Marathi ZEE5 unveiled the trailer of its upcoming Marathi original series Devkhel (देवखेळ) today. Inspired by the lesser-explored folk mythology of Konkan, Devkhel is an intense psychological thriller that blends tradition, superstition, and crime against the haunting backdrop of the Shimga (Holi) festival. The series is set to stream exclusively on ZEE5 from January 30, 2026.
Set in the coastal village of Devtali in Ratnagiri district, Devkhel revolves around a chilling mystery - every year, on the night of Holi Pournima, someone dies. The villagers believe these deaths are acts of divine punishment delivered by Shankasur, a mythical folk figure worshipped locally as a symbol of justice. The trailer offers a glimpse into a world where faith overpowers reason, fear dictates silence, and truth remains buried beneath ritual. When Inspector Vishwas Saranjame arrives in the village, he refuses to accept superstition as an explanation and begins probing what he believes is a carefully concealed murder. The series features a powerful ensemble cast led by Ankush Chaudhari as Inspector Vishwas Saranjame, alongside Prajaktta Mali, Yatin Karyekar, Arun Nalavade, Veena Jamkar, and Mangesh Desai in pivotal roles.
Director Chandrakant Lata Gaikwad added, “Devkhel was born from our fascination with the Shankasur folk tradition - a belief system where justice is seen as divine rather than institutional. The series explores how trauma, faith, and fear can shape a human mind into a myth. It’s not just a crime story, but an emotional and psychological journey. Marathi ZEE5 provided the perfect platform to tell this story authentically and fearlessly, and we are excited for audiences to experience it.”
Ankush Chaudhari, who essays the role of Inspector Vishwas Saranjame, shared, “Devkhel is far more than a whodunit—it’s a confrontation between belief and reason. Vishwas Saranjame is a man deeply anchored in logic, evidence, and the law, yet he is forced to operate in a space where fear, faith, and centuries-old superstition dictate people’s choices. What intrigued me most was his internal struggle—remaining objective while being emotionally impacted by a system that refuses to question the ‘divine’. The Konkan setting, the mythology of Shankasur, and the psychological tension make this series incredibly immersive. This role demanded restraint, vulnerability, and intensity in equal measure, and I truly believe audiences will feel that conflict unfold with every episode.”
Prajaktta Mali, who plays a pivotal role in the series, added, “Devkhel is haunting because it mirrors a reality we rarely question—how deeply belief systems can shape fear, silence, and even guilt. What drew me to this project was its emotional depth and cultural authenticity. The story unfolds in a world where rituals, celebrations, and dread coexist, and my character lives within that fragile balance. She is layered, emotionally complex, and shaped by the weight of tradition and unspoken truths. The trailer only hints at the psychological and emotional journey ahead. Being part of a narrative so rooted in Konkan folklore, yet so relevant and engaging, has been a truly enriching experience.”
