OTT has played a major role in the pandemic-affected world as it emerged as a saviour for the entertainment industry and moviegoers alike. But after two years in the spotlight, are OTTs becoming a dumping ground?

Making his OTT debut with 'Rudra – The Edge of Darkness', Ajay Devgn stars in a series that is a remake of the British series 'Luther' as the Bollywood actor steps into Idris Elba's shoes as an obsessive police officer.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-undekhi-season-2-review-the-series-will-keep-you-glued-458751" hreflang="en">'Undekhi' season 2 review: The series will keep you glued</a>

The series is set in Mumbai, India and Ajay Devgn plays the role of a cop DCP Rudra Veer Singh, who is 24/7 dedicated to his service. He is smart, cunning and solves crimes with his sharp mind but that only leads to his personal life suffering at the hands of his profession.&nbsp;

<img alt="ajay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="56aaeb4a-0011-4d38-a45c-c2bafadd3a44" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_133.jpg" />

Director Rajesh Mapuskar wastes no time and quickly takes the audience into the dark tricky world of Rudra with each episode showing highly intelligent criminals vs our cop. The first episode quickly reveals all the main faces of Rudra's life - his estranged wife Shaila, portrayed by Esha, his co-worker, his boss played by Ashwini Kalsekar. Then there is Raashii Khanna who makes her OTT debut with the complex yet the intriguing character of Dr Aliyah Choksi, a criminal and super-intelligent person who builds an unusual bond with Rudra.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FyuODiTjoFs" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The screenplay is not as intriguing as we expected but we must add that the story is simple and is an easy watch. So, it manages to grip the audience without giving a headache.

There are some flaws of course in this old-school hero drama with the story being stretched unnecessarily demanding viewers' time with long dialogues.&nbsp;

<img alt="chose" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="908fb8f2-a7da-454d-a284-c1765d490947" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/happy%2030th%20birthday%20%2854%29.jpg" />

The casting job is fantastic. Ajay Devgn, who has carved a niche in the industry, manages to lead the series with his brilliant aura and calmness, and his Rudra version is surely a standout from his other on-screen cop roles like 'Singham' series and 'Gangajal'. Khanna's role is smart, her eyes are shiny and grab your attention every time she comes in the frame, but somewhere her character lacks depth and feels like something is unfinished.

Note-worthy performances are delivered by Atul Kulkarni as a cop and Ashwini Kalsekar as a boss and KC Shankar. Meanwhile, Esha, who has made her way back to acting, is not impressive at all.

All over, Ajay Devgn starrer series is truly an Indian version with ample drama, emotion, thriller. Somewhere the story falters with slow screenplay, stretched episodes and has various flaws, but good casting manages to save the series.

Keeping everything aside, one can watch Rudra for Ajay Devgn.

'Rudra – The Edge of Darkness' is currently streaming on Disney+Hotstar.

OTT has played a major role in the pandemic-affected world as it emerged as a saviour for the entertainment industry and moviegoers alike. But after two years in the spotlight, are OTTs becoming a dumping ground?

OTT has played a major role in the pandemic-affected world as it emerged as a saviour for the entertainment industry and moviegoers alike. But after two years in the spotlight, are OTTs becoming a dumping ground? Making his OTT debut with 'Rudra – The Edge of Darkness', Ajay Devgn stars in a series that is a remake of the British series 'Luther' as the Bollywood actor steps into Idris Elba's shoes as an obsessive police officer. 'Undekhi' season 2 review: The series will keep you glued The series is set in Mumbai, India and Ajay Devgn plays the role of a cop DCP Rudra Veer Singh, who is 24/7 dedicated to his service. He is smart, cunning and solves crimes with his sharp mind but that only leads to his personal life suffering at the hands of his profession. Director Rajesh Mapuskar wastes no time and quickly takes the audience into the dark tricky world of Rudra with each episode showing highly intelligent criminals vs our cop. The first episode quickly reveals all the main faces of Rudra's life - his estranged wife Shaila, portrayed by Esha, his co-worker, his boss played by Ashwini Kalsekar. Then there is Raashii Khanna who makes her OTT debut with the complex yet the intriguing character of Dr Aliyah Choksi, a criminal and super-intelligent person who builds an unusual bond with Rudra. The screenplay is not as intriguing as we expected but we must add that the story is simple and is an easy watch. So, it manages to grip the audience without giving a headache. There are some flaws of course in this old-school hero drama with the story being stretched unnecessarily demanding viewers' time with long dialogues. The casting job is fantastic. Ajay Devgn, who has carved a niche in the industry, manages to lead the series with his brilliant aura and calmness, and his Rudra version is surely a standout from his other on-screen cop roles like 'Singham' series and 'Gangajal'. Khanna's role is smart, her eyes are shiny and grab your attention every time she comes in the frame, but somewhere her character lacks depth and feels like something is unfinished. Note-worthy performances are delivered by Atul Kulkarni as a cop and Ashwini Kalsekar as a boss and KC Shankar. Meanwhile, Esha, who has made her way back to acting, is not impressive at all. All over, Ajay Devgn starrer series is truly an Indian version with ample drama, emotion, thriller. Somewhere the story falters with slow screenplay, stretched episodes and has various flaws, but good casting manages to save the series. Keeping everything aside, one can watch Rudra for Ajay Devgn. 'Rudra – The Edge of Darkness' is currently streaming on Disney+Hotstar.

'Rudra' Review: Ajay Devgn is flawless in this slow-paced old-school crime drama

The first trailer of Ajay Devgn's digital debut series 'Rudra: The Edge of Darkness' is here! 
 
Rajesh Mapuskar directorial is an official Hindi remake of the hit BBC series 'Luther', starring Idris Elba. 
 
The two-minute gripping trailer takes us into the complex life of DCP Rudra Veer Singh played by Devgn. In the dark trailer, he is busy uncovering mysteries and is fighting to find out the truth. while his personal life is in turmoil.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-anantvijay-joshi-opens-up-about-his-portrayal-of-golden-in-yeh-kaali-kaali-ankhein-448737" hreflang="en">Anantvijay Joshi opens up about his portrayal of Golden in 'Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein'</a>

The trailer also shows Esha Deol, who's making her digital debut, and other key characters of&nbsp;the series.&nbsp; 
 
Watch the trailer below:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_ZxYQu4FwSU" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Apart from Ajay and Esha, the cast also includes Raashi Khanna, Atul Kulkarni, Ashwini Kalsekar, Tarun Gahlot, Ashish Vidyarthi and Satyadeep Misra.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/top-bollywood-stars-of-90s-making-a-comeback-on-ott-raveena-tandon-to-madhuri-dixit-448569" hreflang="en">Top Bollywood stars of 90s making a comeback on OTT: Raveena Tandon to Madhuri Dixit</a> 
 
Talking about the show, Devgn said, “The world of digital streaming has always fascinated me, and I am excited to make my digital acting debut into long-format content with a riveting character and title such as Rudra. What enticed me about the character is his nuanced, multi-faceted personality and his grit; something that viewers have never witnessed before at this scale in Indian Entertainment. I am elated for my fans and viewers across India to witness the magic of Rudra come alive on screen and I hope they fall in love with the show as intensely as we have worked towards it."

The project is produced by&nbsp;Applause Entertainment in association with&nbsp;BBC Studios&nbsp;India. 
 
The show will release on Disney+ Hotstar.&nbsp;

The first trailer of Ajay Devgn's digital debut series 'Rudra: The Edge of Darkness' is here! Rajesh Mapuskar directorial is an official Hindi remake of the hit BBC series 'Luther', starring Idris Elba.

The first trailer of Ajay Devgn's digital debut series 'Rudra: The Edge of Darkness' is here! Rajesh Mapuskar directorial is an official Hindi remake of the hit BBC series 'Luther', starring Idris Elba. The two-minute gripping trailer takes us into the complex life of DCP Rudra Veer Singh played by Devgn. In the dark trailer, he is busy uncovering mysteries and is fighting to find out the truth. while his personal life is in turmoil. Also read: Anantvijay Joshi opens up about his portrayal of Golden in 'Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein' The trailer also shows Esha Deol, who's making her digital debut, and other key characters of the series. Watch the trailer below: Apart from Ajay and Esha, the cast also includes Raashi Khanna, Atul Kulkarni, Ashwini Kalsekar, Tarun Gahlot, Ashish Vidyarthi and Satyadeep Misra. Also read: Top Bollywood stars of 90s making a comeback on OTT: Raveena Tandon to Madhuri Dixit Talking about the show, Devgn said, “The world of digital streaming has always fascinated me, and I am excited to make my digital acting debut into long-format content with a riveting character and title such as Rudra. What enticed me about the character is his nuanced, multi-faceted personality and his grit; something that viewers have never witnessed before at this scale in Indian Entertainment. I am elated for my fans and viewers across India to witness the magic of Rudra come alive on screen and I hope they fall in love with the show as intensely as we have worked towards it." The project is produced by Applause Entertainment in association with BBC Studios India. The show will release on Disney+ Hotstar.

‘Rudra - The Edge of Darkness’ trailer: Ajay Devgn's debut web series looks promising!

Apparently, there is a contradiction in me. I see myself as a modern girl but continue to believe in ancient and time-worn rituals that do not exactly fall within the bounds of logic.

&nbsp;

I love the ganja-smoking, shabbily-dressed, tempestuous Lord Shiva.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

I celebrate Shiva-ratri religiously with my mother. Yet, I understand some of the not so progressive facets of the ritual.

&nbsp;

Then, why do I celebrate it every year? Not out of compulsion but from a greater urger. Let me explain.

&nbsp;

I grew up in a small city where customs and traditions are taken very seriously and even my family have faith in such beliefs.

&nbsp;

I strongly believe that people follow these traditions either if they are extremely blessed or they have faced multiple ordeals in life, in most of the Indian families the latter case persists.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Not knowing how to cope with travails of life, we chase sadhu baba, pandits and Maulvi to resolve our issues and end up falling into the trap of a lucrative manipulative business. A business that consistently makes use of ancient beliefs and people&#39;s faith.

&nbsp;

But the case is not same with Shiv, worshipping Shiv is not expensive. It is said that Lord Shiva is a deity who gets easily impressed. One does not need to have elaborate functions or follow meticulous rituals to please him; all you need to offer is Vibhuti Or Holy Ash, Akanda flowers, Bhaang, Dhatura Fruit, turmeric, Bilva leaf or Belpatra.

&nbsp;

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<div class="media-description">
Bhaang, Akanda Flowers, Bilva leaf or Belpatra. (Others)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Customarily, unmarried girls pray to Shiv to get a &#39;good&#39; husband, I mean quite an idea. Even matrimonial sites don&#39;t have such advance filter that can categorise the prospective grooms as a good or bad husband. But Shiv, being at the centre of the universe, can definitely do it.

&nbsp;

Not only unmarried girls, married women worship him to have a son. I surmise which God blesses a couple with a girl? A girl is always unwanted in this country.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Lord Shiva is the only deity who resides on Earth, in Mount Kailash which is situated in the Himalayas. Kailash is supposed to be the greatest mystical library on the planet. It is believed that Shiv himself conserved everything he knew in Kailash.

&nbsp;

Shiv is fond of milk and milk products, thus, during the Rudraabhishekha that happens during the Shivratri, devotees pour milk, curd, honey, sugarcane juice and Ganga jal over the Shivlingam.

&nbsp;

From the naive Bholenath to the fearsome Kalabhairava, from the beautiful Somasundara to the terrible Aghora, from dancing God Natraj to mysterious Adiyogi, Lord Shiv is worshipped in many forms.

&nbsp;

As Indians celebrate Shivratri today, I remember my first fasting for Shivratri when I accidentally ate some namkeen mixture but still continued the &#39;vrat.&#39; My mother told me to wear a yellow colour dress and get up early as we were supposed to go to the temple to worship Shiv.

&nbsp;

To be very honest I was keeping the fast only to eat whatever my mother is cooking for herself. Sago tehri, potato chips, roasted peanuts, banana chips, lauki barfi, pumpkin kheer, sweet potato kheer, and lot more. Wow, I am drooling now.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/untitled%20design%20(14)-20180213074644.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
Sago tehri and sweet potato kheer. (Others)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

I was too young to understand the importance of these days beyond food, be it Navratri or Janmashtami or any other festival, my focus used to be only on food, but now things have changed a bit.

&nbsp;

Unlike many of us, I was not an accidental child, my father, a huge Shiv believer, wanted the third child and when I was born he named me after Shiva, Shiva is one of the thousands of names of Parvati.

&nbsp;

Shiv is Lord Shiv and Shiva is Parvati, I have seen people using these words interchangeably but it is entirely different.

&nbsp;

My father&#39;s eternal rest educated me with the fact that death is the ultimate truth of life, we are all flowing towards death. Now, it depends on us how we will attain it.

&nbsp;

Shiv, the first Yogi, has the gravitational power that attracts the living. To him goes the life, he is the one who creates the life. He is the centre of life and death.

&nbsp;

When I realised that, I somehow became a Shiv follower. I have a strong belief that I will, one day, connect to Shiv and my departed loved ones.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Shiva, the first Yogi, has the gravitational power that attracts the living. To him goes the life, he is the one who creates the life. He is the centre of life and death.

Apparently, there is a contradiction in me. I see myself as a modern girl but continue to believe in ancient and time-worn rituals that do not exactly fall within the bounds of logic. I love the ganja-smoking, shabbily-dressed, tempestuous Lord Shiva. I celebrate Shiva-ratri religiously with my mother. Yet, I understand some of the not so progressive facets of the ritual. Then, why do I celebrate it every year? Not out of compulsion but from a greater urger. Let me explain. I grew up in a small city where customs and traditions are taken very seriously and even my family have faith in such beliefs. I strongly believe that people follow these traditions either if they are extremely blessed or they have faced multiple ordeals in life, in most of the Indian families the latter case persists. Not knowing how to cope with travails of life, we chase sadhu baba, pandits and Maulvi to resolve our issues and end up falling into the trap of a lucrative manipulative business. A business that consistently makes use of ancient beliefs and people's faith. But the case is not same with Shiv, worshipping Shiv is not expensive. It is said that Lord Shiva is a deity who gets easily impressed. One does not need to have elaborate functions or follow meticulous rituals to please him; all you need to offer is Vibhuti Or Holy Ash, Akanda flowers, Bhaang, Dhatura Fruit, turmeric, Bilva leaf or Belpatra. Bhaang, Akanda Flowers, Bilva leaf or Belpatra. (Others) × Customarily, unmarried girls pray to Shiv to get a 'good' husband, I mean quite an idea. Even matrimonial sites don't have such advance filter that can categorise the prospective grooms as a good or bad husband. But Shiv, being at the centre of the universe, can definitely do it. Not only unmarried girls, married women worship him to have a son. I surmise which God blesses a couple with a girl? A girl is always unwanted in this country. Lord Shiva is the only deity who resides on Earth, in Mount Kailash which is situated in the Himalayas. Kailash is supposed to be the greatest mystical library on the planet. It is believed that Shiv himself conserved everything he knew in Kailash. Shiv is fond of milk and milk products, thus, during the Rudraabhishekha that happens during the Shivratri, devotees pour milk, curd, honey, sugarcane juice and Ganga jal over the Shivlingam. From the naive Bholenath to the fearsome Kalabhairava, from the beautiful Somasundara to the terrible Aghora, from dancing God Natraj to mysterious Adiyogi, Lord Shiv is worshipped in many forms. As Indians celebrate Shivratri today, I remember my first fasting for Shivratri when I accidentally ate some namkeen mixture but still continued the 'vrat.' My mother told me to wear a yellow colour dress and get up early as we were supposed to go to the temple to worship Shiv. To be very honest I was keeping the fast only to eat whatever my mother is cooking for herself. Sago tehri, potato chips, roasted peanuts, banana chips, lauki barfi, pumpkin kheer, sweet potato kheer, and lot more. Wow, I am drooling now. Sago tehri and sweet potato kheer. (Others) × I was too young to understand the importance of these days beyond food, be it Navratri or Janmashtami or any other festival, my focus used to be only on food, but now things have changed a bit. Unlike many of us, I was not an accidental child, my father, a huge Shiv believer, wanted the third child and when I was born he named me after Shiva, Shiva is one of the thousands of names of Parvati. Shiv is Lord Shiv and Shiva is Parvati, I have seen people using these words interchangeably but it is entirely different. My father's eternal rest educated me with the fact that death is the ultimate truth of life, we are all flowing towards death. Now, it depends on us how we will attain it. Shiv, the first Yogi, has the gravitational power that attracts the living. To him goes the life, he is the one who creates the life. He is the centre of life and death. When I realised that, I somehow became a Shiv follower. I have a strong belief that I will, one day, connect to Shiv and my departed loved ones. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Why I love Shiv and celebrate Shivratri

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday extended his greetings to the nation on the occasion of Maha Shivratri which is being celebrated across the country. Naidu took to Twitter and in a series of tweet said, &quot;Dear Sisters and brothers across the world, I convey my greetings to devotees all over the world who are celebrating the Mahashivaratri Festival. This is an occasion to pray, to meditate and derive renewed energy to do good #MahaShivaratri&quot; (sic).

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Dear Sisters and brothers across the world, 
I convey my greetings to devotees all over the world who are celebrating the Mahashivaratri Festival. 
This is an occasion to pray, to meditate and derive renewed energy to do good. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MahaShivaratri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MahaShivaratri</a> <a href="https://t.co/MUfYkSAVke">pic.twitter.com/MUfYkSAVke</a>
&mdash; VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) <a href="https://twitter.com/VPSecretariat/status/963230458711392256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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&nbsp;

The annual festival marks the mythical wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is considered one of the holiest festival by the Hindu community.

&quot;Let us pray that our lives are continuously lit with good cheer, health, thoughts and actions. As the Vedic rishis have said - &quot;Tanme Manah Shiva Sankalpamastu&quot; (Let my mind be filled with beautiful and good thoughts). My Prayerful salutations to Lord Shiva &quot;Om Namah Shivaya&quot; (sic),&quot; Naidu said in his subsequent tweet.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who returned on Monday after his West Asia trip, also greeted the nation on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. &quot;Greetings on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri,&quot; PM Modi said on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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महाशिवरात्रि के पावन पर्व की सभी देशवासियों को ढेरों शुभकामनाएं। 
 
Greetings on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri.
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/963247772030947328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

US Ambassador to Nepal, Alaina B Teplitz, also took to Twitter and shared her wishes on the festival saying, &quot;Happy Mahashivaratri #Nepal, a festival focused on overcoming darkness and ignorance! Love seeing the photos from this lively and colorful festival!&quot; (sic)

Earlier in the day, devotees thronged Mumbai&#39;s Babulnath temple on the auspicious occasion. Many devotees also performed special prayers at Bhimashankar temple near Pune.

Meanwhile, in Chhattisgarh devotees took a holy dip in Mahanadi river at &#39;Rajim Kumbh&#39; in Rajim.

On this day, devotees worship and offer sacrifices to Shivalingam as part of their prayers to the god. Devotees on this special day observe fast and chant shlokas. They offer milk, water, bel leaves and fruits to the Shivalingam.

The annual festival marks the mythical wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is considered one of the holiest festival by the Hindu community.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday extended his greetings to the nation on the occasion of Maha Shivratri which is being celebrated across the country. Naidu took to Twitter and in a series of tweet said, "Dear Sisters and brothers across the world, I convey my greetings to devotees all over the world who are celebrating the Mahashivaratri Festival. This is an occasion to pray, to meditate and derive renewed energy to do good #MahaShivaratri" (sic). Dear Sisters and brothers across the world, I convey my greetings to devotees all over the world who are celebrating the Mahashivaratri Festival. This is an occasion to pray, to meditate and derive renewed energy to do good. #MahaShivaratri pic.twitter.com/MUfYkSAVke — VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) February 13, 2018 × The annual festival marks the mythical wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is considered one of the holiest festival by the Hindu community. "Let us pray that our lives are continuously lit with good cheer, health, thoughts and actions. As the Vedic rishis have said - "Tanme Manah Shiva Sankalpamastu" (Let my mind be filled with beautiful and good thoughts). My Prayerful salutations to Lord Shiva "Om Namah Shivaya" (sic)," Naidu said in his subsequent tweet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who returned on Monday after his West Asia trip, also greeted the nation on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. "Greetings on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri," PM Modi said on Twitter. महाशिवरात्रि के पावन पर्व की सभी देशवासियों को ढेरों शुभकामनाएं। Greetings on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2018 × US Ambassador to Nepal, Alaina B Teplitz, also took to Twitter and shared her wishes on the festival saying, "Happy Mahashivaratri #Nepal, a festival focused on overcoming darkness and ignorance! Love seeing the photos from this lively and colorful festival!" (sic) Earlier in the day, devotees thronged Mumbai's Babulnath temple on the auspicious occasion. Many devotees also performed special prayers at Bhimashankar temple near Pune. Meanwhile, in Chhattisgarh devotees took a holy dip in Mahanadi river at 'Rajim Kumbh' in Rajim. On this day, devotees worship and offer sacrifices to Shivalingam as part of their prayers to the god. Devotees on this special day observe fast and chant shlokas. They offer milk, water, bel leaves and fruits to the Shivalingam.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, PM Modi greet the nation on Maha Shivratri

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