ZEE5 is set to take audiences on a tense, edge-of-the-seat ride with its latest Kannada original series Shodha, a psychological crime thriller that dares to blur the lines between truth, perception, and justice. Produced by KRG Studios, the six-episode suspense saga stars Pawan Kumar, Siri Ravikumar, Arun Sagar, and Anusha Ranganath, and premieres exclusively on ZEE5 on August 22, 2025. Directed by Sunil Mysooru and written by Suhas Navarathna, rooted in elements of ancient Kodava folklore and contemporary moral dilemmas, Shodha follows a brilliant, yet morally ambiguous lawyer drawn into a dangerous web of deception and suspicion.
At the center of Shodha is Rohit (Pawan Kumar), a brilliant yet ethically flexible lawyer who has built his career on bending the law to his advantage. His world unravels when his wife mysteriously disappears, only for the police to later “find” her. But Rohit insists she’s an imposter, setting off a tense battle of wills. Her presence triggers unsettling events that deepen the mystery rather than solve it. As lies and loyalties collide, Rohit is forced into an impossible choice. But in Shodha, every buried truth has a way of clawing back to the surface… and when it does, it could destroy everything.
Kannada ZEE5’s Business Head, Deepak Sriramulu said, “After the overwhelming success of Ayyana Mane, we are excited to bring yet another powerful story to our audiences with Shodha. Collaborating with the talented team at KRG Studios and a multifaceted artist like Pawan Kumar makes this project truly special. Shodha is more than a suspense thriller; it’s an emotionally charged, thought-provoking journey that reflects the evolving strength of Kannada storytelling. Today, Kannada content is winning hearts across India and beyond. Shodha carries that potential to captivate with its psychological depth, cultural authenticity, and gripping narrative. We can’t wait for viewers to experience it.”
Actor Pawan Kumar expresses his excitement for the series’ premiere on ZEE5, saying, “When I first read the script of Shodha, I was hooked, not just by the twists, but by how deeply human the story felt. Rohit, the character I play, isn’t your perfect hero; he’s flawed, he bends the rules, and yet you can’t help but wonder if you’d make the same choices in his place. That’s what makes this journey so powerful, it’s about love, loss, and the lengths we go to protect what matters most. Collaborating with ZEE5 and KRG Studios to bring this layered, edge-of-the-seat thriller to life has been an incredible ride, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it. One thing is certain, when you step into Rohit’s world, you’ll keep questioning every truth until the very last frame.”