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‘Raakshasa’ Series Review (2026): Vijay Raghavendra & Mayuri Kyatari’s Kannada crime mystery thriller “Raakshasa” has arrived today, on February 20, 2026, on Zee5. The series takes us on a bold, unsettling and socially charged journey that forces viewers to confront the terrifying reality of abuse of power. The show, which is inspired by real-world survivor testimonies and global trafficking investigations, presents the perfect blend of psychological horror with investigative storytelling in a way that feels both urgent and painfully real.
The show doesn’t really rely on sensationalism, but Raakshasa chooses to explore the silent, long-term trauma that is faced by survivors and the terrifying systems that protect powerful offenders.
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Baapofmovies.com Rating: 3.5/5
- Premiere Date: February 20, 2026
- Where to Watch: Zee5
- Directed by: Suhan Prasad
- Written by: Suhan Prasad & Apoorva Kumar
- Cast: Vijay Raghavendra, Mayuri Kyatari, Appanna Ramadurga, Avinash Yelandur, MS Jahangir, Abhijith, Hulugappa Kattimani, Mahadev Hadapad, Sushmitha Jagappa and others
Rakshasa Story and Core Theme
Raakshasa is not just about crime. It takes the viewers to the concept of control, psychological domination, and institutional failure. The series is smartly written, as it reflects patterns that are usually seen in real-life survivor accounts involving disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and survivor Rina Oh.
The narrative follows a young aspiring artist who is lured into a world of false promises. He is assured of scholarships, career opportunities, and protection but eventually realises that obedience and silence are the real price.
The most disturbing element is the repeated focus on “protocols” inside elite private spaces like luxury homes, private estates, and exclusive gatherings.
Psychological Horror Done Right
Raakshasa understands that abuse is not always physical. The show powerfully highlights:
- emotional devaluation
- constant surveillance and intimidation
- subtle threats masked as generosity
- withdrawal of opportunities as punishment
The central antagonist is portrayed as narcissistic and shown as a highly intelligent manipulator. It seems to be similar to the public descriptions of Epstein as a “raging narcissist” who relied on psychological domination as much as physical coercion. The writing makes it clear that trauma does not end when the victim escapes.
Political and Institutional Angle
The major strength of the series is its bold political subtext. Raakshasa is bold enough to directly question why powerful networks remain untouched and how names connected to abuse are protected by wealth and influence.
There are several story arcs in the series that draw direct inspiration from real discussions that surround figures such as Prince Andrew, and there are even references to political leaders that include Donald Trump. ‘ The show strongly underlines a painful truth: that justice rarely comes easily, especially when the accused belong to the world’s elite.
Direction and Narrative Treatment
The direction keeps the tone slow, restrained and deliberately uncomfortable. It doesn’t really rely on the dramatic background scores or exaggerated violence, but the creators have focused on silence, lingering close-ups and claustrophobic interiors.
This approach works well because it places viewers inside the mental state of the survivor and does not just offer the comfort of distance. The series avoids glamorising wealth and instead presents luxury as a cage.
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What Works Well
- Raakshasa has very strong survivor-centric storytelling.
- The series sensitively handles the emotional and psychological abuse.
- There is a realistic portrayal of power imbalance.
- The series has a very sharp commentary on lack of accountability.
- The series’ direction is very sharp.
What Could Have Been Better
There are some episodes in Raakshasa that feel slightly stretched, especially during investigative segments that repeat similar revelations. The series needed a tighter edit in the middle episodes to improve the pacing without affecting the emotional impact.
Final Verdict – Is Raakshasa Worth Watching?
Absolutely, Raakshasa is not an easy watch, but it is an important one.
If you are someone who is looking for a serious, socially relevant and emotionally powerful crime drama, then Raakshasa stands out as one of the most unsettling and meaningful series of the year.
Watch Raakshasa Trailer
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