Raakshasa on OTT: Netizens disappointed that ‘remake’ is the buzzword of series set in north Karnataka
Raakshasa on OTT: Raakshasa is the newest Kannada web series that’s come to Zee5, produced by filmmaker Tharun Sudhir, led by actor Vijay Raghavendra.
Last Updated: 11.43 AM, Feb 21, 2026
After years of absolute apathy towards Kannada content, with both films and, more notably, series, about a year ago, Zee5 Kannada began commissioning short format series. Shows with 6-7 episodes only, each of around 20-25 minutes maximum run-time, with the shorter the better. They are now on the fourth series and so far, none of have been able to make much of a mark among Kannadiga audiences, so the question of it traveling beyond the borders, of course, is ruled out.
Two of the four, including the latest, Raakshasa, were remakes of Zee5’s earlier productions in other languages. Raakshasa , which dropped on the platform (available via OTTplay Premium also), was produced by Tharun Kishore, the maker of hit films like Chowka, Roberrt and Kaatera and led by Vijay Raghavendra. An investigative series, it was marketed as the first series set in north Karnataka.
Why are netizens disappointed with Raakshasa?
Problem with that was that Raakshasa’s north Karnataka setting was a force-fit to give it a local flavour – the show was, after all, a remake of a popular Tamil series, Vilangu. Obviously, fans are disappointed. “Thought of watching but already watched the original. Don't know why they say it's Uttara Karnataka story when it is a remake,” wrote one, while another added, “Promoted as the "First Uttara Karnataka Based Web Series" and built a hype around it, only to turn out to be a remake of Vilangu (2022). Stopped watching after the first episode.”
The inconsistencies with basics like getting the dress code of police officers right in an investigative series was also pointed out. “Remake madidire ok.Some times DSP wears 2 ⭐.SI wears 1 ⭐again they Change dresses. in same Dsp scene he will be in short hair & suddenly long hairs. just 2 episode i saw this & lost interest no continuity in dress r scene. He posted he proud🥲. So in Kannada v won't get OTT deals,” felt a netizen. Another remained optimistic and said, “Original version nodilla andre, #raakshasa is still a good watch. Wrong marketing at this age. But chennagide series.”
The show, meanwhile, revolves around a spate of murders in the Saundatti police station limits, which are, at first, thought to be the result of a man-animal conflict, what with the nearby river home to a blood-thirsty crocodile. But when it is revealed that the body parts that wash up had been chopped up with man-made instruments, the investigation turns around. The 7 episode show also stars Jahangir, Appanna, Mayuri Kyatari, Avinash, Mahadev Hadapad, among many others.
Raakshasa FAQs
Q. When and where to stream Raakshasa?
A. The new Kannada web series Raakshasa is streaming on Zee5 from February 20, 2026. It is available on OTTplay Premium also.
Q. Who is on the cast and crew of Raakshasa?
A. As per the announcement teaser, filmmaker Tharun Sudhir has produced Raakshasa. Although the cast has not been revealed, Vijay Raghavendra is said to be headlining the show.