for listeners. To enjoy the adaptation of this audio thriller in Hindi, click here and stream / download all episodes of Virus 2062.
