'Karmphal Data SHANI': TV’s new magnum opus

Shani Dev

is feared and revered in equal measure. While he is an agent of chaos for some, others worship him as the righteous one. But there’s no arguing about the fact that he is the most misunderstood, mysterious God of the Hindu pantheon.

Now, a new show, '

Karamphal Data Shani

', is all set to unravel the deity’s story. Premiering today, it will be aired every Monday to Friday at 9 pm on Colors. The show aims to clear the numerous myths that are attributed to the Saturn God.

Born to Surya Dev and Chaya (his wife Sangya’s shadow), Shani Dev was empowered by the holy trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva — to strike a balance between the good and evil. The show portrays how he ensures that every person reaps the fruits — sweet or bitter — of his/her karma.

Manisha Sharma

, the programming head of the channel, says, “The show boasts of extravagant production design, stellar cast and engaging storyline. Every character has been etched carefully. Recreating pages from the Vedas and Puranas is no mean feat.”

Imagine a world of Devas, Asuras and other mythical celestial beings! The team of Karamphal Data Shani had a tough time recreating the mythological era on screen.

Siddharth Tewary

, founder and creative director, Swastik Productions, says, “When we conceptualised the show, we wanted to bring forth the kindness and importance of Shani Dev. He is viewed as unlucky in conventional astrology, but that is not true. He simply makes you face the consequences of your karmas — good or bad. Actually, we must consider Shani as a friend. We have left no stone unturned to put this magnum opus together — be it building ostentatious sets, or doing research on the Vedas and Puranas.”

The sets, sprawling across 65,000 sq.ft at Umbergaon (Gujarat), was built by more than 600 workers over a period of four months. Divided into four zones — Swarga Lok, Surya Lok, Patal Lok and a dense forest — they have been made with great attention to detail. No expense has been spared for costumes and jewellery either. The attires, in monochromatic themes, are laden with gemstones. For example, Surya Dev’s outfit alone weighs approximately 30 kg. Another highlight of the show is its cutting-edge VFX effects.

The show also boasts of an impressive star cast. Surya Dev’s character — of a man who refuses to accept his son, and also the first person to be at the receiving end of Shani’s justice — is essayed by actor Salil Ankola. His loving wife, Sangya, who chooses to go for tapasya because she cannot face her husband’s heat is played by Juhi Parmar. The actress also plays Sangya’s shadow Chhaya, who eventually conceives Shani. Praneet Sharma will be seen as Kaakol, a raven who is Shani’s first real friend, his companion and his vehicle. While Tarun Khanna makes an appearance as Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu will be played by Diwakar Pundir. Kartikeya Malviya will essay the title role of young Shani Dev.