Shodha, a Kannada language suspense crime thriller web series (with English sub-titles) is about an astute lawyer who files a missing person’s report for his wife, after which he meets with an accident while driving.
It’s not a courtroom drama, yet the tension crackles like one. The series dives deep into a maze of accusations, medical mysteries—memory lapses, allergic triggers—and sharp legal manoeuvres. With every reference to the Indian Penal Code, the lawyer doesn’t just argue; he performs, turning the investigation into a stage for psychological warfare.
Directed by Sunil Mysuru and penned by Suhas Navarathna, the premise had the potential for a feature film adaptation. However, pursuing a theatrical release with A-list stars and a grand production scale would have significantly escalated costs, making commercial success a far more expensive gamble.
Shodha effectively carries the psychological tension of the lawyer Rohith (Pawan Kumar) who is baffled with a woman claiming to be his wife Meera (Siri Ravikumar) as he is certain about his wife’s identity is twisted and Meera has all the evidence to show to the police about her being the lawful wife of Rohith. This deepens the uncertainty that turns into an engrossing narrative.
With police closing in, a confession changes the case which is brilliantly depicts manipulation by the wily lawyer and instantly raising questions of the police investigators.
Pawan Kumar comes up with a powerful performance as the lawyer, there is a gripping mystery created around Siri Ravikumar’s character as his wife. The narration quickly spirals into questions of memory and identity as Rohit insists the woman is an impostor. A subtle yet a lasting performance by Anusha Ranganath as the missing woman’s sister.
The story, screenplay, direction, and performances all come together impressively, with a palpable sense of uncertainty that keeps the tension simmering throughout.
However, the narrative arc would have felt tighter and more impactful had it concluded an episode earlier. Stretching it across six episodes slightly diluted the momentum, making the final stretch feel more like a slow burn than a gripping climax.
There is a parallel reference to Kodava folklore and a psychological tone. Kodava is a community from Kodagu that is now Coorg in Karnataka, who have a rich cultural heritage linked to their warrior past and agrarian lifestyle.
Shodha is a 6 episodic suspense, crime thriller that is streaming on ZEE 5.
Cast of Shodha:
Pawan Kumar as Rohit
Siri Ravikumar as Rohit’s wife
Arun Sagar as the Investigation cop
Diya Hegde as Rohit’s daughter
Anusha Ranganath as Rohit’s sister in law
Saptami Gowda
Credits of Shodha:
Production company – KRG Studios
Producers – Karthik, Yogi G Raj
Written by Suhas Navarathna
Directed by Sunil Mysuru
Cinematography – Rahul Roy
Editor – Anil Anirudh
Music – Arjun Ramu
