The Kannada film industry continues to churn out gripping regional content, and one such standout in recent months is Agnyathavasi, a crime thriller that captivated audiences with its atmospheric storytelling and complex characters. Directed by Janardhan Chikkanna, Agnyathavasi first hit the big screens on April 11, 2025, earning rave reviews from both critics and cinephiles. Now, the film is ready to make its digital debut, with ZEE5 officially announcing that it will begin streaming from May 28, 2025.
Agnyathavasi OTT Release Date
Agnyathavasi is all set to be premiered on 28 May 2025 on ZEE5.
Agnyathavasi is more than just a whodunit. It’s a richly woven tale that uses the murder mystery framework to delve into deeper themes. The concept of Pashambara an enigmatic object or idea symbolizing death and silence becomes a symbolic centerpiece in the narrative.
Through rituals, letters, folklore, and fragments of forgotten memories, the investigation becomes a spiritual journey into the heart of a community shaped by fear, tradition, and denial. The cinematography by Advaitha Gurumurthy plays a critical role in enhancing the eerie, brooding atmosphere of the Malnad forests.
The soft mists, creaky wooden homes, and shadowed trails add a gothic visual texture to the film, immersing viewers into the world of Nalkeri. The background score, crafted by Charan Raj, complements the mood with haunting melodies and sudden crescendos, while Bharath MC’s editing ensures a taut pace without compromising on emotional depth.
When and Where to Watch Agnyathavasi
You can watch this crime thriller drama on Zee5 from 28 May 2025.
Initially released with limited fanfare, Agnyathavasi gained momentum as viewers began sharing their appreciation for its unique storytelling and immersive setting. Produced by Hemanth M Rao — known for his work in the acclaimed Sapta Saagaradaache Ello series — the film slowly built a loyal audience across South India. Hemanth’s active engagement in promotional interviews helped spread the word, turning Agnyathavasi into a sleeper hit.
Despite its slow start, the film’s box office run ended on a successful note, validating the belief that quality storytelling will always find its audience, even without heavy marketing or star-studded glamour.
With its theatrical journey complete, Agnyathavasi is now set for its digital premiere on ZEE5 starting May 28, 2025. For OTT audiences, this is an opportunity to experience a crime drama that defies conventions. The platform’s homepage has already started featuring banners and teasers, building anticipation among viewers who prefer streaming.
Agnyathavasi Movie Story
Set in the misty, forested landscape of Karnataka’s Malnad region during the late 1990s, Agnyathavasi isn’t just a crime drama it’s a meditation on guilt, secrets, and the burden of silence that lingers in rural life.
The story unfolds in the sleepy village of Nalkeri, where time seems to have stood still. The peace of this tranquil settlement is shattered when a well-known local landlord, Srinivasaiah (played by Sharath Lohitashwa), is found dead under suspicious circumstances.
Initially brushed off as a natural death, the incident draws the scrutiny of Inspector Govindu, portrayed by veteran actor Rangayana Raghu, who juggles his dual roles as a lawman and a farmer. As he probes deeper, what emerges is a rare murder case in a crime-free region, forcing the community to confront unsettling truths buried for decades.
Cast and Crew of Agnyathavasi Movie
Agnyathavasi features a powerful ensemble cast led by Rangayana Raghu as the diligent and introspective Inspector Govindu, with Siddu Moolimani portraying Rohit, a tech-savvy outsider who stirs the still waters of a quiet village.
Paavana Gowda delivers a poignant performance as Pankaja, a woman caught between past emotions and present revelations, while Sharath Lohitashwa embodies the enigmatic landlord Srinivasaiah, whose mysterious death triggers the film’s core investigation. Ravishankar Gowda plays Ananthu, Govindu’s grounded and pragmatic colleague.
The film is directed by Janardhan Chikkanna, with Hemanth M Rao, Jayalakshmi, and their team producing the project. The story is penned by Krishna Raj, while the evocative cinematography is handled by Advaitha Gurumurthy. The haunting musical score is composed by Charan Raj, and Bharath MC oversees the film’s sharp and immersive editing.
As the investigation progresses, Govindu discovers eerie connections to an unsolved case from the 1970s, prompting him to revisit dusty files and forgotten testimonies. The arrival of Rohit (Siddu Moolimani), a tech-savvy youth who brings the first computer to the village, adds a new dimension to the mystery. Rohit’s correspondence with Arun, the estranged son of the deceased Srinivasaiah, via email rekindles old wounds and brings suppressed emotions to the surface.
Central to the story is Pankaja (played by Paavana Gowda), a woman with deep ties to Srinivasaiah’s family, who finds herself drawn into the unfolding drama through her emotional response to Arun’s virtual presence. Her performance, nuanced and evocative, captures the soul of a woman caught between past loyalties and present uncertainties.
The narrative also introduces Ananthu (Ravishankar Gowda), Govindu’s pragmatic colleague, who balances the emotional weight of the case with grounded realism. As the duo piece together clues, the mystery slowly evolves into a larger exploration of the village’s collective memory and the cost of long-held silence.
Crime thrillers tend to perform well on OTT platforms, and with its slow-burning tension, layered performances, and richly atmospheric storytelling, Agnyathavasi is expected to find an even wider audience online. Agnyathavasi is not your average murder mystery. It’s a compelling exploration of the human psyche, a visual poem to forgotten lands, and a reflection on how the past never truly stays buried.
As it heads into the digital space, the film is poised to engage a new segment of viewers, many of whom will be drawn to its layered narrative and haunting aesthetic. Whether you’re a fan of slow-burn thrillers or enjoy regional cinema that goes beyond stereotypes, Agnyathavasi is a must-watch. Make sure to catch it on ZEE5 from May 28, 2025, and immerse yourself in one of the most unique crime dramas to emerge from Kannada cinema this year.
