The six-episode series, directed by Sunil Mysuru, is set to launch exclusively on Zee5 on August 22.
KRG Studios, led by Karthik Gowda and Yogi G Gowda, is broadening its narrative horizons with Shodha, a suspense thriller web series that will be available on Zee5 starting August 22. This series marks KRG’s initial venture into the digital realm following a successful track record in film production and distribution.
Directed by Sunil Mysuru, known for his work with Orchestra Mysuru, Shodha stars the renowned director-turned-actor Pawan Kumar in the leading role. Pawan, celebrated for his cult classics like Lucia, Manasaare, and Lifeu Ishtene, not only plays a key character in the series but also contributes as a script consultant, adding layers to its psychological narrative.
“Shodha is crafted as a thriller composed of short episodes,” explains Karthik Gowda. “The Kannada audience has been eagerly anticipating high-quality web content. Following the success of ‘Ayyana Mane’ on Zee5, we wanted to build on that success. Zee has plans for 8 to 10 original Kannada web series, with ‘Shodha’ being one of the first to premiere.”
The screenplay for the series is written by Suhas Navarathna, who has previously collaborated with Suman Kumar on The Family Man Season 2 and is currently writing for Season 3. Karthik adds, “Suhas has delivered tight, contemporary writing. Pawan’s participation has further enhanced the material. The plot, setting, and emotional nuances resonate well with today’s digital viewers.”
Pawan Kumar reveals that he never anticipated making his acting debut in a web series, particularly in Kannada. “I always imagined I would direct one first,” he shares. “But when Sunil presented the concept in March, it immediately resonated with me. It possessed depth and a thriller format that I find appealing. Moreover, I wanted to be part of the movement addressing the perception that Kannada lacks a robust web presence.”
He continues, “Traditional cinema has its limitations in exploring character depth. In a web series, we can delve deeper. ‘Shodha provided me with the opportunity to grow as an actor, and being part of a team where I could contribute to the script was creatively fulfilling.”
Shodha also boasts impressive technical credentials, with music by Arjun Ramu (known for Huliraaya and Bachelor Party) and cinematography by Rahul Roy (famous for Tagaru Palya and Daredevil Mustafa).
Zee5, which is steadily developing its collection of Kannada web series, is looking to Shodha to maintain its momentum in regional content. “We are witnessing a distinct shift in viewers’ preferences. If we consistently present compelling stories, the audience is ready to engage,” remarks Karthik Gowda.
