In a shocking turn of events for fans of the long-running crime thriller CID, the beloved character ACP Pradyuman, portrayed by veteran actor Shivaji Satam, is set to be killed off in the show's second season. This news has stirred a significant backlash from viewers, who are expressing their displeasure over the decision to remove such an iconic figure from the series.
Shivaji Satam, who has played the role of ACP Pradyuman since the show's inception in 1998, confirmed that he is currently not shooting for the series. He stated, "I have no clue regarding the rumored death track" and added that he is taking a break to spend time with his child, who lives abroad. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his character's fate, Satam expressed a sense of acceptance, saying, "I have learned to take everything in my stride and if my track is over, I am okay with it." This sentiment reflects his long-standing commitment to the series and its audience.
The controversy began when Sony Entertainment Television announced that ACP Pradyuman would meet his demise in an upcoming episode due to a bomb blast orchestrated by the character Barbosa, played by Tigmanshu Dhulia. While the rest of the CID team will survive, the death of ACP Pradyuman is designed to create a significant shock value for the viewers. A source from the industry revealed that the show has struggled to maintain high ratings since February 2025, prompting the network to modify the storyline and cast. As a result, Shivaji Satam's character will be replaced by a new character, ACP Anshuman, played by Parth Samthaan.
Fans of the series have taken to social media to voice their outrage over the decision. Sony TV's official Instagram account shared a post mourning the death of ACP Pradyuman, which was met with a torrent of negative comments. One viewer lamented, "Again and again channel has done bad choice. I always wonder why Sony channel makes wrong decisions. There was no need to end the iconic character of ACP. Very bad decision." Another user criticized the channel's approach, saying, "I am really disappointed by your 'RIP ACP' post. It was misleading and made me think he actually died in real life." This backlash highlights the deep emotional connection viewers have with the character and the show itself.
The new season of CID, which premiered on December 21, 2024, was initially met with enthusiasm as it brought back the original cast along with new additions. However, the decision to eliminate ACP Pradyuman has overshadowed the show's return. Fans are particularly upset about the way the character's death is being handled, expressing that it feels disrespectful to treat such a significant moment lightly, especially in a promotional context.
Parth Samthaan's entry as ACP Anshuman is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the show. Samthaan, who is known for his previous roles in popular series like Kasautii Zindagii Kay, expressed excitement about joining the CID team, stating that he grew up watching the show and feels a sense of responsibility stepping into this new role. However, many fans are skeptical about how the new character will be received, given the strong attachment to ACP Pradyuman.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the show will navigate the transition from Shivaji Satam's iconic character to the new ACP Anshuman. The producers are reportedly keen on revitalizing the series to capture the audience's attention once more, but the decision to kill off a beloved character has left many fans feeling disheartened.
Shivaji Satam's portrayal of ACP Pradyuman has been a cornerstone of CID for decades, and his departure marks the end of an era for the show. Since its inception, CID has been a staple of Indian television, blending thrilling crime investigations with memorable characters. The show's original run lasted for 20 years, concluding in 2018, before making a much-anticipated return in late 2024.
The upcoming episodes are expected to air soon, and while the producers are aiming for a dramatic twist, they must also contend with the loyal fanbase that has supported the show throughout its history. The challenge will be to maintain the essence of CID while introducing new elements that resonate with both old and new viewers.
As the CID team prepares for this significant change, the question remains: can the show survive without its most iconic character? Fans are left to wonder how the story will evolve and whether the new direction will be embraced or met with further resistance.
