Shodha X reviews: Netizens divided about Pawan Kumar-led suspense thriller series

The sophomore Kannada original web series by Z5 (also available via OTTplay Premium), Shodha, dropped on OTT on August 29, 2025. A six-episode show, with each spanning only 16-18 minutes in run time, Shodha has actor-filmmaker Pawan Kumar in the lead, and is joined by Siri Ravikumar, Anusha Ranganath, Arun Sagar, Divya Hegde, Saptami Gowda and Gagan Chinnappa. Shodha is an adaptation of Z5’s 2024 Hindi show Khoj Parchaiyo Ke Uss Paar, the basic thread of which, about a man and his missing wife, was picked up by writer Suhas Navarathna, and then adapted for Kannada audiences along with Pawan, who is credited as script doctor.

Audience reactions to Pawan Kumar's Shodha

Although Pawan’s version of the tale is a much better and upgraded take on Khoj, netizens who’ve not seen the source material seem divided about the content and the performances. By and large, the show’s gripping narrative has received praise. A netizen writes, “Strong plot & engaging initial episodes keep you hooked. Pawan & the cast shine, though Saptami Gowda’s arc feels underused. Only drawback, frames sometimes look ad-like. Still, a must-watch Kannada series”.

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

“Shodha is not a remake; it borrows plot points and reimagines them smartly”, wrote another. A third added, that Shodha was quite engaging, with surprisingly good production values, which was definitely a step up from the streamer’s earlier Ayyana Mane. The user added that compared to Khoj, Shodha felt more rooted and gripping.

However, not all were impressed with the show, stating that Pawan as leading man went overboard with his acting and called out using culture for glitz and attention only. The series is set in Madikeri, with Saptami’s 18thcentury thread supposed to tie in with the narrative. But it feels more of a force-fit as part of the streamer’s plan to present rooted stories.

FAQs

Q. Who is the director of Shodha?

A. Sunil Mysuru, who made the Kannada film Orchestra Mysuru earlier, is the director of Shodha

Q. When and where will Shodha stream?

A. Shodha dropped on Z5 (Via OTTplay Premium also) on August 29. It is a suspense thriller with Pawan Kumar in the lead