Streaming platform ZEE5 has launched the gripping trailer of its forthcoming Telugu crime thriller series, Paruvu. Directed by Siddharth Naidu and Vadlapati Rajashekhar, with Pavan Sadineni as the showrunner, Paruvu is produced by Sushmitha Konidela. The series promises a breathtaking narrative centered on honor killings, caste politics, and the primal struggle for survival.
The series features a stellar cast including Nivetha Pethuraj, Naresh Agastya, Naga Babu, and Pranita Patnaik. The story carves a niche of its own by exploring a taboo subject—an illicit love affair that tangles into a lethal conspiracy. The trailer sets the stage with a dramatic escape, showcasing Vikram (Naresh) and Jhanvi (Nivetha) as they flee from hired goons determined to end them due to the caste-driven vendetta of their families. In an unexpected twist that heightens the tension, the hunted soon turn into the hunters.
“In a world ruled by ruthless caste dynamics, Paruvu follows a couple who dare to defy societal expectations by eloping and marrying, despite belonging to opposing castes. The couple, disowned by their families, is compelled to return to their hometown due to a family death. Little do they know, a malevolent plan is in place to execute them. In their frantic fight for survival, they thwart the plot but find themselves trapped in a town teeming with enemies,” reads the plot summary.
“As their defiant act triggers clan wars fueled by egotistical leaders, political aspirations, and entrenched social structures, the couple must concoct effective survival strategies and lean on sheer luck to survive what may be the most harrowing 24 hours of their lives. However, even the best-crafted plans have unforeseen flaws that can dismantle everything, threatening not only their lives but also challenging their resolve to protect their honor in a society built to subdue them,” the summary continues.
Providing insights about the show, Anuradha Gudur, Chief Content Officer at ZEE5, said, “At ZEE5, we envision impactful storytelling that both entertains and holds up a mirror to society.
. Paruvu is the embodiment of this vision—a spine-tingling crime thriller spotlighting caste politics, honor, and forbidden love. It’s an exciting blend of suspense and social commentary. As we head into June, the arrangement is perfect. Post-IPL, audiences are migrating back to varied viewing preferences, and Paruvu provides a refreshing breath of adrenaline-filled drama right from the comfort of their homes. With its star-studded cast, led by the versatile Naga Babu, high-stakes narrative, and visually stunning cinematography, it’s set to be the season’s must-watch event.”
Actor Nivetha Pethuraj spoke passionately about her role, saying, “Paruvu is a career-defining project for me, challenging me far beyond my comfort zone. In this series, I embody a woman caught between love and a society that penalizes her choices—a role that demanded my complete emotional range. What attracted me to Paruvu was its raw, candid portrayal of caste politics and honor killings—issues that plague our society to this day. Through my character’s 24-hour ordeal of survival, the series demystifies romantic notions, exposing the harsh reality many couples face.”
Equally enthused, actor Naga Babu expressed, “As a fervent fan of crime thrillers, I’ve always been intrigued by their edge-of-seat suspense and multifaceted characters. So when Paruvu came to me, offering a thrilling crime narrative intertwined with social commentary, I was elated. Collaborating with the talented debut directors Siddharth Naidu and Vadlapati Rajashekhar has been a thrilling experience, and playing such a complex, intense role in this socially relevant thriller is an actor’s dream.”
Set to premiere on June 14 on ZEE5, Paruvu stands out as a daring exploration into the dark corners of societal norms and human resilience. The series is poised to captivate audiences with its mix of intense drama, social insight, and raw emotion, making it a landmark event in Telugu television.
