Deccan Chronicle
“A much-needed heartbreak!”
The Hindu
Turning the tables "Fresh set of satire and comedy"
Times Of India
“Shruthi Raju put the quirks into her bold and original satire that highlight the idiosyncrasies of modern, urban and confused Indian man.”
Stage to Screen
Breaking out as Beyondwood
From theatre to cinema, Shruthi Raju and Chaitanya Varad have staged hundreds of plays across India under Underdog Entertainment—now breaking out as Beyondwood Films. This isn’t polite storytelling. It’s a raw brand of social commentary that collides slam poetry with satire and social consciousness. Entertainment that doesn’t sit quietly in a corner—it pokes, provokes, and dares you to laugh while you squirm.
Our latest film, What’s Up with Indian Men?!, is exactly that: a bold comedy about a woman’s search for connection in modern India, where navigating men, family, and societal norms collide in messy ways. A playful, irreverent yet thought-provoking satirical stripping of the modern Indian man. Tickling the funny bone (yes, pun intended) before twisting the knife
CREATORS
Shruthi Raju
Shruthi Raju, rooted in Bangalore’s comedy and theatre scene, co-founded Underdog Entertainment with her brother Chaitanya Varad, producing hundreds of socially aware comedies. A social entrepreneur and educationist, she received the FICCI FLO Women of the Future Award (2016) for her contributions to the arts and leadership. Her short film, which premiered at the Cannes Short Film Corner (2022), inspired this project and extends her comedic take on urban life and generational shifts in modern India.
Chaitanya Varad
Chaitanya Varad is a versatile storyteller with experience in film and theatre. He co-founded Underdog Entertainment and Beyondwood Films with his sister, creating satirical content for young urban audiences. He co-created and co-directed What’s Up With Indian Men and starred in Netflix’s Brahman Naman (2016), India’s first Netflix original, which premiered at Sundance. Under Underdog, he has written and directed 16 plays and performed in over 130 shows, blending humour with the complexities of modern Indian life.
Press Reviews
Press Reviews
“Using Humour to fight gender wars”- Times of India
Chinwag with Shruthi Raju- Bangalore Mirror
Hook-Ups, Pin-Ups and Pinot Noir- Times of India, by Invitation
“Holige to Hors D’eouvre”- Times of India, by Invitation
“To serve wit Love”- Deccan Chronicle
“Is rural theatre more vibrant than urban theatre”- Times Of Indian
Bengaluru is garbage city and fed-up capital of India- The New Indian Express
“Staging the great Indian Parent trap”- Bangalore Mirror
A reflection of Society- Deccan Herald
“Our shows may be borderline cringe, but audiences love it.” — Times of India
“Highlighting the Underdogs … scripting bold shows like Dirty, Sexy, Funny.” — New Indian Express
“Started Underdog with no money or experience … writes from the heart.” — Explocity
“From 120 houseful theatre shows to Cannes with What’s Up With Indian Men.” — Bangalore Mirror
The Cast
Madhuri Braganza
Madhuri Braganza is an Indian actor, singer, and model who has worked in Malayalam, Kannada, and Tamil films, along with over 150 commercials and digital films. She has sung in the Malayalam film Al Mallu and recently completed an English thriller slated for international festivals. Based in Bangalore, she is also a special educator and teaches western vocals and piano.
Shruthi Raju
Shruthi Raju is an actor and creator whose work spans theatre, film, and new media. She has performed extensively across India in productions under Underdog Entertainment.
With years of experience producing and performing in theatre, Shruthi has honed a voice that thrives on bold choices, irreverent humour, and social commentary. She has worked across genres—from satire to drama—collaborating with leading theatre practitioners and bringing layered, fearless performances to the stage.
Laxmi Chandrashekar
A celebrated Kannada actress, Laxmi Chandrashekar has starred in films like Atithi, Vara, Uppina Kagada, and Siddalingaiah. A veteran of Kannada theatre, she has performed in Grihabhanga and Sankranti, as well as solo productions showcasing her multilingual talents and stage versatility.
Sandhya Arakere
Sandhya Arakere with a strong background in theatre is a rising force in Indian cinema, known for her striking screen presence and range. In 2023 alone, she appeared in Toby, Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye, and Photo—performances that established her as one of Kannada cinema’s most promising new voices.
She takes centre stage as the lead in the Kannada blockbuster Su from SO, a role that showcased both her depth and charisma, earning her wide recognition.
Chandru Gowda
Starting as a model in 2005, Chandru Gowda debuted in Kannada cinema with Jolly Days and went on to appear in films like Salute, Devara Kotta Thangi, Prachanda, and Love Mocktail, establishing himself as a versatile actor in Kannada cinema.
Prateek Sultania
Prateek Sultania is a Bangalore-based actor, dancer, and performing arts teacher. He appeared in SCAM 2003: The Telgi Story on SonyLIV and has acted in 22 short films, including Rue du Bazar Saint Laurent, screened at Cannes. A Channel V Latin Dance Champion (2012), he also performs therapeutic clowning and has shared the stage with Amitabh Bachchan.
Stills
