From Drama to Thrillers, Watch on ZEE5 Global

From slice-of-life family dramas to pulse-pounding thrillers and socially charged stories, the platform’s slate is rich with variety and emotional depth. Whether it’s a sibling squabble that feels like home, a spy thriller that tests the boundaries of loyalty, or a courtroom battle for justice, each story carries the heart and complexity of South Asian storytelling while connecting with the diaspora worldwide. ZEE5 Global, the world’s leading streaming platform for South Asian content available in over 190 countries, continues to deliver powerful stories that speak to audiences everywhere.

Janaawar – The Beast Within

ZEE5 Original Series

Genre | Crime Thriller

Language | Hindi

Cast | Bhuvan Arora

Director | Shachindra Vats

Release Date | Coming soon

Janaawar – The Beast Within introduces Bhuvan Arora in a powerful lead role as Sub-Inspector Hemant Kumar, a law-enforcement officer from a marginalized tribal community. Set in the rural town of Chhand, the series blends crime, tragedy, and social tension: a decapitated body, missing gold, and a vanishing person disturb the fragile peace of the region. As Hemant pursues the investigation, he must also confront systemic prejudices, societal pressures, and his own identity. More than merely a crime thriller, the show explores themes of dignity, belief, and resilience, asking whether true strength lies in one’s heritage or in the courage to face injustice.

Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan

Genre | Romantic Drama

Language | Hindi

Cast | Vikrant Massey, Shanaya Kapoor, Zain Khan Durrani, Javed Khan King

Director | Santosh Singh

Producer(s) | Mansi Bagla, Varun Bagla, Vipin Agnihotri R

elease Date | 5 September 2025

Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan places Vikrant Massey in a gentle but emotionally rich role as Jahaan, a visually impaired musician whose life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Saba (Shanaya Kapoor), an aspiring theater artist, during a train journey. Adapted from Ruskin Bond’s short story The Eyes Have It, the film explores themes of perception, connection, and love beyond physical sight. Directed by Santosh Singh and produced by Mansi Bagla, Varun Bagla, and Vipin Agnihotri, it also marks Shanaya Kapoor’s debut.

Kammattam

ZEE5 Global Original Mini-Series

Genre | Crime Thriller / Investigative Drama

Language | Malayalam

Cast | Sudev Nair, Jeo Baby (Samuel Oomen), Akhil Kavalayoor, Sreerekha, Arun Sol, among others

Director | Shan Thulasidharan

Release Date | 5 September 2025

Kammattam is ZEE5’s first original Malayalam crime thriller mini-series. It follows Inspector Antonio George (Sudev Nair) as he investigates what initially appears to be a road accident fatality, Samuel Ummen’s death, but soon uncovers layers of conspiracy tied to a cooperative bank scam in Thrissur. Directed by Shan Thulasidharan, the six-episode series builds atmospheric tension through its grounded take on betrayal, moral ambiguity, and institutional rot. It premiered on 5 September 2025, delivering a gripping narrative against a backdrop that is both authentic and unsettling.

Bakaiti

ZEE5 Global Original

Genre | Family Drama

Language | Hindi

Cast | Tanya Sharma, Aditya Shukla, Rajesh Tailang, Sheeba Chaddha

Release Date | August 1, 2025

At its core, Bakaiti is a slice-of-life dramedy that captures the beautiful chaos of the Kataria household. Naina (Tanya Sharma), the grounded and ambitious daughter, suddenly finds her carefully constructed world upended by her younger brother Bharat (Aditya Shukla), a cricket-obsessed whirlwind of mischief. Their endless sibling squabbles play out under the steady, quiet watch of their parents, Sanjay (Rajesh Tailang) and Sushma (Sheeba Chaddha), who carry the weight of unspoken grief and everyday struggles. What makes Bakaiti resonate with viewers is its honesty, the laughter, the fights, and the silences mirror what so many South Asian families experience behind closed doors.

Tehran

ZEE5 Global Original Film

Genre | Action Thriller

Language | Hindi

Cast | John Abraham, Manushi Chhillar, Neeru Bajwa, Madhurima Tuli

Director | Arun Gopalan

Producer| Maddock Films

Release Date | August 14, 2025

Tehran places John Abraham in one of the most restrained and complex roles of his career. As ACP Rajeev Kumar, John steps into the shoes of an Indian agent navigating a web of espionage, political power plays, and shifting allegiances. John Abraham has spoken in interviews about preparing for this role by learning Hebrew and Farsi, which shows how deeply the performance is rooted in authenticity. Sharing the screen with Manushi Chhillar, Neeru Bajwa, and Madhurima Tuli, John Abraham drives a story that constantly questions what patriotism means in the face of betrayal, vulnerability, and duty.

Shodha

ZEE5 Global Original Series

Genre | Psychological Crime Thriller

Language | Kannada

Cast| Pawan Kumar, Siri Ravikumar, Arun Sagar, Anusha Ranganath

Director | Sunil Mysooru

Produced By: KRG Studios

Release Date | August 22, 2025

Set against the backdrop of Kodava folklore and rooted in present-day moral dilemmas, this six-episode series pulls viewers into the world of Rohit (Pawan Kumar), a brilliant yet morally conflicted lawyer who becomes entangled in a dangerous web of deception. What makes Shodha stand out is its duality: it’s both a suspense-driven crime drama and a psychological exploration of truth, justice, and perception. Pawan Kumar, widely admired for his directorial work in Lucia, surprises audiences here by stepping into the lead role, bringing nuance to a character constantly balancing guilt and ambition. Supported by powerful performances from Siri Ravikumar and Arun Sagar, the series positions itself as not just another thriller, but as a story that leaves viewers questioning every character’s motive until the very last frame.

Janaki vs The State of Kerala

ZEE5 Global Original Film

Genre | Courtroom Drama

Language | Malayalam

Cast: Suresh Gopi, Anupama Parameswaran, Madhav Suresh

Release Date | August 22 2025

With Janaki vs The State of Kerala, ZEE5 Global delivers a stirring courtroom drama that combines grit with a strong emotional core. Anna Ben, one of Malayalam cinema’s most promising young talents, takes on the role of Janaki, a woman who dares to stand up against systemic injustice. The narrative unpacks how ordinary individuals are often pushed to extraordinary lengths when caught in the machinery of power and law. While courtroom dramas are a staple of Indian cinema, Janaki vs The State of Kerala distinguishes itself through its deeply personal storytelling and layered character work. Rather than simply staging legal arguments, the film highlights Janaki’s personal sacrifices, the emotional weight of her choices, and the broader societal implications of her fight. It’s a film that feels local in texture yet global in its themes of justice, resilience, and human dignity.

Jarann

ZEE5 Global Original Film

Genre | Psychological Horror Thriller

Language | Marathi (with English subtitles)

Cast | Amruta Subhash, Anita Date-Kelkar, Kishor Kadam, Jyoti Malshe, Avanee Joshi, Rajan Bhise

Director & Writer | Hrishikesh Gupte

Producers | Anees Bazmee Productions, A & N Cinema’s LLP, A3 Events & Media Services

Release Dates | August 8, 2025

Jarann is a slow-burning Marathi psychological thriller that trades jump scares for deeply unsettling emotions. At its heart is Radha, played by Amruta Subhash, a mother haunted by grief and by an old curse that makes her question her own reality. Director Hrishikesh Gupte uses silence, shadow and atmosphere to build fear that feels lived-in rather than staged. Critics singled out Amruta Subhash’s performance, calling her portrayal both vulnerable and terrifying. With a story that reflects how trauma lingers within families, Jarann gives horror an emotional weight that stays with you long after the credits.

Entertainment Desk
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Entertainment Desk

The Entertainment Desk team is passionate about delivering the latest buzz and insights from the world of entertainment. This team is committed to bringing you exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and up-to-the-minute updates on everything from blockbuster movies to the hottest music releases. With an ear to the ground and an eye for the extraordinary, we ensure you stay in the loop with the pulse of the industry.