Divine folklore at core of Zee5’s new Kannada show Maarigallu

At the official press conference to announce the second Kannada original web series to drop on Z5, Shodha, the streamer had also revealed its upcoming slate, including shows produced by Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar and Tharun Sudhir. While it was initially heard that Tharun’s show, Rakshasa may be up next, earlier today, Z5 announced that Ashwini’s Maarigallu is the third show.

Maarigallu, a thriller set in the 90s

After two thrillers, Ayyana Mane and Shodha, Marigallu also belongs to the genre, but also centres on divine folklore. According to an official note from the streamer, at its core, Maarigallu is a divine folklore thriller set in the 1990s, inspired by the legend of a long-lost Kadamba dynasty treasure. The story draws from the era of Mayura Sharma, the first king of Karnataka, under whose reign the dynasty flourished.

Also read: Shodha series review: Khoj remake is a far superior thriller with an engaging and logical narrative 

Legends tell of a hidden treasure from the Kadamba Dynasty, long lost to time and believed to be protected by Maari, the region's guardian deity. Maarigallu promises to deliver a gripping story of greed, betrayal, faith, and destiny as this mystery unfolds, blending cultural richness with edge-of-the-seat drama, the note adds.

The show’s announcement comes at a time when Kannada audiences are counting down to the release of Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1, which is believed to be set during the rule of the Kadamba dynasty. Directed by Devraj Poojary, who made the film Matsyagandha with Pruthvi Ambaar, Maarigallu’s cast has not been revealed, with the streamer to set a date for the show shortly.

“Maarigallu is a unique mix of suspense, and mystery that also celebrates the culture and traditions of Karnataka. With this series, we want to offer audiences both entertainment and a sense of cultural pride,” said Ashwini.

FAQs

Q. Which is the first Z55 original Kannada web series?

A. Ayyana Mane, directed by Ramesh Indira and starring Dia-fame Kushee Ravi in the lead was the first original Kannada series on Zee5. It came out in April to middling reviews. 

Q. Which was the second show?

A. After Ayyana Mane came Shodha, a remake of Zee5's Hindi series Khoj- Parchaiyon Ke Uss Paar. Directed by Sunil Mysuru, it had actor-filmmaker Pawan Kumar in the lead.