Playing a cop in a high-stakes crime thriller was reason enough for Sai Tamhankar to say yes to Carnaame: Badla Gear Palti Kismat. But what sealed the deal was the chance to explore a territory vastly different from her recent work. The Prime Video series, directed by Vinay Waikul and co-starring Sikander Kher, marks the actor’s first collaboration with the filmmaker — one she says felt surprisingly personal.

Tamhankar confirms that the fast-paced thriller will stream before the end of the year, although the release date is yet to be locked. “It will come out supposedly in the second half of this year.” The actor says her bond with Waikul formed almost instantly. “I worked with Vinay Waikul for the first time. And it was a lovely experience. His wife [Mrunmayee Lagoo Waikul, writer and actor] is my friend. His mother-in-law [late Reema Lagoo] was also my friend. So, this connection was not expected, but it happened,” she says.