Kannada Thriller ‘Agnyathavasi’ to Stream on ZEE5 from May 28

Bengaluru, May 17 – The critically acclaimed Kannada mystery-thriller Agnyathavasi is set to make its digital premiere on ZEE5 starting May 28, the platform announced on Saturday.

Directed by Janardhan Chikkanna and written by Krishna Raj, the film has been produced by Hemanth M Rao, Prachura P P, and Jayalakshmi. The gripping tale stars veteran Kannada actor Rangayana Raghu in one of the most defining roles of his illustrious career.

A Mystery Set in the Shadows of Malenadu​

Set in the misty village of Nalkeri, nestled deep in the Malenadu region of Karnataka, Agnyathavasi follows the story of a reclusive police inspector (played by Rangayana Raghu) who has spent years in quiet isolation, tending to his farm while his police station lay dormant. The tranquility is abruptly broken when a respected village scholar, Srinivas Iyer, is found dead under suspicious circumstances.

As the inspector delves into the investigation, layers of the village’s dark past are slowly revealed—drawing viewers into a world woven with secrets, superstitions, and the eerie legend of Pashambara.

Acclaim and Anticipation​

In a statement, a ZEE5 spokesperson noted the film’s strong theatrical performance and expressed confidence in its digital reception.

“Agnyathavasi has already made an incredible mark at the theatres. With its compelling storyline, haunting atmosphere, and brilliant performances, we are confident it will captivate audiences on ZEE5 as well,” the spokesperson said.

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Rangayana Raghu on His Role​

Sharing his experience, Rangayana Raghu described the role as one of the most emotionally powerful of his career.

“Playing a police inspector who’s more comfortable with cows than crime, in a station that hasn’t seen action in decades, was both refreshing and deeply emotional,” he said.
“The kind of love fans have shown during the theatrical release has been overwhelming—people have messaged me saying the film gave them chills and made them cry, all in the same scene.”

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Streaming Details​

• Title: Agnyathavasi
• Genre: Mystery-Thriller
• Language: Kannada
• Digital Release Date: May 28, 2025
• Platform: ZEE5

With its atmospheric storytelling and a powerful central performance, Agnyathavasi promises to be a standout addition to ZEE5’s expanding lineup of regional cinema.