Marathi thriller Devkhel hits ZEE5 on January 30. Set in Konkan, it follows Inspector Vishwas Saranjame as he probes ritualistic murders linked to the legend of Shankasur during the Shimga festival.

Last Updated: 05.09 PM, Jan 26, 2026
The highly anticipated Marathi original series Devkhel will premiere on ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium) on January 30, 2026. A prominent regional release for the first quarter of the year on the platform is the psychological criminal thriller that combines local legends with contemporary investigative storytelling.
| Series Title | Devkhel |
| OTT Release Date | January 30, 2026 |
| Streaming Platform | ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium) |
| Director | Chandrakant Lata Gaikwad |
| Lead Cast | Ankush Chaudhari, Prajakta Mali, Yatin Karyekar, Arun Nalawade, Veena Jamkar, Mangesh Desai |
Devkhel is heavily influenced by the folk traditions of the Konkan region and takes place in the fictional coastal village of Devtali in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. The Shimga (Holi) festival is at the heart of the story, which depicts the time as terrifying despite its traditional association with joyous celebrations.
Every year, on the eve of Holi Purnima, a village resident dies under strange circumstances; this unsettling pattern serves as the plot's central fulcrum. The locals believe that the legendary Konkani character Shankasur is responsible for these killings, either through a "curse" or "divine justice." Local legend has it that Shankasur is a heavenly judge and killer who metes out punishment to the wicked.
The narrative takes a turn when the village is assigned to Inspector Vishwas Saranjame. He initiates a formal criminal probe after rejecting supernatural theories as causes of the yearly deaths. As the inspector tries to expose a possible serial murderer concealed under ritual, the show examines the tension between institutional law and long-established cultural superstitions.
A stellar cast from the Marathi film industry appears in the series. Ankush Chaudhari plays the lead role of Inspector Vishwas Saranjame, a logical and driven individual. Prajakta Mali showcases a complex and crucial character entangled in the village's customs and the growing investigation.
The supporting cast features seasoned performers such as Onkar Bhojane, Veena Jamkar, Mangesh Desai, Yatin Karyekar, and Arun Nalawade.
According to rumours, the screenplay for Devkhel—written by Nikhil Ashok Palande and Gaurav Relekar and directed by Chandrakant Lata Gaikwad—supposedly takes its subtext from the folklore of the Matsyavatara tale, in which Lord Vishnu vanquishes the demon Shankasur.
In a recent press release, director Gaikwad said that the series is meant to explore the way in which modern myths are formed when faith and terror come together. In keeping with its strategy of investing in "hyper-local" content to boost interaction in regional markets, ZEE5 is focusing on the distinctive cultural landscape of the Konkan.
On Friday, January 30, Devkhel will premiere exclusively on ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium).
Q: When is the Devkhel OTT release date?
A: The Marathi original series Devkhel is set to premiere on January 30, 2026. It will be available for streaming exclusively on ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium).
Q: Who is in the cast of Devkhel?
A: Devkhel features a star-studded Marathi cast, including Ankush Chaudhari as Inspector Vishwas Saranjame; Prajakta Mali as Sarika Nimkar; Arun Nalawade as Balkrushna Saranjame; Yatin Karyekar as Vishwanath Nimkar; Mangesh Desai as SP Rangane; and Veena Jamkar as Lakshmi.
Q: In which language will Devkhel be available?
A: Devkhel is pri marily a Marathi language series. However, ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium) often provides subtitles in multiple languages, including Hindi and English, to cater to a global audience.