Marathi ZEE5 Original Series Devkhel, Starring Ankush Chaudhari and Prajaktta Mali, Now Streaming

~ Directed by Chandrakant Lata Gaikwad and written by Nikhil Palande and Gaurav Relekar, this atmospheric psychological crime thriller inspired by Konkan folklore is now streaming exclusively on Marathi ZEE5 ~

31 January 2026: ZEE5’s latest Marathi original Devkhel (देवखेळ) is now streaming exclusively on Marathi ZEE5. A gripping psychological crime thriller, the series draws inspiration from the rich folk traditions of Konkan and explores the fragile intersection of faith, fear, and human conscience against the evocative backdrop of the Shimga (Holi) festival.

Set in the coastal village of Devtali in Ratnagiri district, Devkhel unfolds around a chilling pattern — every year, on the night of Holi Pournima, a death occurs. Within the world of the story, villagers attribute these deaths to Shankasur, a mythical folk figure revered locally as a symbol of justice. As rituals deepen and belief begins to overpower reason, silence becomes a way of survival, and truth remains buried beneath generations of fear and folklore.

The narrative takes a decisive turn with the arrival of Inspector Vishwas Saranjame, who refuses to accept myth as motive. As he investigates what appears to be a carefully concealed crime, Devkhel sets up a tense psychological battle between belief and logic, tradition and truth. The series features a strong ensemble cast led by Ankush Chaudhari as Inspector Vishwas Saranjame, alongside Prajaktta Mali, Yatin Karyekar, Arun Nalavade, Veena Jamkar, and Mangesh Desai in pivotal roles.

Ahead of its premiere, a special preview screening of Devkhel was held in Mumbai, attended by the lead cast and several prominent faces from the Marathi film industry, including Ankush Chaudhari, Prajaktta Mali, Shivani Rangole, and Subodh Bhave. The screening was a hit as it left the viewers totally immersed in the world of Shankasur. Adding a distinctive local touch to the celebrations, a specially branded Devkhel–ZEE5 autorickshaw became a major visual highlight, reflecting the series’ deeply rooted yet striking aesthetic.

Sharing his thoughts on both the series and the audience response, Ankush Chaudhari said, “Devkhel is far more than a whodunit — it’s an exploration of how belief systems shape fear, silence, and choices. Vishwas Saranjame stands firmly on logic and evidence, yet he is investigating a world governed by faith and centuries-old traditions. What stayed with me during the screening was how completely the audience was drawn in — the focus, the stillness, and the palpable engagement in the room. The series may be inspired by folklore, but at its heart it explores human psychology and moral conflict. Seeing such a strong, positive response reaffirmed that the story connects deeply, far beyond its setting.”

Prajaktta Mali, who plays a pivotal role in the series, added, “What makes Devkhel so compelling is its emotional realism. It shows how communities, rituals, and fear coexist, and how people carry unspoken truths within them. While the narrative draws from folklore, it remains a fictional story that uses myth as a backdrop to explore inner conflict and human emotion. Watching the first few episodes with an audience was incredibly heartening — you could sense their curiosity, involvement, and emotional connection throughout. Being part of a series that is so culturally rooted yet psychologically layered has been a truly enriching experience.”

With its evocative Konkan setting, immersive storytelling, and nuanced performances, Devkhel presents a compelling fictional narrative that examines the power of belief and the cost of unquestioned fear — inviting audiences to reflect, question, and uncover the truth beneath the surface.

Devkhel is now streaming exclusively on Marathi ZEE5