ZEE5 has released the official trailer of its much-anticipated original series, Chhal Kapat – The Deception, a haunting psychological thriller set to stream exclusively on the platform starting June 6, 2025. The show is helmed by director Ajay Bhuyan, produced by Juggernaut Productions, and fronted by the versatile Shriya Pilgaonkar in a career-defining role.
A Celebration Turns Sinister
Set in the atmospheric beauty of a village near Burhanpur, the story unravels at an intimate destination wedding that quickly spirals into a nightmare. Bride-to-be Alisha Dixit has chosen her ancestral haveli for the festivities, inviting her closest friends—Mehak, Ira, and Shalu—to reunite after years apart. But joy turns to horror when Shalu, now a popular social media influencer, is found dead under mysterious circumstances.
As the wedding celebrations collapse into chaos, what follows is a gripping whodunnit layered with deception, buried grudges, and personal trauma.
At the Center: A Cop with Her Own Shadows
Leading the investigation is Inspector Devika, portrayed by Shriya Pilgaonkar in her first-ever role as a police officer. But Devika is far from typical. Scarred by a traumatic past and shaped by the experiences of surviving domestic abuse, she brings an extraordinary edge to her work. Her ability to cut through lies isn’t despite her pain—it’s because of it. Her presence shifts the tone of the investigation, peeling back the mask on each suspect’s motive and emotional scars.
Speaking about her role, Shriya shared, “Devika isn’t just solving a crime—she’s confronting her own darkness. It’s a role filled with complexity, and I was instantly drawn to that. We don’t often see emotionally layered female cops on screen, and I feel honored to bring her to life.”
A Tale of Twisted Loyalties
The series boasts a powerful ensemble cast, including Kamya Ahlawat, Ragini Dwivedi, Tuhina Das, Yahhve Sharma, Pranay Pachauri, Smaran Sahu, and Anuj Sachdeva—each playing characters riddled with secrets and moral ambiguity. As Devika delves into their fractured relationships, old wounds and deep resentments come to the surface, turning friends into suspects and trust into a weapon.
Director Ajay Bhuyan elaborated, “I wanted to create more than a murder mystery—I wanted to explore how even the happiest occasions can conceal unsettling truths. The backdrop of a wedding gave us the perfect stage for emotional highs and devastating lows. What we’ve created is a story that doesn’t let go until the final reveal.”
A Whodunnit That Breaks the Mold
With lush cinematography, rich emotional layers, and a narrative that blurs the line between friendship and betrayal, Chhal Kapat – The Deception offers a fresh take on the genre. Expect high drama, nail-biting suspense, and characters who are anything but what they seem.
Catch the premiere of Chhal Kapat – The Deception only on ZEE5, starting June 6, 2025—a thriller that asks: How well do you really know your friends?