Kolkata: Spotify’s brand new Original podcast, Virus 2062, voiced by Bollywood power-couple, Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal is now available to stream and download for free on the platform.
The audio nail-biter, a 10-episode one time release, centres around “patient 63” (Ali), who says he’s time travelled 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-travelling show is going the geographical distance with its release in India. It has been produced locally by MnM Talkies, which produce 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 Richa and Ali 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 seats. 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 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.”
Further elaborating on working experience, Richa added, "In theatre, we generally have two instruments. One is the voice and the other is the body. And here we have access to only one. But I'm sure that one who listens to it through headphones it will sound so intimate. It's also a dream working with Ali. I think podcasts go beyond the dramatic reading of books".
Like Richa, Ali also seems exciting. "I got fascinated with podcasts. Only with our voice, we are creating a world. I think the entire universe is waiting to be unravelled and it's another way we can fingerprint our existence", concluded Ali.
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. (UNI)