The trailer for the upcoming crime thriller Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas, starring Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar, has been released, generating significant buzz and anticipation among fans. The film is set to premiere on ZEE5 on October 17, 2025.
Directed by Akshay Shere and produced by Jio Studios in association with Baweja Studios and Dog 'n' Bone Pictures, Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas promises a gripping narrative delving into crime and psychological drama, set against the haunting backdrop of Robertsganj, Uttar Pradesh. The film is described as a "high stakes battle between truth and deception" inspired by true events.
The trailer introduces Arshad Warsi as Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat, a flawed and determined police officer investigating a series of disturbing disappearances. His character is portrayed as someone haunted by his past, yet resolute in his pursuit of justice. Warsi himself has described the role as emotionally demanding and layered. He receives a punishment posting to Robertsganj, where he is immediately confronted with a distraught father seeking help in finding his missing daughter. Bhagwat soon uncovers a pattern of multiple missing girls, setting the stage for a tense and complex investigation.
Jitendra Kumar, known for his relatable "everyman" characters, takes on a drastically different role as Sameer, a young man with a quiet exterior that hides a more complex and potentially darker identity. The trailer shows Sameer initially in a light-hearted moment, flirting with a girl, before being arrested by Bhagwat. Whether Sameer is a criminal or a victim remains unclear, adding to the suspense. Kumar describes his character as having many facets, outwardly ordinary and even romantic, yet carrying unsettling layers beneath the surface. He notes that portraying Sameer allowed him to break away from his established image, which was both challenging and liberating.
The trailer hints at a psychological thriller that focuses not only on the crime investigation but also on the internal struggles of its central characters. It showcases a tense narrative driven by crime, mystery, and personal conflict. The visuals are soaked in grey tones, matching the moral ambiguity of the narrative. Some viewers have noted that the series gives off "Asur" vibes, which also starred Arshad Warsi in a lead role.
Director Akshay Shere stated that Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas is more than just a crime thriller; it explores morality, redemption, and personal choices. The film seems to walk the tightrope between psychological suspense and procedural drama. The tagline in the teaser says, “A seemingly simple case of a missing girl, Poonam, puts Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat on a chase to find the culprit behind a sinister trail of disappearing girls. What happens next?”. The title Bhagwat – Raakshas hints at a basic good versus evil story.
Several sources highlight the potential for Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas to surprise viewers with its dark and ambitious tone, with Jitendra Kumar stepping out of his comfort zone. The film is produced by Jio Studios with Baweja Studios & Dog 'n' Bone Pictures and is set to stream on ZEE5.
