In a major shake-up for Indian television, Bollywood heavyweight Ajay Devgn is officially stepping into the small-screen arena. The Drishyam and Singham star is set to make his television hosting debut, taking over the reins of the nation’s longest-running and most popular true-crime series, Crime Patrol.
Devgn succeeds veteran actor Anup Soni, who became synonymous with the franchise over multiple seasons, anchoring gripping accounts of real-life crimes with his trademark gravity since 2010. With the makers dropping the first official promo, the show is gearing up for a high-impact return that promises a fresh dynamic.
The transition marks a pivotal shift for the investigative format. While Anoop Soni set a gold standard for crime-show anchoring, the makers have brought in Ajay Devgn to inject cinematic gravitas and wider commercial appeal into the new season.
The newly released promotional teaser features Devgn in a commanding avatar, speaking directly to viewers about the shifting nature of crime in modern society. Highlighting how perpetrators are frequently found within trusted circles, Devgn warns audiences in Hindi:
“They teach us in childhood to beware of strangers… But in many cases today, the culprit is someone you know. They know your address, have your keys and even have a seat at your dining table. This time on Crime Patrol, we will bring you cases that shook the country… This time, I will be with you.”
According to industry insiders close to the development, Devgn has already completed shooting for an initial batch of 15 episodes for the upcoming season.
However, whether the actor maintains a long-term association with the series remains open-ended. Sources indicate that the makers are adopting a cautious approach, tracking viewer engagement, audience reception, and Television Rating Points (TRPs) closely before locking down a permanent contract.
“Ajay Devgn has currently shot for 15 episodes. Whether he will continue with the rest of the series depends upon the audience’s reaction and the numbers,” an exclusive source revealed.
To add further depth and diversity to the new format, the makers have also roped in acclaimed character actor Rajesh Tailang—widely praised for his gripping performances in gritty dramas like Delhi Crime—to host additional episodes. While Tailang’s final episode count remains fluid, his inclusion signals an ensemble hosting strategy designed to keep the narrative gripping and unpredictable.
Speculation surrounding Devgn’s television entry began swirling over the weekend when the actor shared a cryptic video across his social media handles. Looking visibly unsettled, Devgn hinted at a shocking truth that left him stunned, telling fans, “Sometimes, there are things that bother us from the inside. And today, there is a truth before us that I am stunned by. I will bring it to you soon.”
While the post initially sparked widespread theories across fan forums regarding an OTT announcement, the subsequent unveiling of the Crime Patrol promo tied all the pieces together.
While stepping onto television screens, Ajay Devgn continues to command one of the busiest production schedules in Indian cinema, balancing intense thrillers, comedies, and high-octane actioners:
- Drishyam 3: Vijay Salgaonkar is officially returning to the big screen. Following the massive box-office success of the previous chapters, the third installment promises another tense psychological cat-and-mouse game, slated to bring the cult franchise to a thrilling conclusion.
- Chauhaan: Backed by Aanand L. Rai’s Colour Yellow Productions and directed with a massive canvas in mind, this gritty action entertainer brings back Devgn in an uncompromised action-star avatar.
- Golmaal 5: Reuniting with ace director Rohit Shetty, Devgn returns to his comedic roots for the fifth instalment of India’s favourite comedy franchise, promising chaotic family laughs.
- Ranger: Shifting into an outdoor, high-stakes narrative, this adventure-driven project pairs Ajay Devgn with Sanjay Dutt in a fierce battle against wilderness poachers.
As television audiences prepare to watch Ajay Devgn dissect complex criminal psychology on Crime Patrol, the superstar proves he is ready to conquer both the silver and small screens.
By: Bollyo
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