Zee Kannada, one of Karnataka‘s most prominent general entertainment channels, is making a strategic play for prime-time viewership with the launch of its ambitious new fiction drama, ‘Karna’. The show, which premiered on July 2, 2025, airing Monday to Friday at 8:00 PM, aims to captivate audiences with an intense family drama centered on a compassionate gynecologist navigating complex personal challenges.
‘Karna’ introduces viewers to Dr. Karna (played by Kiran Raj), a renowned and empathetic gynecologist known for his dedication to serving the underprivileged. Despite his noble character and professional success, Karna faces profound emotional struggles within his own family. Abandoned as a child and raised by the respected Rama Krishna Vasishta, Karna has never been fully embraced as a son by his adoptive family. His life takes a dramatic turn when he is unexpectedly forced into a marriage with a pregnant woman who manipulates him for her own gain. As he battles his stepfamily and the intricate web of promises and betrayals, Karna finds solace and hope in his loyal friend and ally, Nidhi (played by Bhavya Gowda).
The narrative promises to be an emotional rollercoaster, exploring themes of identity, loyalty, sacrifice, and redemption. Kiran Raj makes a powerful comeback to television in this titular role, showcasing a blend of strength and vulnerability. He is joined by a stellar cast including Bhavya Gowda, Namratha Gowda (who plays a pivotal role), and veteran actors like Nagabharana, Ashok, and Mahalakshmi Vasishta, who lend gravitas and emotional depth to the storyline.
Zee Kannada’s decision to schedule ‘Karna’ in the highly competitive 8:00 PM prime-time slot reflects its confidence in the show’s compelling narrative and strong cast. The channel has a history of delivering emotionally resonant stories and aspirational content, and ‘Karna’ is poised to continue this legacy. This move also aligns with Zee Kannada’s broader strategy to reinforce its prime-time band and consolidate its viewership, offering differentiated content that appeals to a wide range of audiences across Karnataka. The anticipation for ‘Karna’ has been building, and with its focus on relatable human emotions and intricate family dynamics, the show is set to become a significant addition to the channel’s fiction lineup.
Key Highlights:
- Zee Kannada has launched a new prime-time fiction drama titled ‘Karna’, which premiered on July 2, 2025, airing Monday to Friday at 8:00 PM.
- The show features Kiran Raj as Dr. Karna, a compassionate gynecologist who faces personal struggles within his adoptive family and is forced into a manipulative marriage.
- ‘Karna’ explores themes of identity, loyalty, and redemption, with a strong supporting cast including Bhavya Gowda and other veteran actors.
- This strategic move by Zee Kannada aims to strengthen its prime-time viewership by offering a compelling and emotionally rich family drama.