India’s leading homegrown video streaming platform and a pioneer in multilingual storytelling, ZEE5 has consistently raised the bar in delivering high-quality original content across genres and languages. Continuing its tradition of showcasing culturally rich and rooted shows, the platform is now set to premiere its latest Telugu original series, "Mothevari Love Story", a heartfelt comedy drama deeply rooted in the Telangana region and culture. The series will premiere exclusively on ZEE5 on August 8.
Mothevari Love Story features Anil Geela and Varshini Reddy Junnuthula in the lead roles. Directed by Shiva Krishna Burra, the series promises a new genre in the OTT space that is humorous, emotional and authentic, delivering a truly entertaining viewing experience for the audience.
This seven-episode series is set against the rustic backdrop of Telangana’s heartland, where a long-held family secret sets off a chain of humorous and dramatic events. Produced by Village Show Movies and Madhura Entertainment, Mothevari Love Story is a wholesome ride of emotions and unexpected twists, all sparked by a single wedding that soon becomes the centre of everyone’s attention. Apart from directing, Shiva Krishna Burra has also penned the script. Sreekanth Arupula handled the cinematography, while Anil Geela took on editing duties in addition to playing the lead. Music for the series has been composed by Charan Arjun.
Ahead of its premiere, the first look launch event was held today in Hyderabad, with the supremely talented Anand Deverakonda gracing the occasion as the chief guest. He officially unveiled the title and poster of the series, which also saw the presence of ZEE5 leadership and the full cast and crew.
Speaking at the first look launch event, actor Anand Deverakonda said, “I don’t call this a small project, this is a ‘big-hearted’ web series. Congrats to the entire team! The title is so unique, and the poster looks amazing. When Anil messaged me, I didn’t even think for a second. I usually avoid public events, but I said yes immediately for two reasons. One, I’m a huge fan of My Village Show videos. When I was in the US, our friends and family members used to binge-watch them. They reminded us of our own villages, culture, and festivals. Second, when Madhura Sreedhar sir offered me Dorasani, I prepped for it by watching My Village Show to learn the Telangana dialect. This was my way of paying it back. I wish the ZEE5 team and everyone involved a huge success!”
Lead Actor Anil Geela said, “This is the first step in turning My Village Show into a full-fledged production house. We felt like we had hit a saturation point on YouTube and were waiting for someone to give us a wider platform. That’s when Jayanth anna called and encouraged us to pitch an idea in our style. Contrary to the belief that OTT platforms take months to approve, ZEE5 gave us a nod in the first sitting! When we were worried about production, Madhura Sreedhar anna supported us without even hearing the story. We gave up remuneration and comforts and worked hard on this series. Vijay (Deverakonda) anna gave me my film debut with World Famous Lover, and now Anand (Deverakonda) anna is launching me into OTT. They are both our lucky charms. Mothevari Love Story premieres on August 8. Hope you all enjoy it.”
Producer Madhura Sreedhar Reddy said, “We all believe in manifestation. Three years ago, I messaged Anil, saying let’s work together on a film. Since then, we’ve been trying to collaborate because I always felt he had the potential to be a hero. Then one day, the team came up with Mothevari Love Story, and I gave a green signal immediately. I’m happy to launch Anil as a hero, just as I envisioned. Big thanks to Anuradha garu and the entire ZEE5 team for their professional approach. This will be the first web series rooted in Telangana culture. My best wishes to the whole team. Mothevari Love Story will surely entertain you from August 8.”
The show's other producer, Srikanth Sriram, said, “When we were doing My Village Show videos, we dreamt of making web series with good production values. We did a few on YouTube, but faced many hurdles. Just when we were unsure about the way forward, ZEE5 stepped in and gave us a platform and creative independence. Then Madhura Sreedhar anna joined as producer and helped us execute it well. For the first time, our team came out of our comfort zone and collaborated. We experimented a lot, despite a limited budget. Thank you to everyone who was part of this journey.”
Director Shiva Krishna Burra said, “I would like to thank the ZEE5 team for their constant support. A big thanks to Anand anna for unveiling our first look. Back then, Vijay anna introduced us on the YouTube Fanfest stage, which was a major step for us. Now, Anand anna has come to support us on our next big step. Thank you, Madhura Sreedhar anna, for putting confidence in us and okaying the project just by hearing one line of the story. I also thank Anil for standing by me over the last six months. I hope you grow bigger as a lead hero. Let’s all grow together. Charan anna has brought life to this series with his music. I also want to thank Srikanth Sriram, the direction team, and the entire cast and crew.”
ZEE5 Telugu Business Head Anuradha said, “During COVID times, we were so impressed and inspired after watching Middle Class Melodies, and bought its satellite rights. That’s how our connection with Anand garu began. A big thank you to him for launching this show’s first look. Mothevari Love Story is our series set in the Telangana dialect after Oka Chinna Family Story. That series launched Sangeeth, who has now become a popular hero, and I believe this one will do the same for Anil.”
ZEE5 Telugu Originals Vice President Sai Tej Deshraj said, “My Village Show and Anil are true examples of ‘Mattilo Manikyam’ and ‘Kashta Phali’. Their journey is so inspiring, we could make a biopic on it! Anil has been a YouTube star, and now he’s entering the OTT world. It’s not easy to create such rooted content. The show’s Telangana dialect will transport you to Karimnagar and Nizamabad. Mothevari Love Story will connect with all kinds of audiences. Say no to piracy and watch it exclusively on ZEE5.”
ZEE Telugu Senior Vice President of Commissioning and On-Air Promotions, Jayanth, said, "Upon Anuradha ma'am's suggestion, I once called up and invited Anil to narrate a story. Then, he narrated us this story and said that he would also be the lead in it. This is a fantastic, rooted story. Everyone has worked hard, and we hope it becomes one of ZEE5’s iconic shows.”
Music director Charan Arjun said, “I earlier worked on ZEE5’s film Vimanam, and now I’m back with this series. One of my biggest hits as a lyricist, ‘Merupai Sagara’ from Style, was released under Madhura Audio. I also wrote lyrics for a song in Sreedhar garu’s debut film Sneha Geetham. Now, I’m working as a composer for his series. My heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the entire team. I hope you all enjoy the series when it releases.”
The film's lead actress Varshini Reddy said, “Thank you for this lovely opportunity. The series is rooted and authentic, and will give viewers a fresh experience.”
Actor and My Village Show fame Gangavva said, “Our Anil, Shiva, and Sreekanth have worked hard. I hope this becomes a big hit on ZEE5.”
Gear up for a vibrant celebration of love, land, and laughter with Mothevari Love Story, a fresh new tale with a local twist. The much-awaited Telugu original premieres exclusively on ZEE5 from August 8.