Vicky Kaushal or Vikrant Massey? Sudhanshu Rai Reveals His Dream Cast For Dreamers- EXCLUSIVE

Sudhanshu Rai Dreamers: Author, filmmaker, and storyteller Sudhanshu Rai has carved a niche for himself by creating stories that beautifully blend mystery, suspense, and compelling human emotions. With Dreamers resonating strongly with audiences, Rai continues to expand his creative universe while staying true to the themes that have defined his work.

In an exclusive conversation with Filmibeat Assistant Editor Abhishek Ranjit, he reflects on the challenges behind Dreamers, his fascination with the unexplored, and the ambitious projects that lie ahead. He also shares his 'dream choice' for the actor who can play the lead role in Dreamers, if it is adapted for the silver screen.

Here are excerpts from the interview-

1. Dreamers has built a dedicated audience. Looking back, what was the biggest challenge in bringing this story and its world to life?

The toughest part was uncovering the human side of people whom the world already sees as icons. Their achievements are well known, but the real story often lies in the struggles, doubts, and experiences that shaped them. Getting to that layer required trust, patience, and a lot of sensitivity. Looking back, that has been both the biggest challenge and the most rewarding part of building Dreamers.

2. Your work often blends mystery, suspense, and the supernatural. What is it about these genres that continues to fascinate both you and your audience?

I've always been drawn to the unexplored. Mystery, suspense, and the supernatural allow you to step into a world where the unexpected can happen at any moment. What I enjoy most is building a story that keeps people guessing and then delivering a twist that leaves them amazed. Those moments when the audience pauses and thinks, "I never saw that coming" or "How is that even possible?" are incredibly satisfying. I think that shared sense of curiosity and wonder is what makes these genres so timeless.

3. If Dreamers were adapted for the screen, who would be your dream cast or filmmaker to bring the story to life?

If we were adapting Mandeep Jangra's story for the screen, I think Vikrant Massey or Vicky Kaushal would be wonderful choices. Both Vicky Kaushal and Vikrant Masset have the ability to bring authenticity, vulnerability, and strength to a character's journey. As for the filmmaker, I'd love to direct the project myself.

Having spent so much time understanding these stories and the emotions behind them, I feel deeply connected to the vision and would enjoy bringing it to life on screen.

4. As a storyteller, how do you strike a balance between creating entertainment and conveying deeper themes or messages through your narratives?

For me, entertainment and meaningful storytelling aren't separate things, they often go hand in hand. Entertainment is something I genuinely enjoy creating, so that part comes naturally. At the same time, I am someone who enjoys meaningful conversations and ideas because they help me evolve as a person. As a result, deeper themes tend to find their way into my stories organically. My focus is always on telling an engaging story first; if it also leaves the audience with a thought, a question, or a new perspective, that's a bonus.

5. The way audiences consume content has changed dramatically over the years. How have these shifts influenced your approach to storytelling and audience engagement?

Audience behaviour has evolved significantly, and as storytellers, it's important for us to evolve with it. I believe great stories remain timeless, but the way they are told must adapt to the formats audiences consume today. There have been times when, instead of building up slowly, I've chosen to meet the audience where they are, drawing them into the story right from the first few moments with a strong hook. That's one of the reasons I've embraced both long-form and short-form storytelling. The essence of the story remains the same; only the way it reaches the audience changes.

6. Beyond Dreamers, what are some stories or creative ambitions that you still hope to explore in the future?

There are still many stories I want to explore. In fact, I'm already working on my next projects, including a new chapter in the world of Detective Boomrah and a sci-fi action thriller. Both allow me to venture into very different creative spaces while staying true to my love for storytelling. What excites me most is the opportunity to keep experimenting with genres and creating worlds that spark curiosity, imagination, and conversation.