Mumbai: In a strategic expansion of its regional content portfolio, ZEE5, India’s largest home-grown video streaming platform, has announced its Kannada original debut with the supernatural crime thriller Ayyana Mane. This marks a significant milestone for the platform as it strengthens its foothold in South Indian regional storytelling.
Directed by Ramesh Indira and produced by Shruthi Naidu Productions, Ayyana Mane is a seven-episode mini-series that blends supernatural suspense with psychological drama. Set against the mystical backdrop of Chikmagalur in the 1990s, the story explores dark secrets buried within an influential family’s ancestral home—one where newlywed brides never survive.
Featuring a talented cast including Kushee Ravi, Akshya Nayak, and Manasi Sudheer, the series follows Jaji (played by Kushee Ravi), a new bride who steps into the eerie halls of her husband’s family mansion, only to find herself entangled in a deadly cycle of unexplained deaths and age-old beliefs.
“Kannada cinema has a rich legacy of storytelling, with audiences deeply connected to stories that blend culture, mystery, and emotion. Ayyana Mane is a perfect example of this—a crime drama infused with supernatural suspense, set in the breathtaking yet enigmatic town of Chikmagalur, where mist-covered hills and age-old traditions create the perfect backdrop for an eerie mystery. The show’s authentic locations, high-tech visuals, and immersive storytelling bring the haunting atmosphere to life, making it a truly amazing experience. We’re excited to expand our regional content slate with such interesting shows and Ayyana Mane is just the beginning of what’s to come for Kannada viewers on ZEE5,” said a ZEE5 spokesperson.
The plot revolves around a chilling mystery—three daughters-in-law have died under suspicious circumstances, each linked to the family’s deity, Kondayya. Jaji’s journey, aided by a maid and a police officer, reveals more than she ever imagined, turning her into both investigator and survivor.
“With Ayyana Mane, I wanted to create more than just a mystery; I wanted to take the audience on a journey where fear, faith, and family secrets intertwine,” said director Ramesh Indira. “This story is deeply rooted in Kannada culture, exploring the weight of traditions, the power of belief, and the darkness that sometimes hides within the familiar. The eerie ’90s setting adds to the tension, making the house feel like a character with secrets. Working with such a talented cast, especially Kushee Ravi, Akshya Nayak, Mansi Sudhir and producer Shruti Janardhana Naidu, who has brought this vision to life in the most haunting way. I hope Ayyana Mane keeps viewers on the edge of their seats and makes them question how much of what we fear is real and how much is created by those around us.”
Kushee Ravi, who essays the role of Jaji, added, “Stepping into Jaji’s world felt like walking into a beautifully woven nightmare—one where every corner hides a secret, and every shadow whispers a warning! She starts off as an innocent, loving wife, deeply respectful of traditions, but as eerie events unfold, her quiet curiosity becomes her greatest strength—and possibly her biggest danger. Playing her was an intense experience, as she’s caught between fear, faith, and the desperate need to survive. Ayyana Mane isn’t just a mystery; it’s an emotional rollercoaster, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience its chilling secrets firsthand!”
With high production value, atmospheric storytelling, and a culturally rich narrative, Ayyana Mane is expected to set a new benchmark in regional thrillers.
The series premieres exclusively on ZEE5 on April 25, 2025.
