Jitendra Kumar, known for his warm and relatable portrayals, is stepping into uncharted territory with his new project, Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas, a crime thriller streaming on ZEE5. According to an interview with India Today, Kumar says that this role is unlike anything he has done before and offers a dark, morally complex character that challenges his established image.
Breaking Away From the Familiar
Jitendra Kumar built his reputation with roles in series like Panchayat and Kota Factory, characters many viewers found grounded and endearing. In his own words:
“It was a big shift for me. Nothing in this role is similar to what I’ve done before; it’s completely different.”
The actor admits that the story of Bhagwat is based on real incidents, which struck him as “shockingly real”:
“When I heard about the real incidents the story is based on, I was shocked. I honestly thought some of it must be fictionalised, but nothing was. Everything was shockingly real, and that kept surprising and shocking me again and again.”
Kumar says the chance to dive into a “slightly negative shade” appealed to him.
“As an actor, I really wanted to do a crime thriller with a slightly negative shade. There was always a sense of excitement and enthusiasm every time I went on set for this character.”
The Film & Role at a Glance
Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas arrives as one of ZEE5’s more daring entries into crime-drama territory. While details of the character Kumar plays have been kept under wraps, the actor’s comments suggest he plays someone with negative or unpredictable behaviour, a departure from the usual “nice guy” roles.
Streaming now, the film positions itself to tap into audiences’ growing appetite for gritty, real-life inspired thrillers. According to Kumar, the unpredictability of a role like this is the biggest draw:
“I think the only fun in acting is in the unpredictability. If you already know that a film will work or that a certain combination will be successful, then where’s the fun in that? … That’s what keeps it exciting.”
Why This Shift Matters
This pivot in Jitendra Kumar’s career is notable for several reasons:
- Type-casting escape – Kumar has often been seen as the affable, boy-next-door type. Embracing a darker character signals readiness to broaden his portfolio.
- Streaming era dynamics – With ZEE5 backing the film, it highlights how OTT platforms continue to create space for genres that traditional cinema may sideline.
- Real-incident based intrigue – The fact that the story draws on reportedly real events adds an extra layer of audience interest and authenticity.
For Kumar personally, this is an opportunity to test his range and make a statement:
“Now, it’s up to the audience to decide how much they like it.”
Looking Ahead
As viewers catch Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas, attention will likely fall on how Kumar’s performance connects with audiences and critics alike. Will his darker turn pay off? Will this open doors for more such experiments in his career? The film’s reception may well set the tone for his next choices.
Meanwhile, Kumar mentions he’s been exploring different kinds of content in preparation, watching shows like Maid and films such as Wayward to stay inspired.
In all, Bhagwat presents an intriguing new chapter for both actor and platform, one that challenges expectations and invites viewers to see Jitendra Kumar in a truly different light.
By – Sonali