Crocodile attacks or cult rituals? Rakshasa trailer hints at darker truths

ZEE5 Kannada has unveiled the trailer of its upcoming original series Rakshasa, a haunting crime thriller that plunges viewers into a world where belief, violence, and truth collide. Set to premiere on February 20, the seven-episode series unfolds along the misty banks of a river in rural North Karnataka, where fear moves quietly and nothing is what it seems. The trailer introduces Sub-Inspector Hanmappa, who is drawn into the investigation of a series of alleged crocodile attacks near a local temple. As bloodied remains surface and folklore begins to shape public belief, the case spirals into a disturbing psychological maze — forcing Hanmappa to question not just the crime, but the faith and fear surrounding it. Written by Suhan Prasad and Apoorva, and directed by Suhan Prasad, Rakshasa is produced by Tharunsudheer Productions. The series is led by Vijay Raghavendra, alongside Mayuri, Avinash, Malavika, Appanna, and Abhijith, who anchor a narrative driven as much by inner conflict as by investigation. Speaking about the trailer, Vijay Raghavendra said,“Rakshasa is not a story that reveals itself easily. What excited me was the silence in the narrative, the pauses, the unanswered questions, and the emotional weight carried by the character. Hanmappa is a man torn between duty and belief, and the trailer gives a glimpse of that conflict without giving anything away.” Sharing his perspective as producer, Tharun Sudheer added, “From the very beginning, we wanted Rakshasa to feel rooted and unsettling rather than loud. The setting, the folklore, and the psychological depth of the story make it unique. The trailer captures the mood of the series, where fear isn’t created by spectacle, but by what people choose to believe.” With its atmospheric visuals, restrained storytelling, and a premise that blurs the line between myth and murder, Rakshasa promises a gripping viewing experience that lingers long after the investigation begins. Rakshasa premieres on February 20, exclusively on ZEE5 Kannada.