Akshit Sandhu, Manager of Format Acquisitions & Sales at Calinos Entertainment: “Love with Lavender Scent definitely stands out within the romance genre by going beyond the traditional love story.” – Exclusive Interview

Akshit Sandhu, Manager of Format Acquisitions & Sales at Calinos Entertainment, in our ATF 2024 issue to discuss Calinos’s 25th-year anniversary, the success of their new series Love with Lavender Scent, and the continued global popularity of Farah. He also shared Calinos’s goals for ATF 2024, emphasizing their focus on expanding into the Asian market and exploring co-production opportunities to bring more Turkish narratives to international audiences.

Calinos Entertainment recently celebrated its 25th anniversary at MIPCOM with a special event. How was your experience there, and what can you tell us about the celebration?

The celebration in Cannes was a wonderful tribute to Calinos Entertainment’s achievements. It felt meaningful with the launch of Hidden Garden, where Fırat Gülgen and the cast shared heartfelt insights into the project. A unique highlight was the “wish box”, where guests contributed wishes that will be woven into the series’ storyline. The evening beautifully captured Calinos’ legacy and its commitment to Turkish drama on a global stage.

You’ve recently added a new romance series to your catalog. Could you tell us a bit about Love with Lavender Scent?

To answer your question, Love with Lavender Scent is a captivating romance series that weaves together complex relationships and hidden pasts within a small Romanian village. Set in Podişor, a community where time seems to stand still and residents live by their own rules, the story brings to life a rich tapestry of secrets and evolving connections. At its core is Anda, a respected family doctor who, after escaping an abusive marriage, has built a life of strength and resilience for herself and her daughter. Her life is upended with the arrival of Stefan, a former football star who unexpectedly inherits her family property through a twist of fate tied to her father’s dark past…

Love with Lavender Scent’s first two episodes aired on October 31, 2024, attracted over 1.2 million viewers nationwide, securing the top position in audience ratings across all viewer categories. What do you think has contributed to its success, and how do you see this series growing in the future?

I think one of the key factors driving its popularity is the way it connects emotionally with viewers right since the first episode. Audiences today are drawn to stories that don’t just entertain but make them feel seen and understood, and Love with Lavender Scent has tapped into that beautifully. Love with Lavender Scent has set a solid foundation. With the right blend of emotional storytelling and visual appeal it has the potential to keep climbing and make a lasting impact.

Love with Lavender Scent seems to offer a romance that goes beyond just a love story. What aspects of the series do you feel set it apart within the romance genre, and what kind of emotional journey do you hope it will take viewers on as they follow its story?

Love with Lavender Scent definitely stands out within the romance genre by going beyond the traditional love story. It isn’t just telling a love story; it’s inviting the audience to explore the many shades of love and to find beauty in both the tender and challenging moments of connection.

Akshit Sandhu: The series addresses societal issues and personal dilemmas, prompting discussions on topics like societal expectations, personal fulfillment, and the complexities of human relationships. “Love with the Scent of Lavender” aspires to captivate global audiences through its heartfelt storytelling and authentic cultural representation, leaving a lasting impression that encourages both entertainment and reflection.

How do you see Love with Lavender Scent’s global journey developing? What impact do you hope it will have as it reaches new audiences worldwide?

The exploration of themes such as love, resilience, and self-discovery transcends cultural boundaries, enabling viewers from diverse backgrounds to find common ground with the characters’ experiences. The series addresses societal issues and personal dilemmas, prompting discussions on topics like societal expectations, personal fulfillment, and the complexities of human relationships. “Love with the Scent of Lavender” aspires to captivate global audiences through its heartfelt storytelling and authentic cultural representation, leaving a lasting impression that encourages both entertainment and reflection.

Farah has already been sold in multiple regions and is one of your standout shows. Demet Özdemir and Engin Akyürek are hugely popular worldwide, and Farah is a powerful story about a mother’s sacrifices to save her child. What do you think makes Farah appeal to viewers around the world?

Farah has indeed been a standout success, and we’re thrilled with its journey so far. It’s been well-received in multiple regions, and audiences have connected deeply with its emotional story. At the heart of Farah is a powerful narrative about a mother’s resilience and sacrifice, which resonates universally.

Demet Özdemir and Engin Akyürek’s performances have also brought incredible depth to their characters, adding to the show’s appeal. Both actors have a strong global following, and their chemistry in Farah makes the story even more impactful. The themes of love, sacrifice, and survival make Farah a relatable story that transcends cultural boundaries, and we’re excited to see it continue to reach new audiences around the world.

In our previous conversation with Fırat Gülgen, he mentioned that Calinos Entertainment is also involved in production. How is that going? Are there any new projects you can share with us?

Yes, Calinos Entertainment is indeed expanding into production, and it’s an exciting new chapter for the company. Beyond distributing Turkish dramas globally, we are now focusing on creating original content that brings fresh stories and voices to the screen. We’re also developing a few other projects, though details are still under wraps. The team is enthusiastic about bringing unique, compelling Turkish narratives to an international audience, and there’s definitely more to look forward to in the coming year!

Calinos has a rich and diverse catalog. Which genres in your lineup tend to attract the most interest in the Asian market?

In the Asian market, some of the genres that attract most interests are romance, family, and drama genres. Romantic dramas with emotionally compelling storylines have a strong appeal, as they resonate well with audiences looking for relatable, heartfelt narratives. We’re also seeing increased interest in thrillers and mini-dramas, as viewers are drawn to high-quality productions with suspenseful and engaging plots. As our catalog expands with international titles, we’re excited to introduce more genres to Asian audiences.

After MIPCOM, we’re now heading to ATF. Could you share some of Calinos Entertainment’s goals and expectations for ATF?

We’re excited about the opportunities Calinos has to strengthen our presence in the Asian market. We’re eager to introduce Hidden Garden to new audiences and build on the enthusiasm from MIPCOM. Personally, I’m looking forward to seeing the interest in our scripted formats as well as exploring co-production opportunities with Asian partners.

This exclusive interview with Akshit Sandhu was featured in Episode Magazine’s ATF 2024 issue.