5 cool facts you need to know about Sushmita Sen's new thriller series, Aarya

From Anushka Sharma’ Paatal Lok to Kay Kay Menon’s Special Ops, Indian thrillers have become a rising genre in the OTT space of late. The newest one in the collection, set to release on Disney+ Hotstar on June 19, is Miss Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen-starrer Aarya. After a long hiatus from the entertainment industry, which she spent at home with daughters Renee and Alisah Sen, the actor is ready to make her acting comeback with the Hotstar special. The show sees Sen playing a strong female lead, and tells the story of a housewife who takes over her husband’s illegal drug business after he is attacked, instead of turning into a state witness. Aarya has been directed by none other than Ram Madhvani, who is also the name behind one of Sonam Kapoor Ahuja's most celebrated films, Neerja, and co-produced by Ram Madhvani Films and Endemol Shine Entertainment. Within a day of its release, Aarya's trailer has earned itself more than 10 million views. Check it out here. 

Can't wait for more? While we still have a few days left for the release of Aarya, here are some interesting facts about the web-series you need to know before you dive in. 

Aarya is a remake of the Dutch crime thriller series Penoza

Airing between 2010 and 2017, the five-series Dutch thriller Penoza, also known as Black Widow, is the source of inspiration for Madhvani's new show. The original series was based in Amsterdam.

The show features an exciting ensemble cast

Along with Sushmita Sen, the show also marks Chandrachur Singh's acting comeback. Additionally, it also features an ensemble cast including Namit Das, Sikandar Kher, Jayant Kripalani, Manish Chaudary, Sugandha Garg, Maya Sareen, Sohaila Kapoor and Vishwajeet Pradhan.

Aarya marks Sushmita Sen’s digital debut

Though Sen made her debut in the Bengali film industry with Nirbaak in 2015, it’s been a decade since she made an appearance in a Hindi project. She was last seen in Anees Bazmee’s No Problem in 2010 alongside Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt and Kangana Ranaut. Now, with Aarya, the actor will close the ten-year-gap with her digital debut. In an Instagram post, Sen wrote for her fans, “I have always been in awe of love that knows patience!! This alone makes me a fan of my fans!! They have waited 10 long years for my return to the Screen, lovingly encouraging me every step of the way throughout my hiatus...unconditionally!”

Sushmita Sen says, “It took me a decade to find a role like this to sink into”

“Aarya represents strength, determination and above all, vulnerability in a world full of crime, a world run by men,” Sen revealed in an interview recently. “For me, personally, it is the story of family, betrayal and a mother who is willing to go to any length to protect her children. It took me a decade to find a role like this to sink into and I’m thrilled to be a part of this incredible story.” It's safe to say that her performance in this one will be worth the wait.

Director Ram Madhvani has been working on the show for at least six years

For director Ram Madhvani, Aarya has been a work-in-progress for the longest time. He first envisioned his project as a feature film with Kajol in the lead, and after talks fell through, also had Madhuri Dixit Nene in the loop. The role finally landed with Sushmita Sen.

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