By Anil Merani: The Zee TV show “Saru,” which premiered on May 12, 2025, has quickly gained attention in its early weeks by blending inspiring social themes with classic television drama. This Hindi adaptation of the Telugu series “Mutyala Muggu,” influenced by the Kannada hit “Kamali,” centres around a determined young woman from Khares village in Rajasthan, portrayed by debutante Mohawk Matkar. The show airs daily at 7:30 PM IST on Zee TV and is also available for streaming on ZEE5. It follows Saru’s pursuit of higher education in Mumbai as she defies societal norms and faces familial resistance, particularly from her protective mother, Gauri, whose past fuels her fears about city life.
In its initial run, “Saru” has garnered praise for its relatable narrative, which highlights the ambition of a kabaddi champion as they strive to become a district commissioner while navigating rural stereotypes and family challenges. The show’s emotional depth resonates with viewers, although some critiques point out its reliance on familiar tropes such as sibling rivalry and romantic entanglements. By June 4, 2025, after airing 24 episodes, key plot developments include Ved Birla, a supportive lecturer played by Shagun Pandey, discovering a conspiracy against Saru’s college admission, positioning him as a crucial ally. The introduction of Anika, played by Anushka Merchande as a fierce antagonist and potential half-sister, adds additional layers of tension, while family secrets involving Saru’s grandmother, Annapurna, deepen the drama.
Mohak Matkar’s performance as Saru has been particularly praised for its authenticity, achieved through dialect training and immersion in Rajasthani culture. Shagun Pandey brings a charming subtlety to his role as Ved, while Anushka Merchande’s intense portrayal of Anika drives the conflict of the show. The supporting cast, including Swati Chitnis and Nilam Panchal, contributes emotional weight, enhancing the storytelling. Produced by Shashi Sumeet Productions, “Saru” showcases high production values and polished presentation, although some viewers feel that the narrative doesn’t break new ground.
Viewership feedback has been mixed. Social media reports indicate a low TRP of 0.6, suggesting a modest start, with some fans expressing disappointment that the show leans into predictable romantic and saas-bahu dynamics rather than solely focusing on Saru’s educational journey. Nonetheless, its emotional twists and complex character relationships continue to engage audiences, with social media reflecting both enthusiasm for its empowering message and concerns about potential melodrama. Discussions on message boards critique the inclusion of clichéd elements, such as forced marriage plots. Still, the show’s strong performances and its empowering message of resilience and ambition keep viewers invested.
“Saru’s” early successes may just be the beginning. With its inspiring premise and fresh storytelling, the show has the potential to evolve beyond a formulaic drama. Its focus on resilience and ambition, combined with a talented cast, positions it as a promising addition to Zee TV’s lineup. To maintain its momentum, the show will need to innovate beyond traditional tropes while deepening Saru’s story and exploring family mysteries. For viewers eager to follow along, “Saru” airs daily at 7:30 PM IST on Zee TV and is available on ZEE5, promising a future filled with even more heart and drama.