Crime, mystery, and emotional drama. That's what Panchanama is all about. The ZEE5 original is set to take Telugu audiences into a gripping investigation where every death raises new questions. Ahead of its September 11 premiere, the team behind the show has spoken of the core highlights.
Directed by Mohan Srivatsa, the investigative thriller stars Bharath Srinivasan as Jai Ram, alongside Medha Reddy, Shivaji Raja, Surya Srinivas, Srija, Radhika Preethi, Charan Babu, and Shiva Karthik Danda.
Core Premise and Creative Vision
Panchanama is a six-episode Telugu investigative thriller blending crime, mystery, and emotional drama. The story follows police officer Jai Ram, played by Bharath Srinivasan, as he investigates his younger brother’s death, initially dismissed as an accident, and uncovers a deeper criminal network linked to a series of mysterious deaths.
Unlike typical thrillers that focus purely on procedural elements, the series places heavy emphasis on character motivations and complex structures. Director Mohan Srivatsa noted, “The screenplay is highly unpredictable, with suspense in every moment and strong emotions woven into the crime story. Unlike typical thrillers that focus mainly on the twist, Panchanama adds a deep emotional layer, offering audiences a fresh narrative experience.”
Producer Udaya Bhanu revealed how the narrative evolved from its initial concept. The team initially pitched three original stories to ZEE5, but the platform suggested starting with a remake. With creative freedom granted, they developed a fresh narrative, retaining only the core murder mystery and fingerprint elements. Addressing queries regarding the intensity and violence shown in the opening episodes, Udaya Bhanu clarified that while the series reflects real-world situations like betrayal and manipulation, it remains primarily an emotional story where every character has a strong backstory and reason behind their actions.
Crafting a Fast-Paced Screenplay and Production Execution
Producing a web series under tight timelines requires rigorous planning. Director Mohan Srivatsa spoke of the collective effort required for the project's non-linear screenplay, sharing that "completing such a complex screenplay under a tight schedule gave me immense confidence."
Managing the physical execution was a daily hurdle for the crew. Udaya Bhanu detailed the logistical challenges, noting that "every day was a challenge, especially with unpredictable weather, 36 locations and constantly changing or reconstructed sets. With a tight schedule, completing each day’s shoot on time felt like a race."
When discussing the operational differences between feature films and web series, Udaya Bhanu explained that films involve larger sets, multiple locations, songs, and coordinating actors' dates, which naturally takes more time. In contrast, a web series depends entirely on precise planning and scheduling. Every minute matters, so thorough preparation allows a production to complete high footage volumes efficiently within target dates. Delivering the quality seen in Panchanama within just 22 to 24 days built immense confidence for handling future, larger-scale projects.
Cast Portrayals and Performance Perspectives
Lead actor Bharath Srinivasan portrays Jai Ram, an officer driving the core investigation. Speaking on his choice to take up the character, Bharath stated, “I chose Panchanama because of its tightly woven crime-thriller screenplay and strong binge-watch appeal. I also saw it as an opportunity to reconnect with Telugu audiences. My character Jai Ram is different from my earlier cop roles; he is realistic, emotional and deeply connected to his family and the story.”
Actor Surya Srinivas, who plays the role of Hari, was drawn to the project during the initial narration. Explaining his decision to accept a supporting role, Surya Srinivas mentioned that the character offered strong performance scope. His focus remains on establishing himself as a strong actor through versatile roles that offer a fresh image.
Actor Shiva Karthik Danda makes his debut playing a police officer as Sub-Inspector Arun, describing Panchanama as a highly engaging and gripping series where excitement continues well beyond the first two episodes.
Actress Srija makes her OTT debut playing a mysterious character, noting that the emotional depth and suspense of the script stood out right away. Debutante heroine Medha Reddy highlighted the collaborative environment on set, sharing that the project served as a major learning experience while working alongside a seasoned cast and crew.
Career Transitions, Priorities, and Future Aspirations
The press interaction also covered the cast and crew's broader career goals and ongoing artistic choices. Bharath addressed his recent hiatus from Telugu cinema following Spyder, explaining that he was occupied with Tamil projects and waiting for compelling Telugu scripts. He added that at this stage of his career, he prioritizes roles that offer creative satisfaction.
Regarding his balance between mediums, Bharath clarified that feature films remain his primary focus, though he views OTT and cinema through the same lens. He noted, "Pure love stories are rare today, so films need a mix of emotions, including love and action. I don’t see feature films and OTT as separate. Feature films remain my priority, but I am happy to take up interesting OTT projects with strong content." When asked about potential multi-starrer projects, Bharath expressed a strong desire to work alongside Allu Arjun, noting he would eagerly take up any role, including an antagonist, to share the screen with him.
For producer Udaya Bhanu, launching Udaya Bhanu Productions represents the culmination of a long-standing ambition. Responding to queries about moving into production, she explained that producing was always her true passion. Rather than following conventional formats, she spent years collecting diverse stories to bring to light. Addressing personal struggles and industry challenges, she reflected that "building a career without any backing is extremely difficult, especially for a woman. I faced many setbacks, but I never stopped trying. Whenever doors closed or opportunities were delayed, I kept moving forward instead of waiting."
Udaya Bhanu confirmed that her production banner's next venture will be a feature film, scheduled to begin immediately following the release of Panchanama.
The series also features Bharath Srinivasan, Shivaji Raja, Medha Reddy, Charan Babu, Rupa Lakshmi, Radhika Preethi, Surya Srinivas, Srija, and Shiva Karthik Danda.
Panchanama premieres exclusively on ZEE5 on September 11.
