Constable Kanakam is an Indian Telugu-language mystery thriller television series created, written and directed by Prasanth Kumar Dimmala.[1][2] The series features Varsha Bollamma, Rajeev Kanakala, Megha Lekha and Srinivas Avasarala in important roles.[3] It premiered on 14 August 2025 on ETV Win.[4] The second season was released on 8 January 2026.[5]
Plot
Season one
Set in the 1990s in the village of Repalle, Srikakulam, the story follows Kanaka Mahalakshmi (Varsha Bollamma), a timid young woman who joins the local police force as a constable to fulfill her late mother's wish and her father's encouragement. Despite being ridiculed by her colleagues for her fearful nature—such as her phobia of lizards—Kanakam is tasked with investigating the "Adavi Gutta" forest, a forbidden zone where several young women have mysteriously disappeared.
The investigation becomes personal when Kanakam's close friend, Chandrika (Megha Lekha), goes missing. Kanakam uncovers a conspiracy involving local superstitions and black magic used as a front for a criminal smuggling ring. She discovers that the "kidnappings" are staged as ritual sacrifices to keep villagers away from contraband routes. After discovering evidence that links her own superiors to the operation, Kanakam goes rogue to infiltrate a ritual site, rescuing two abducted women. The season ends with the arrest of a sub-inspector and a political broker, though Chandrika remains missing.
Season two
Following her initial success, Kanakam continues her search for Chandrika. The investigation leads her out of Repalle to Pitapuram, where she follows a financial trail that uncovers shocking truths about her friend's identity and family background. She realizes that the conspiracy is deeper than a local smuggling ring and involves influential figures across the state. The season concludes with Kanakam successfully locating Chandrika and dismantling the core of the criminal network, while a post-credit scene teases a new case in the Adavi Gutta region.
Cast
- Varsha Bollamma as PC Dimmala Kanaka Mahalakshmi "Kanakam"
- Rajeev Kanakala as HC B. Samba Siva Rao
- Megha Lekha in a dual role as Chandrika / Sahasra
- Srinivas Avasarala as President Prakash Rao; an ex Havildar
- Meesala Laxman as Bulli Babu; Prakash's maternal uncle
- Prem Sagar as SI S. Sadasivam
- Ramana Bhargava as PC Sathibabu
- Suchitraa Anandan
- Sunny Naveen as Babji
- Kishore Kumar Polimera as Veeri
- Vijay Raghav
- Jwala Koti as Chandrika's adoptive father
- Madhavi Priyadarshini
- Rakendu Mouli as Dr. Hanumanth Rao
- Soumya Varanasi
- Ramesh Konambhotla as Kanakam's father
Episodes
Season 1 (2025)
Season 2 (2026)
Production
Filming began on 2 December 2024 and the show was announced on the same day.[6]
Reception
Season one
Avad Mohammad of OTTPlay praised the lead cast performances, production design and background score, while being critical towards the screenplay.[7] Echoing the same, 10TV gave a mixed review.[8] 123Telugu wrote "Constable Kanakam is undoubtedly one of the well-made shows technically in the Telugu digital space" adding that writing doesn’t support.[9]
Season two
Reviewing the season two, Avad Mohammed of OTTplay, wrote that “Varsha Bollama's show did not do much with its first season, but things change in season 2 as all the errors get rectified and things are much more gripping.“[10]
References
- ↑ గ్రామంలో అమ్మాయిలు మిస్సింగ్ - జింక అనుకునే సింహం ఏం చేసిందంటే?... 'కానిస్టేబుల్ కనకం' ట్రైలర్, Guptha, Ganesh. ABP Desam(2025-08-08). Retrieved 2025-08-15.
- ↑ Constable Kanakam trailer blends folk allegory with village mystery, Devulapally, Aditya. Cinema Express(2025-08-08). Retrieved 2025-08-15.
- ↑ Chiranjeevi unveils trailer of Varsha Bollamma's 'Constable Kanakam', Sistu, Suhas. www.thehansindia.com(2025-08-09). Retrieved 2025-08-15.
- ↑ Constable Kanakam: Varsha Bollama's new Telugu series is all about black magic. Hindustan Times(2025-08-12). Retrieved 2025-08-15.
- ↑ Constable Kanakam season 2 gets premiere date. The New Indian Express(2025-12-30). Retrieved 2026-01-10.
- ↑ Varsha Bollamma's Constable Kanakam goes on floors, Devulapally, Aditya. Cinema Express(2024-12-02). Retrieved 2025-08-15.
- ↑ Constable Kanakam: Varsha Bollama's Telugu web series shines only in parts. OTTPlay. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
- ↑ 'కానిస్టేబుల్ కనకం' వెబ్ సిరీస్ రివ్యూ.. ఊళ్ళో అమ్మాయిలు మిస్సింగ్... 10TV Telugu(2025-08-14). Retrieved 2025-08-15.
- ↑ OTT Constable Kanakam Telugu Series Review, Varsha Bollamma(2025-08-15). Retrieved 2025-08-15.
- ↑ Constable Kanakam Season 2 Review: Varsha Bollama's show is sharper, tighter, and engaging. www.ottplay.com.