The intelligence and wit of Telugu poet Tenali Rama, who served in in the court of the Vijayanagara ruler Krishnadevraya, will be aired on Sony SAB from July 11. The period show, set in the 15th century, will focus on 25-year-old Rama, depicted initially as a procrastinator too lazy to follow through on his dreams. Tathacharya, the head priest of the court, will serve as the show’s antagonist who seeks to dishonour the poet.

Krishna Bharadwaj, who has starred in the TV shows Sukh By Chance and RK Laxman Ki Duniya, will play the lead role. Manav Gohil (Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Naaginn) is Krishnadevraya, while Pankaj Berry (Crime Patrol) stars as Tathacharya.

A live action version of the story was aired on Doordarshan in 1990. while Cartoon Network telecast an animated show in 2003.