Vas Saranga, the talented Canadian actor who brings Agent Dev Chopra to life in Netflix’s gripping new series *I Will Find You*, has opened up about the surprising way his comedy background became a secret weapon for tackling intense dramatic roles. The hit Harlan Coben adaptation, which has quickly climbed the charts as one of the platform’s biggest new launches of 2026, showcases Saranga’s ability to deliver nuanced, layered performances amid high-stakes tension. But as the multi-hyphenate talent (actor, writer, director, and acting coach) explains, it was his early experiences in sketch comedy and lighter material that ultimately made him a stronger, more expressive dramatic performer.
In *I Will Find You*, Saranga’s character is part of the investigative team probing the case after David Burroughs (Sam Worthington) breaks out of prison while serving time for his son’s murder. The series, mostly filmed in Ontario, boasts an impressive ensemble including Britt Lower, Milo Ventimiglia, and Logan Browning. Saranga, a self-described “TV junkie” familiar with previous Coben adaptations, was drawn to the project’s rich world-building. He highlighted the incredible attention to detail on set — real files, photos of the characters, and immersive environments that helped actors fully inhabit their roles. Working with directors like Brad Anderson, Adam Davidson, Maggie Kiley, and Maja Vrvilo brought different energies, but one memorable moment involved a fast-paced “walk and talk” scene at an airfield where the team had to quicken both their steps and dialogue delivery. Saranga laughed recalling how one director jokingly threatened, “Last one to the car is fired,” to keep everyone moving with purpose.
While the thriller genre demands precision and intensity, Saranga credits his comedy roots with giving him the tools to bring depth and humanity to dramatic work. His background includes sketch comedy, YouTube sketches, and writing/directing comedic projects, experiences that taught him freedom of expression and timing. He looks for “humour and bravery” in characters, even in serious stories, noting how many acclaimed dramatic performers — from Kathryn Hahn to Paul Rudd and Adam Scott — draw from comedic sensibilities. “There’s a bit of a trope where you might read a casting breakdown and it would say ‘just keep it grounded and real,’” Saranga explained. “But that can sometimes be misinterpreted to do nothing.” Comedy helped him calibrate expressiveness, allowing him to find life and nuance in hushed, intense conversations without falling flat.
This approach clearly paid off in *I Will Find You*. Saranga’s Agent Chopra brings a grounded yet compelling presence to the investigation, balancing procedural seriousness with relatable human moments. He emphasized the importance of finding characters with “relatability and some human need” that he can connect to personally. The series’ success, racking up millions of views shortly after release, speaks to how these layered performances resonate with global audiences hungry for smart thrillers that go beyond surface-level scares or twists.
Beyond the screen, Saranga is deeply invested in the Canadian entertainment scene. He deliberately chooses to base much of his career in Canada, appreciating the balance between homegrown projects and international productions that film there. Shows like *You’re My Hero*, where he played a standout role alongside creator Sean Towgood, remain especially meaningful. Saranga described the experience as “transformative” and “so much fun,” praising the collaborative spirit, heartfelt storytelling, and Towgood’s visionary approach. He still watches behind-the-scenes footage from the series and dreams of continuing it or seeing it find new life on another platform. Projects like that, which blend comedy, heart, and unique perspectives, fuel his passion for storytelling across genres.
Saranga’s multi-faceted career — acting coach, writer, director — positions him for exciting evolution. He envisions a Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg-style path: producing, directing, and writing across comedy and drama while staying centered on acting. With scripts he’s developed over years ready to dust off when opportunities arise, he’s prepared for the next phase. His work on *I Will Find You* feels like a pivotal moment, showcasing how his comedic foundation enhances dramatic depth and emotional truth.
As audiences continue devouring *I Will Find You*, Saranga’s insights offer a fascinating look at the craft behind compelling television. Comedy didn’t just make him funnier — it made him a more versatile, expressive, and empathetic dramatic actor. In an industry that often silos performers into “funny” or “serious” boxes, his journey proves the two can powerfully enhance each other. Whether he’s cracking jokes in sketches or diving into tense FBI investigations, Vas Saranga brings authenticity and heart that keeps viewers coming back. With his eyes on building a lasting career in Canada while making waves internationally, the future looks bright for this rising talent. If *I Will Find You* is any indication, we’ll be seeing a lot more of him in both hilarious and harrowing roles for years to come.
