The upcoming JioHotstar crime thriller Search: The Naina Murder Case has become one of the most anticipated series in the Indian OTT space. Directed by Rohan Sippy and produced by Applause Entertainment in collaboration with Highgate Entertainment, the show promises a gripping blend of mystery, emotion, and realism. In a recent conversation with Moneycontrol.com, director Rohan Sippy and Applause Entertainment’s Head of Content, Deepak Sehgal, opened up about what drew them to the project, the creative process, and the power of collaboration behind the scenes.
The Story That Started It All
For Rohan Sippy, the attraction began with the material itself. “It’s such an amazing original show that almost created a genre of the female detective,” he said, referring to the Danish series Forbrydelsen (which inspired The Killing). He added that his long-standing relationship with Applause made the partnership feel natural. “By the time I came into the picture, a lot of the foundations were in place — the writing had begun, the structure was solid, and I could see the potential immediately.”
Deepak Sehgal echoed that sentiment, calling it both an “investigative and human story.” “We loved the dynamic of a woman passionate about her career and justice, while also navigating her family life. It’s that balance that made the story universal and compelling.”
Casting and Collaboration
The casting process, according to Sehgal, was pivotal. “We started with Konkona. She was a fan of the original show, which helped. When Rohan and I met her, she wanted to go through every script detail before saying yes,” he said.
Sippy added, “She realized early that we like to collaborate. Feedback was constant, and everyone involved worked toward a show we could all be proud of.”
Sippy, who has worked with Konkona several times before, praised her work ethic. “She’s amazing a true team player. She makes her co-actors comfortable, especially younger ones, and that energy lifts the whole set. Many people who succeed on camera are equally good off camera, and she’s one of them.”
A Title That Speaks for Itself
The team wanted a straightforward title that delivers on its promise. “There are two ways to do it one, you pick a complicated, poetic name, or you go straight to the point. Search: The Naina Murder Case is direct and clear. The audience immediately knows what to expect,” said Sehgal.
The Broader Vision
Sippy sees the show as more than a murder mystery. “Any thriller works only when it’s rooted in human drama. The whodunit aspect pulls you in, but the emotional depth keeps you there. We want to reach a wide audience — not just fans of crime stories, but anyone drawn to rich characters and storytelling.”
As the show nears release, both creators emphasize the importance of collaboration. “Everyone contributed — writers, actors, crew, and platform. That’s how good content gets made,” said Sippy. Sehgal added, “Once the momentum builds, the excitement multiplies. That’s what happened with this show.”
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