Writer-actor Sumeet Vyas is very excited to play a younger avatar of ace defence lawyer, Ram Jethmalani, in new ALTBalaji show, The Verdict: The State vs Nanavati.
Says Sumeet Vyas, “It is a very fascinating character. Our story will bring to focus many hidden aspects of this high profile love revenge murder case, which brought an end to the jury system in India.”
“We have done a good amount of research before going on the floors, so you will find lots of layers, keeping you on the edge of your seats. The entire matter became political, due to the chasm between the Sindhi and Parsi communities back then.”
Talking about the men in black coats, he says, “I respect this very observant lot of professionals. Law is not maths. Everything boils down to how you present the facts in court, flipping a case on its head,” he adds.
It is often said that lawyers are scheming and conniving. “I would rather call them sharp. The above public perception is too harsh,” says Sumeet, who has a family tree of lawyers and judges back home in Rajasthan.
How did you approach your character? “A lot of it was already written in the script. I did not get an opportunity to personally meet Mr. Jethmalani. And neither is there any photographic evidence of how he looked 60 years back. But yes, we have lots of documentary evidence of his legalese.”
Sumeet is loving the web space, for it is offering him different roles. “I have another interesting web series called Rejectx with Kubra Sait. This music-based concept directed by Goldie Behl will be out soon on ZEE5.” His other well-known WWW outings include Permanent Roommates and TVF Tripling.
“My latest short film, Suno, with Amrita Puri, based on relations, has also become a rage.”
“ALTBalaji is one of the best platforms around, having a wide pallette of content, ranging from Bose: Dead/Alive to Nanavati, to edgier stuff.”
Talking about his Nanavati co-stars, he says, “I have known Manav Kaul and Makarand Deshpande, courtesy my stage stint. Eli Avram is a revelation, so do watch out for her.”
Besides web, Sumeet Vyas is also waiting for the release of Made In China, with Rajkumar Rao and Mouni Roy. “This film will be out in Aug. I am quite satisfied with my cine journey so far. I just don’t want to do flicks for the sake of doing one. I need something meaty to chew on,” says this actor, who first found his big screen calling with Parched and Veere Di Wedding.
“Also, I am quite secure in the web space, for today digital stars are more known than film actors, given its enormous reach.”
Sumeet, we wish you luck!!