Pratishodh – Zunj Astitvachi is a new Marathi television serial on Sony Marathi that brings a bold narrative around identity, social taboos, and retribution. According to reports, the show premiered on 16 January 2023.
The serial positions itself not as a typical family drama but rather as a social-thriller, exploring marginalized lives and relationships.
Cast & Characters
The cast comprises both established actors and emerging performers. Some notable names include:
- Amol Bawdekar in the lead role, portraying Mamta, a character whose journey is central to the plot.
- Payal Memane as the female lead, opposite Amol.
- Ruturaj Satpute plays Potya, an important supporting character.
- Akshay Waghmare is also part of the ensemble cast.
In addition, a Marathi TV-serial listing site “NETTV4U” also lists a “Pratishodh” serial cast involving veteran names like Ashalata Wabgaonkar, Rekha Rao, Sonali Naik, Shilpa Tulaskar, Sushma Prashant, Parag Kulkarni, Anang Desai, Sudhir Dalvi, Sachin Pilgaonkar — however, that listing may refer to a different “Pratishodh” (older serial) rather than Pratishodh – Zunj Astitvachi.
Thus, when speaking of the current serial, the primary cast is focused around Amol Bawdekar, Payal Memane, and supporting cast like Ruturaj and Akshay.
Timing & Broadcast
- Channel: Sony Marathi
- Schedule: The show airs Monday to Saturday at 10:00 PM.
- Episode Duration: Each episode runs about 20-22 minutes.
A promo on YouTube also confirms the timing: “Som to Shani, raatri 10 vaje” (Monday to Saturday at 10 PM).
Serial Story
Pratishodh – Zunj Astitvachi weaves a powerful and unusual narrative focusing on Mamta, who is in fact a kinnar (transgender person), and her daughter Disha.
Instead of conventional love or family drama tropes, the story emphasizes social acceptance, inner strength, and the fight for dignity. The tales of Mamta and Disha’s relationship, their struggles, and their emotional bond are central.
Mamta doesn’t just stay a victim of circumstances: she runs a lunchbox business, supports Disha, and faces societal ostracism with resolve.
The show also brings in intriguing dramatic elements and thriller angles. The makers have commented that Marathi television should go beyond repetitive “saas-bahu” themes, and Pratishodh seeks to experiment by combining social messaging with suspense.
Also, Ramesh Vani (aka Guru Ma) is reported to be cast as another kinnar character in the serial, which adds depth to representation and narrative complexity.
Thus, the core conflict is not just external prejudice but internal choices: how Mamta and Disha navigate identities, relationships, betrayals, acceptance, and personal justice. The central question remains: Can Mamta reclaim dignity? Will society accept her and her daughter? And can their bond survive all trials?
