Maha Kumbh: Ek Rahasya, Ek Kahani

Maha Kumbh: Ek Rahasya, Ek Kahani is an Indian Hindi-language television series that blends supernatural elements with mythology and thriller conventions. Produced and directed by Arvind Babbal under his own production banner, the show aired on Life OK. Gautam Rode and Payal Rajput played the lead roles. The series earned Arvind Babbal a nomination in the Best Director (India) category at the 2016 New York Festivals International Television & Film Awards. It also received a Certificate of Merit at the 52nd Chicago International Television Awards. A Telugu-dubbed version aired on Star Maa Gold starting 5 June 2017.

The plot follows Rudra, a boy born with supernatural powers. As a child, he is unaware of his gift, but his abilities emerge as he grows older. Rudra is one of seven protectors of Amrit, the elixir of life, which appears only once every 144 years during the Mahakumbh. His father, Shivanand, is a leading member of the Garuda clan. The story begins when a young Rudra visits the Mahakumbh with his father. A bridge over the Ganga is blown up by Balivesh, a priest allied with the Naga clan. The Nagas and Garudas have long fought over the Amrit. Rudra’s father is kidnapped by a man named Mr. Greyerson, who claims to belong to a secret society linked to the Nazis, specifically the Thule Society. Greyerson takes Shivanand to Poland, where he is tortured and studied for the secret of the Amrit, in collaboration with Dr. A.P.G. Rao. Rudra is thrown into the water by the blast and rescued by Udiya Baba, who takes him to Mai Mui and Punnu. Rudra is raised by Mai Mui but is constantly hunted by Balivesh and Khoye Paye Pandey. On Dussehra, Khoye Paye Pandey attacks Rudra, who is on a chariot preparing to shoot an arrow at Ravana’s effigy. A bomb planted in the chariot explodes; Rudra escapes unhurt, but the burning effigy falls on Udiya Baba, injuring him fatally. Rudra saves him from the fire, but Udiya Baba dies peacefully after Rudra brings his wife for a final meeting. Rudra realizes his Garuda birthmark endangers his loved ones and tries to remove it, but Mai Mui stops him. Khoye Paye Pandey lures Rudra to Balivesh, where he is captured but escapes using his powers. Rudra leaves Mai Mui, blaming himself for Udiya Baba’s death, and meets another person with a Garuda symbol. He eventually returns to Mai Mui.