Manoj Bajpayee, Neeraj Pandey returning with third chapter of 'Secrets' franchise

Mumbai: Actor Manoj Bajpayee and filmmaker Neeraj Pandey are bringing back their docuseries franchise "Secrets" with Warner Bros. Discovery for a third chapter.

Titled "Secrets of the Buddha Relics", the new instalment comes two years after "Secrets of the Kohinoor" and “Secrets of Sinauli: Discovery of the Century” (2021). The franchise was created by Pandey and narrated by Bajpayee.

"Secrets of the Buddha Relics" will focus on the ancient legends surrounding the final days of Gautama Buddha and relics that surround the very centre of Buddhism, a press release said.

"It will trace the origins, cultural significance, and mystical stories behind these relics, exploring their spread worldwide and the role they play in making Buddhism the world’s fourth-largest faith. Delving into the types of relics and their classification, the documentary combines historical and mythological narratives to provide a comprehensive understanding of their role in Buddhism," it added.

The show will be released on streamer Discovery+ on January 22 and will air on Discovery Channel on February 26 at 9 pm.

Bajpayee said he is thrilled to continue his collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery for the 'Secrets' franchise.

"Working alongside Neeraj Pandey is always a rewarding experience with insightful takeaways that contribute to shaping the documentary.

"The documentary promises to transport viewers to the time of the Buddha, delving into the historical period that witnessed his life and teachings. It aims to connect audiences with profound stories that have played a pivotal role in shaping our spiritual heritage," the actor said.

Sai Abishek, Head of Factual & Lifestyle Cluster- South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery, said the 'Secrets' franchise remains a sought-after and successful series.

"In the third edition, 'Secrets of the Buddha Relics,' we delve into lesser-known facets of the relics, offering insights into their contemporary significance. Our ongoing collaboration with Neeraj Pandey and Manoj Bajpayee, both pioneer storytellers, reflects our commitment to delivering compelling narratives. The success of the 'Secrets' franchise has revealed tremendous potential, prompting us to expand our history genre on the platform and provide compelling and engaging stories to our viewers," he added.

"Secrets of The Buddha Relics" is directed by Raghav Jairath.