Doordarshan’s Chandramukhi (2007) remains one of the most enchanting fantasy serials ever aired on Indian television. Directed by Sunil Agnihotri and loosely adapted from the medieval Persian-Arabic folktale Gul-e-Bakawali, the series blends royal intrigue, supernatural transformation, romance, and high-stakes adventure in true DD style.
The very first episode, now streaming on YouTube via Doordarshan National’s official channel, perfectly sets up this epic saga.
The Curse That Changes Everything
King Mahendra Pratap Singh (Deepak Parashar) rules his kingdom with wisdom and justice, yet a dark prophecy hangs over him: if he ever lays eyes on his newborn son before the boy turns 28, the king will go permanently blind.
Heartbroken but bound by duty, the king orders his queen, Padmavati (Natasha Sinha), and the infant prince to be exiled deep into the jungle. No one in the kingdom knows the truth — except the royal family and a handful of trusted aides.
The Boy Who Grows Up as a Werewolf
In the dense forest, the child grows into a fearless young man named Vanraj (Sachin Khurana). He knows nothing of palaces or thrones. He wears a striking shiny blue uniform, roams freely with the animals, and has only one dark secret: on full-moon nights (Purnima), he transforms into a ferocious black werewolf.
Meanwhile, back in the capital, the king grows old and increasingly desperate to see his son. Queen Padmavati lives in quiet anguish, constantly worried about the fate of her lost child.
Enter the Flower of Immortality
A wise sage reveals the only cure for the king’s impending blindness: the legendary Gul-e-Bakawali — a magical flower that blooms only in the garden of Princess Chandramukhi’s palace. The catch? No one who enters Chandramukhi’s kingdom ever returns alive.
Vanraj, learning of his father’s condition through mysterious means, vows to retrieve the flower — unaware that his half-brother Bhanupratap (Vindu Dara Singh) has sinister plans of his own and is also hunting for the same flower.
Love at First Imprisonment
Vanraj’s journey leads him straight into the heavily guarded palace of the beautiful and fearsome Princess Chandramukhi (Piku Sharma). Caught stealing the flower, he is thrown into the dungeons. Yet one look at Chandramukhi’s ethereal beauty is enough — Vanraj falls madly in love.
Chandramukhi, equally captivated by the handsome intruder’s courage and innocence, begins to soften. Their budding romance is the emotional core that will drive the entire series.
Supporting Gems in Episode 1
- Urvashi (Yana): The bold forest girl who is head-over-heels in love with Vanraj and will stop at nothing to win him.
- Durgeshwari (Kruttika Desai): The fierce dacoit queen who adds action and drama.
- Mamik Singh as the noble Rajkumar Suryapratap Singh (Vanraj’s ally/brother figure).
Why Episode 1 Still Feels Magical in 2025
The episode perfectly balances nostalgia with spectacle:
- Stunning jungle sets
- Early CGI transformation sequences
- Soulful background score
- That signature Doordarshan slow-burn storytelling
Even after 18 years, the chemistry between Sachin Khurana and Piku Sharma is electric, and the werewolf reveal still gives viewers goosebumps.
Watch It Now
Full Episode 1 (with original DD broadcast quality): YouTube
If you grew up watching Chandramukhi every Monday–Thursday at 10 PM, this episode will transport you straight back to childhood. If you’re discovering it for the first time, prepare for 40 minutes of pure fantasy escapism.
The quest has just begun. The flower awaits. And love… well, love is about to turn an entire kingdom upside down.
Stay tuned for Episode 2 — where Vanraj’s true identity begins to unravel and Chandramukhi’s palace secrets are revealed.
Did you watch Chandramukhi back in the day? Drop your favourite moment from Episode 1 in the comments! 🌸🐺👑
