Naga Chaitanya turns producer for Dhootha 2; series launched with pooja in Hyderabad
Synopsis
Naga Chaitanya isn't just the lead of Dhootha 2 — he's now a producer too. The thriller's second chapter was launched with a pooja at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad, with Nagarjuna clapping the first shot. It marks a significant creative and financial bet by the actor on one of Telugu OTT's most talked-about franchises.
Key Takeaways
Naga Chaitanya announced on 5 June that he has turned producer for Dhootha 2 , his first production venture.
The series was launched with a pooja ceremony at Annapurna Studios , Hyderabad .
Telugu star Nagarjuna graced the event and clapped the clapboard for the first shot.
The cast includes Parvathy Thiruvothu and Priya Bhavani Shankar , with Vikram Kumar directing.
The first season of Dhootha streamed on Prime Video and was a major success; Season 2 is expected on the same platform.
Sharrath Marar , producer of the first chapter, is joined by Naga Chaitanya as co-producer for the second instalment.
Actor Naga Chaitanya has taken a significant step behind the camera, announcing on Friday, 5 June that he is turning producer for Dhootha 2, the second chapter of director Vikram Kumar's hit thriller web series. The announcement coincided with a grand pooja ceremony held at the iconic Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad, marking the official launch of the production.
A New Chapter Begins
The pooja ceremony brought together the core cast and crew, with Telugu cinema legend Nagarjuna gracing the occasion and clapping the clapboard for the series' first shot. He extended his best wishes to the team for a successful outing. The event was marked by warmth and celebration, with cast members sharing highlights on their social media handles.
Sharing pictures from the launch, Naga Chaitanya wrote: 'Auspicious beginnings as I step into the second chapter of Dhootha and my first step as a producer. Onwards and upwards. Here's to the magic ahead. #dhootha2'
Cast and Creative Team
Reprising his role as journalist Sagar, Naga Chaitanya leads the cast alongside Parvathy Thiruvothu and Priya Bhavani Shankar. The series continues under the direction of Vikram Kumar, who helmed the acclaimed first chapter. While Sharrath Marar produced the debut season, Naga Chaitanya now joins as a co-producer for the second instalment.
Actress Priya Bhavani Shankar also shared her excitement on social media, writing: 'Back with the people. The Gods have been informed. And thank you, Nagarjuna garu for gracing the occasion and adding that extra bit of warmth to the day.'
What Made Dhootha a Hit
The first chapter of Dhootha, streamed on Prime Video, was widely praised as a suspense-laden thriller. The story follows journalist Sagar, whose life spirals after he uncovers dark secrets behind newspapers that predict tragedies. Framed as a murder suspect, he must race against time to clear his name while navigating dangerous twists. The series was hailed as a roller-coaster ride of suspense and thrills, drawing strong viewership on the platform.
The original cast featured Naga Chaitanya, Prachi Desai, Parvathy Thiruvothu, and Priya Bhavani Shankar in lead roles.
What to Expect Next
With Naga Chaitanya now invested both creatively and financially as a producer, expectations for Dhootha 2 are considerably higher. The series is expected to stream on Prime Video, continuing its association with the platform. Further details on the release timeline are yet to be announced. The addition of Nagarjuna's presence at the launch is widely seen as a strong endorsement for the project's ambitions.
Point of View
Not just creatively. The move mirrors what stars like Rana Daggubati and Allu Arjun have done in recent years. The real question is whether the second season can sustain the momentum of the first, given that thriller franchises on Indian OTT platforms have a mixed record beyond their debut. Nagarjuna's presence at the launch adds institutional weight, but the burden of delivering a worthy sequel now rests squarely on Chaitanya's shoulders — both in front of and behind the camera.
NationPress
1 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dhootha 2 and when was it launched?
Dhootha 2 is the second chapter of the Telugu thriller web series directed by Vikram Kumar. It was officially launched with a pooja ceremony at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad on 5 June.
Why is Naga Chaitanya turning producer for Dhootha 2 significant?
This marks Naga Chaitanya's debut as a film and series producer, making Dhootha 2 a personal creative and financial investment beyond his acting role. He joins Sharrath Marar, who produced the first season, as a co-producer.
Who is in the cast of Dhootha 2?
Naga Chaitanya leads the cast alongside Parvathy Thiruvothu and Priya Bhavani Shankar, with Vikram Kumar returning as director. Telugu star Nagarjuna attended the launch and clapped the first shot.
Where will Dhootha 2 stream?
Based on the first season's association, Dhootha 2 is expected to stream on Prime Video. An official release date has not yet been announced.
What was the story of the first Dhootha season?
The first season followed journalist Sagar, played by Naga Chaitanya, who uncovers dark secrets behind newspapers predicting tragedies, gets framed as a murder suspect, and must race against time to clear his name. It was widely praised as a suspenseful thriller on Prime Video.
