Crime thrillers have always struck a special chord with Indian audiences, especially those grounded in realism and psychological intrigue. Continuing this tradition, the upcoming ZEE5 original, “Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas,” is set to premiere on October 17, 2025, promising a gripping tale of mystery, morality, and the monsters within. With a stellar cast led by Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar and helmed by director Akshay Shere, the film has already created a buzz with its intense trailer and dark, atmospheric visuals.
Storyline: A Tale of Darkness, Duty, and Duality
“Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas” plunges viewers into the shadows of Robertsganj, a small town in Uttar Pradesh, where nothing is quite as it seems. The story begins with Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat (Arshad Warsi), a seasoned police officer encountering his own demons as he navigates a difficult transfer. His new posting brings him face-to-face with the town’s growing nightmare: young women disappearing without a trace, families left desperate and hopeless, and a community roiling with unspoken fears.
The case at the center involves Poonam, a college student who vanishes overnight. The investigation reveals a possible link to a local prostitution racket—a web of deceit and danger that winds through the town’s alleys, tea stalls, and low-lit government offices. The film also introduces Sameer (Jitendra Kumar), a calm, composed college professor whose gentle exterior soon gives way to dark complexities. His relationship with the missing girl and his interactions with Inspector Bhagwat add psychological layers to the narrative: Is Sameer a victim, a villain… or something far more complicated?
Cast and Performances: Realism at Its Best
A significant reason for the excitement surrounding “Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas” is its ensemble cast. Arshad Warsi, in a deviation from his comedic roots and past cop roles, brings intensity to Inspector Bhagwat—a character torn between rage, guilt, and a sense of duty. His portrayal promises a refreshing realism, grounded in subtle expressions and quiet observation.zee5
Opposite him, Jitendra Kumar steps into the shoes of Sameer, shedding his amiable, ‘everyman’ image for a darker, more enigmatic role. The film also features Tara Alisha Berry, Hemant Saini, and Ayesha Kaduskar in crucial supporting parts. Each actor is cast not as a typical ‘hero’ or ‘villain’, but as a believable member of a living, breathing small town—clerks, shopkeepers, and witnesses whose secrets shape the case.
Direction, Visuals, and Music: The Craft Behind the Saga
Director Akshay Shere ensures that “Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas” emphasizes atmosphere and detail over flashy spectacle. The film’s visual palette invokes a sense of unease: sodium lights painting the night an anxious yellow, cramped rooms fostering psychological tension, and camera cuts that linger just long enough to let micro-reactions—and micro-lies—surface.
The sound design is subtle but effective, letting silences create suspense where music might otherwise intrude. The result is a pacing that mimics a real police investigation—slow, methodical, but punctuated by moments of sharp revelation and terror.
Psychological Depth: Who is the Real ‘Raakshas’?
True to its name, the story raises uncomfortable questions about the line between good and evil. Inspector Bhagwat is not a righteous hero in shining armor but a man wrestling with anger and regret. Sameer is not simply a suspect, but a character painted in shades of grey, his facade hiding a fractured psyche. The theme is reflected in the case itself—does the true ‘raakshas’ (monster) lie in the criminal, in the system, or in the haunted investigator who chases them?
Relevance and Reception
With its setting in Robertsganj, Uttar Pradesh, and exploration of sensitive issues like sexual exploitation, missing persons, and small-town corruption, “Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas” is timely and socially relevant. Critics and early viewers of the trailer have already praised the film’s grounded approach, refusing melodrama in favor of authenticity. Dialogues ring with raw emotion—grieving parents, silent suspects, and a police force stretched to its breaking point.
Release Date and Streaming Details
The film is set to release directly on ZEE5 on October 17, 2025. Produced by Jio Studios, Baweja Studios, and Dog ’n’ Bone Pictures, it marks not only the start of a new franchise but also a benchmark for realistic crime thrillers in India’s OTT space.
Don’t miss this nail-biting journey into the heart of darkness—stream it on ZEE5 this October 17.
