13 February,2026 01:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rakshasa poster
Kannada Zee5 recently unveiled the trailer of its upcoming original series Rakshasa, a haunting crime thriller that plunges viewers into a world where belief, violence, and truth collide. Set to premiere on 20th February, the seven-episode series unfolds along the misty banks of the Malaprabha River in rural North Karnataka, where fear moves quietly, and nothing is what it seems.
The two-minute trailer introduces Sub-Inspector Hanmappa (Vijay Raghavendra), who is assigned to probe a string of alleged crocodile attacks near the Yellamma temple in Savadatti. What initially appears to be accidental deaths soon takes a darker turn as bloodied remains surface and murmurs of folklore begin to cloud public perception. As faith and fear intertwine, Hanmappa finds himself navigating a psychological maze that challenges not just his investigative instincts, but also his own beliefs.
The seven-episode series has been written by Suhan Prasad and Apoorva, and directed by Suhan Prasad, Rakshasa is produced by Tharunsudheer Productions. The series is led by Vijay Raghavendra, alongside Mayuri, Avinash, Malavika, Appanna, and Abhijith, who together anchor a narrative driven as much by inner conflict as by investigation.
Speaking about the trailer, Vijay Raghavendra said, "Rakshasa is not a story that reveals itself easily. What excited me was the silence in the narrative, the pauses, the unanswered questions, and the emotional weight carried by the character. Hanmappa is a man torn between duty and belief, and the trailer gives a glimpse of that conflict without giving anything away."
Sharing his perspective as producer, Tharun Sudheer added, "From the very beginning, we wanted Rakshasa to feel rooted and unsettling rather than loud. The setting of North Karnataka, the folklore, and the psychological depth of the story make it unique. The trailer captures the mood of the series, where fear isn't created by spectacle, but by what people choose to believe."
With its atmospheric visuals, restrained storytelling, and a premise that blurs the line between myth and murder, Rakshasa promises a gripping viewing experience that lingers long after the investigation begins.
