Devaiah is aware that taking the less-trodden path in the industry has entailed risking immediate commercial success. But it’s a gamble he has taken in his stride. “I wish Hunterrr [2015] had made at least Rs 50 crore at the box office; my career would have been different. [But] there are various definitions of success. People noticing diversity in my choices is a success. At the same time, your films making money for other [stakeholders] is also a form of success that empowers you. Unfortunately, everybody talks about box office these days. You have to accept that this is how it is,” he explains. 

But as he looks forward to the second season of the crime drama, and Ulajh with Janhvi Kapoor, the actor is hopeful that his conviction will continue to triumph over the pressure to pursue mainstream cinema. “My career is moving in a positive direction. I am not chasing numbers, but I am aware how important they are. They have value in an actor’s career. People tell me to choose commercial entertainers. Recently, a fan said I should do conventional romantic films. As long as these things aren’t affecting me negatively, I am good.”