After earning critical acclaim during its theatrical run, the Kannada mystery-thriller ‘Agnyathavasi’ is set to premiere exclusively on ZEE5 from May 28.

Directed by Janardhan Chikkanna and written by Krishna Raj, the film stars veteran actor Rangayana Raghu in one of the most powerful performances of his career, PTI Reported.

Produced by Hemanth M Rao, Prachura P P, and Jayalakshmi, ‘Agnyathavasi’ is set in the misty, forested village of Nalkeri in the Malenadu region of Karnataka. The story follows a reclusive police inspector, played by Raghu, who has spent years living in solitude on his farm, with his police station practically forgotten—until the suspicious death of a revered village scholar, Srinivas Iyer, brings him reluctantly back into action.

As the investigation deepens, the film slowly uncovers a labyrinth of buried secrets, ancient superstitions, and a mysterious force feared by locals: Pashambara. With an eerie tone, gripping narrative, and emotional depth, Agnyathavasi is both a thriller and a psychological exploration of a community in quiet turmoil.

In a press release on Saturday, a ZEE5 spokesperson said, “Agnyathavasi has already made an incredible mark at the theatres. 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 catalogue.”

Lead actor Rangayana Raghu called it “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,” he said. “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.”

Known for pushing genre boundaries, ZEE5 continues to expand its regional library with films like Agnyathavasi that combine strong storytelling with rich cultural settings. The OTT release is expected to draw national attention to the Kannada film, especially among audiences seeking content beyond conventional crime thrillers.

‘Agnyathavasi’ premieres exclusively on ZEE5 starting May 28.