Critically acclaimed Kannada mystery-thriller Agnyathavasi will have its world digital premiere later this month.
OTT platform ZEE5 Global has announced that the film will premiere on May 28.
Directed by Janardhan Chikkanna, written by Krishna Raj, and produced by Hemanth M Rao, Prachura P P, and Jayalakshmi, the film stars Rangayana Raghu in a career-defining role.
Set in the mist-laden village of Nalkeri in the Malenadu region of Karnataka, Agnyathavasi follows the life of a reclusive police inspector (Rangayana Raghu), who has spent years tending to his farm as his station lay dormant — until the sudden, suspicious death of a respected village scholar, Srinivas Iyer, shatters the silence.
As whispers of foul play begin to surface, the inspector is forced to reopen a past long buried, drawing unsettling connections to a decades-old murder from the 1970s.
Aided by a curious young techie who introduces the village to its first computer, and a woman still waiting on an unresolved love, the investigation slowly peels back the layers of a community haunted by secrets, superstitions, and something darker known only as Pashambara.
Is this just a murder mystery — or has the village awakened something it can no longer contain?
“When we set out to make Agnyathavasi, I wanted it to be more than just a crime thriller—I envisioned it as a memory, slow, quiet, and eerie, lingering long after the credits roll,” said director Janardhan Chikkanna. “Rangayana Raghu’s performance is truly remarkable; his presence alone carries the weight of the story, and I can’t imagine anyone else bringing that stillness and intensity to the role. After a fantastic theatrical run, it feels surreal to see the film reaching new heights with its digital premiere on ZEE5 Global. I’m grateful for this collaboration and excited for a global audience to uncover the secrets of this story. Can’t wait to see the love it gets worldwide—it’s going to be special!”
Rangayana Raghu said Agnyathavasi has been one of the most special journeys 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. This film is a completely layered, nostalgic dive into a village where every silence has a story, and every whisper feels like a clue. The kind of love fans have shown during the theatrical release has been overwhelming—I’ve had people message me saying the film gave them chills and made them cry, all in the same scene! Now, I’m excited for the digital audience to experience this on ZEE5 Gobal. Sit back, slow down, and let the mystery of Nalkeri pull you in,” he said.
A ZEE5 spokesperson said, “The Kannada blockbuster Agnyathavasi has already made a remarkable mark at the theatres, and we are confident it will continue to entertain audiences on our platform. With an amazing storyline, haunting atmosphere, and masterful performances, this film is an outstanding addition to our diverse catalog. We are incredibly proud to collaborate with the visionary director Janardhan Chikkanna and the phenomenal Rangayana Raghu, whose performance has brought both authenticity and intensity in the film.”
“At ZEE5 Global, we are committed to bringing high-quality, unique stories from every corner of the country for our diaspora audiences, and Agnyathavasi is a perfect embodiment of the kind of bold, distinctive entertainment we strive to deliver. We are grateful to be part of this journey and eagerly look forward to continuing to offer such extraordinary content to our global audience in the future,” the spokesperson added.
