ZEE5, a platform that has steadily redefined the landscape of Telugu storytelling with bold and original voices, has unveiled the trailer of Nayanam, a daring new series that fuses psychological tension with an inventive sci-fi edge. Headlined by Varun Sandesh and Priyanka Jain, the series is set to stream from December 19. The trailer was launched at a packed Hyderabad event where the team spoke about the ambition behind bringing such a unique concept to Telugu OTT.
“Meet Nayan – the man who can watch your present like a lens-feed,” sets the central hook of the series, hinting at a world where perception becomes dangerous and human curiosity spirals into unsettling territory. Directed by Swathi Prakash Mantripragada, Nayanam marks Telugu OTT’s first attempt at merging a psychological thriller with a sci-fi premise.
The trailer launch event brought the entire team together, each sharing their journey and emotional connection with the series.
Music director Ajay Arasada ( https://youtu.be/SDC-HW8mwMs ) recalled the moment he first heard the storyline, “Swathi narrated something I had never encountered in Telugu OTT. The moment I heard it, I knew the music needed to carry a sense of mystery and unease. I didn’t want to ‘compose’ as much as ‘respond’ to the psychology of the characters. Every cue was shaped with that intention.”
Editor Venkata Krishna ( https://youtu.be/tdA6WYk51K8 ) described the project as deeply satisfying. “Stories like this don’t come often. The rhythm had to feel like slipping into someone’s mind. Each cut had to push the story deeper into psychological territory, and working on that felt beautiful.”
Cinematographer Shoaib Siddiqui ( https://youtu.be/_C43oGQ6X6U ) spoke about capturing the series’ unsettling visual language. “Swathi had a very clear idea of how the world of Nayan should look – grounded, eerie, yet emotionally readable. The entire SRT team supported us so much. Viewers will feel pulled in from the first frame.”
Actor Ali Reza ( https://youtu.be/U4Rt1uIBVxk ) opened up with emotional honesty about his career phase. “There was a time when films weren’t coming, and even the ones that came weren’t moving forward. I went back to my family business. Life was stable but something inside felt unfinished. Then, within one month, two offers came. One of them was Nayanam. Playing a police officer here was refreshing. Swathi stood by me throughout. Anuradha garu has supported me for years, whenever I asked for a chance, she never hesitated. This series reminded me why I became an actor twenty years ago.”
Senior Vice President of OAP & Commissioning Zee Telugu & Telugu Zee5 Jayanth Raghavan ( https://youtu.be/ISoscbUr0JA ) expressed confidence saying “Swathi narrated the story to us and we instantly knew this was a quality project. ZEE5 is committed to setting new benchmarks, and Nayanam is one of those rare scripts that immediately signals its potential.”
Vice President of Telugu Original Content for Telugu ZEE5 Saiteja Desiraju ( https://youtu.be/NP36I6r9rac ) placed the series within ZEE5’s 2025 slate, “We are closing the year with two strong originals, The Great Pre-Wedding Show and Nayanam. This series brings a point Telugu audiences haven’t experienced on OTT. When Swathi narrated it last year, we knew it was something new. The SRT team delivered exactly what the script deserved.”
Chief Content Officer & Business Head of Telugu ZEE5 Anuradha Gudur ( https://youtu.be/QCYvWzj1xX8 ) shared the platform’s trust in the story. “We launched Sangeeth Shobhan with ‘Oka Chinna Family Story’, and today his graph is clear for all to see. When Swathi came to us with Nayanam, her passion was infectious. Psychological thrillers of this flavour are rare in Telugu. The performances are outstanding, and the SRT team has delivered a sharp piece of work.”
Executive Producer Vidyasagar ( https://youtu.be/NGL-WGAR0NE ) highlighted the key contributions, “SRT always supports new talent. Ajay’s music is superb, Shoaib’s visuals are beautiful. And Varun came into the project at a moment when we needed someone reliable – he truly felt like someone sent by the universe. We are proud of what the team has created.”
Producer Rajini Talluri ( https://youtu.be/2d617H65-8s ) reflected on continuity, “Last year around this time we released Vikatakavi, which became a success. Nayanam is our third project with ZEE5. We brought back the same music director, same cinematographer, same creative synergy. And it shows.”
Director Swathi Prakash ( https://youtu.be/TOLCLs6iatg ) spoke with gratitude, “For any debut director, this platform is a dream. ZEE5 believed in the script from day one. Shoaib understood my vision visually, Ajay elevated it musically, Saiteja stood by the story throughout. Curiosity drives people, sometimes it drives them too far. That is the core of Nayanam. I’m thankful to every artist and every technician who travelled with me.”
Priyanka Jain said ( https://youtu.be/85E50NTsqVQ ) “The Nayanam project is very special to me. Swathi has shown this series brilliantly. I am going to appear as Madhavi in it. Thanks to Varun garu, Ali Reza and everyone. Nayanam will be streaming on December 19. Everyone watches and enjoys it.”
Vitika Sheru said ( https://youtu.be/fVr4kn4fRLQ ) “ZEE5 always anchors new talent and impresses with different content. Thanks to ZEE5 for providing such good content. When I came to know that a lady director is directing this, I felt wow. When I saw the trailer, I felt superb. This is a rare project in Telugu. Ajay’s music, background score, Shoaib garu’s visuals are beautiful. Priyanka got involved in the character. Ali Reza is a very hard worker. He is a person with a passion for acting. I am excitedly waiting to see what Varun Sandesh’s character will be like. His look is also good. “It will definitely be a series that will please everyone,” he said.
Varun Sandesh said ( https://youtu.be/3oiJeqnJm5A ) “Shekhar sir told me about this story. I was shocked after listening to the narration given by Swathi and Sadhika sir. Without thinking, I decided to do the character of Nayan. It is a great thing that the Zee5 team is bringing such a wonderful project to the audience. Thanks to SRT Entertainment Ram sir and Rajini sir. I am coming to you with the satisfaction of doing a good project after a long time. When will December 19 come.. I am waiting to see when the audience will see Nayan. Alireza, Priyanka, Rekha .. everyone has acted wonderfully. “I’m waiting to see Ajay’s music, background score, and Shoaib’s visualization on the screen,” he said.
Nayanam begins streaming exclusively on ZEE5 from December 19. Built on a high-concept idea, powered by striking performances, and shaped with a psychological edge that refuses to look away from human darkness, the series arrives as a sharp, unsettling year-end thriller.
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