Aai Tuljabhavani is a devotional Marathi serial that premiered on Colors Marathi in October 2024. It centers around Goddess Tuljabhavani—the Kuldevi (family deity) of Maharashtra—who descends to Earth to protect devotees and restore peace. Rich with mythological drama, divine interventions, and cultural resonance, the show has become a spiritual mainstay on Marathi television.
Overview
| Item | Details |
| Title | Aai Tuljabhavani |
| Channel | Colors Marathi |
| Premiere Date | 3 October 2024 (Mon–Sat at 9:00 PM) |
| Genre | Devotional Drama / Mythological |
| Plot Premise | Goddess Tuljabhavani comes to Earth to protect her devotees, demonstrate miracles, and maintain peace in a village near the Manjara River |
| Lead Cast | Pooja Kale (Tuljabhavani), Apurva Choudhari, Shashank Shende, Kumar Hegde, Abhijeet Shwetchandra, Makarand Mane, Amol Naik |
Cast & Characters
- Pooja Kale takes on the central divine role as Tuljabhavani—a Kathak and Bharatanatyam-trained actress making her television debut in the role. She described stepping into the Goddess’s shoes as both an honor and a powerful responsibility, buoyed by director Makarand Mane’s vision.
- Apurva Choudhari, Shashank Shende, Kumar Hegde, Abhijeet Shwetchandra, Makarand Mane, and Amol Naik complete the ensemble, portraying villagers, priests, and characters intertwined in the divine drama.
Broadcast Timing & Schedule
The serial debuted on 3 October 2024, airing Monday to Saturday at 9:00 PM, a prime-time slot that anchors devotional programming in many Maharashtra households.
Story & Themes
- Set in a village alongside the mythically significant Manjara River, the series follows Tuljabhavani’s descent to Earth to shield her devotees from evil. The storyline blends divine intervention with earthly challenges—villagers face menacing forces until the Goddess intervenes with miracles and protective power.
- Recent plot developments include the slaying of Kaddarasura by the Goddess, followed by the start of a grand saga of the sacred shrine (ShrikeT Tuljapur). This arc deepens the mythos and layers in regional cultural history.
- Episode highlights reveal luminous scenes of healing, justice, and justice-oriented miracles—each crafted to reaffirm faith and highlight the Mother Goddess’s compassion and strength.
Production & Creative Direction
- The show is helmed by director Makarand Mane, with Pooja Kale fronting the narrative team. Pooja has mentioned drawing cosmic energy from playing Tuljabhavani and feeling spiritually infused by the role.
- Visual effects and mythology-driven storytelling shape the serial’s aesthetic—from ethereal divine moments to ritualistic close-ups, offering viewers devotional immersion.
Reception & Audience Buzz
- Strong viewer engagement: The atmospheric promos and the figure of Tuljabhavani have struck a chord. The visual grandeur in the promos led to enthusiastic social media reactions, especially excited about the debut of the Goddess’s avatar on small screen.
- Actress’s resilience: Pooja Kale sustained a minor arm injury during filming but heroically continued shooting, a testament to her commitment.
- Remarkable arcs: Twists like Ashokasundari’s (Shivakanya) entry animated the narrative, enriching the spiritual tapestry. Actress Radha Dharne expressed her eagerness to bring this tale alive in the show’s December special episode.
What Makes Aai Tuljabhavani Stand Out
- Devotional Legacy: Rooted in Maharashtra’s religious traditions, the show carries cultural weight as a portrayal of the state’s Kuldevi.
- First-time Heroine: Pooja Kale’s strong debut fills regional television with fresh energy and divine grace.
- Myth Meets Drama: With mythological arcs like the defeat of Kaddarasura and the Mahagatha of Tuljapur, the show stays spiritually gripping and historically evocative.
- Engaging Prime Slot: Positioned at 9:00 PM, it fills the devotional niche that viewers anticipate nightly.
Conclusion
Aai Tuljabhavani brings devotional storytelling to life—celebrated for its divine lead, rich mythology, and cultural significance. Since October 3, 2024, it’s become a nightly beacon on Colors Marathi, blending drama with faith under the committed portrayal of Pooja Kale. If you’d like episode-by-episode highlights, character arcs, or comparisons with other mythological dramas, I’d be excited to help explore more!
