AceShowbiz - Studio Jadu has debuted The Sentinels, a supernatural thriller created by bestselling horror author Ajinkya Bhasme. The series launched with a Halloween special titled Greed, Betrayal, and Death on North Sentinel Island, which brings its first three episodes together as one continuous viewing experience. The special became available on October 30, 2026, at 9 a.m. PT on Studio Jadu's YouTube channel.

Directed by Nitin Burli and Sree Lakshmi, with Ruchir Joshi supervising, The Sentinels was produced using AIDA, Studio Jadu's production workbench. A team of nine artists drove the story, production design, and performance, leveraging AI as a creative tool rather than a replacement for human artistry.

The series' visual style reflects its psychological tension. Watercolor-inspired backgrounds create an unstable, surreal world, while oil-painted fire effects evoke the power of nature. Strong outlines distinguish the characters from the organic chaos around them. Artists established the visual direction and developed the imagery layer by layer, shaping the rhythm, atmosphere, and gradual build of dread.

"The Sentinels is an important step forward for us at Studio Jadu because it validates that artists can deliver a clear sense of authorship on the creation while using these new age tools," said Masoud Loghmani, founder and CEO of Studio Jadu.

Set during Christmas 2004 in the Andaman Sea, The Sentinels follows a group of strangers who board a small ferry for an illegal expedition to North Sentinel Island. Before they reach the island, their captain, Nishi, gives them two rules: never light a fire and never interact with anything on the island. When a mysterious red mist begins drawing out the passengers' buried memories, the expedition takes a terrifying turn. After one traveler breaks a rule, the ferry is destroyed, leaving the survivors trapped between the island's inhabitants, a hostile forest, and an ancient supernatural force that appears to feed on fear and guilt.

At the center of the story is Shuki, a photographer haunted by a death in her past. Her camera may capture things the human eye cannot see, making it a potentially crucial tool as the survivors confront the secrets they brought with them and the forces closing in around them.

"As a horror author, mood and atmosphere are everything," said Bhasme. "Collaborating with Studio Jadu allowed us to bring the visceral dread of my writing into a striking visual medium. Seeing artists use AIDA to push creative boundaries without losing that human emotional core was truly thrilling."

Ahead of the debut, Studio Jadu hosted a live JaduCast at 8 a.m. PT on October 30, featuring The Sentinels directors Burli and Lakshmi in conversation with host Nate Olson, a seasoned creative executive with decades of experience in the industry including Frederator Networks. Designed for animators and filmmakers, the livestream explored the creative decisions and production process behind the series.

The project reflects Studio Jadu's belief that independent artists can develop original entertainment, reach audiences, and build sustainable businesses while retaining creative control. The studio is backed by Khosla Ventures.