The trailer for Bhagwat Chapter 1 – Raakshas was dropped on October 2 , and it plunges viewers headfirst into a grim world of disappearances, dark secrets, and a chilling confrontation between good and evil. Streaming exclusively on ZEE5 from October 17, the film promises to be a gritty, psychological crime drama that breaks away from the conventional.
The trailer opens with a haunting line that sets the tone: “Ek taraf baaz shikaar karne ke liye hai taiyaar, toh dusri taraf sach ka rakshak hai hoshiyaar.” It signals a high-stakes face-off between two ideologies, embodied by Jitendra Kumar and Arshad Warsi. Kumar, stepping far out of his usual comfort zone of warm, relatable roles, plays a disturbingly composed man accused in a string of missing girls cases. He calls himself a “Baaz” — a predator ready to evolve and soar again.
Arshad Warsi, on the other hand, dons the uniform of Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat, a law enforcer transferred under questionable circumstances after crossing the line during interrogations. Haunted by his past, he finds himself in a new city plagued by the mysterious disappearance of 19 young girls. His only lead? A man who seems far too clever and far too calm to be innocent.
Directed by Akshay Shere and produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Bhagwat Chapter 1 – Raakshas doesn’t shy away from the darkness. The visuals are soaked in grey tones, matching the moral ambiguity of the narrative. The trailer hints at violence, systemic rot, and a possible prostitution ring that could tie the missing girls together.
Yet, this isn't just another gritty cop drama. The storytelling appears layered, with a cerebral tone — more of a psychological battle than a physical one. With Jitendra’s character choosing to represent himself in court, and Bhagwat digging deeper despite mounting pressure, the film promises tension, courtroom mind games, and a slow-burning unraveling of truth.
Arshad Warsi, recently seen tickling funny bones in Jolly LLB 3 and The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, returns in an intense avatar that echoes his impactful work in Asur. Meanwhile, Jitendra Kumar, best known for his emotionally grounded characters in Panchayat and Jaadugar, dives deep into the skin of someone much darker, making this possibly his most transformative role yet.
Their chemistry more accurately, their rivalry is the core of the trailer, and possibly the film. One seeks justice; the other hides behind philosophical riddles and calm menace. Both seem broken, but only one is truly dangerous.
The film is titled Bhagwat Chapter 1, clearly hinting at a larger story arc. The “Raakshas” subtitle might not just refer to the villain in this chapter, but also suggest an exploration of different evils in future installments. If the trailer is any indication, the filmmakers might be playing a long game — introducing themes and characters now, only to dig deeper in upcoming parts.
Bhagwat Chapter 1 – Raakshas seems to walk the tightrope between psychological suspense and procedural drama. With Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar at the helm, and a mysterious case that echoes real-world horrors, the film is poised to make a strong impact.
Catch the film exclusively on ZEE5, streaming from October 17.
Check out the trailer: