What if the city’s most overlooked hands picked up a pen to rewrite their destiny? This June, ZEE5 Global — A Hyper-Personalized, Language-First Content Platform with language plans designed around India’s major languages including Marathi — presents Ata Thambaycha Naay! (No Stopping Now!)
A poignant tribute to Mumbai’s sanitation workers, this heartwarming drama shines a light on the unseen heroes who keep the city running yet remain in the shadows. With ZEE5 Global’s commitment to regional storytelling, Ata Thambaycha Naay! arrives as both a powerful film and a celebration of Marathi on an app that truly speaks your language.
Directed by debutant Shivraj Waichal and featuring a stellar ensemble including Bharat Jadhav, Siddhartha Jadhav, and the acclaimed actor-filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, Ata Thambaycha Naay! is inspired by real events and brims with emotional honesty and hope. Following its theatrical release, it became a cultural phenomenon — earning rave reviews, smashing box office records, and boasting an impressive IMDb rating of 8.8. Now, after its sensational big-screen success, the much-awaited digital premiere arrives exclusively on ZEE5 Global on June 28.
The film follows a group of Class IV BMC (Municipal Corporation) employees who, with the unexpected encouragement of a reformist municipal officer, dare to return to school. What begins as a tentative step towards literacy soon becomes a life-altering journey filled with hurdles — societal prejudice, self-doubt, and the weight of age. But through it all, they discover something far more powerful than just knowledge — they find dignity.
At the heart of the story is Tukaram (played by Bharat Jadhav), a middle-aged sanitation worker who has spent his life cleaning the city’s streets — invisible, unheard, and often disrespected. When a newly appointed officer (Ashutosh Gowariker) sparks the idea of completing their education, Tukaram and his colleagues must confront everything they were told they couldn’t be.
Ata Thambaycha Naay! is not just a film about education — it’s about reclaiming one’s identity, breaking cycles of silence, and the quiet courage it takes to start over. It’s a story of ordinary people doing something extraordinary: learning to believe in themselves.
Director Shivraj Waichal said, “From the very beginning, I knew Ata Thambaycha Naay! was more than just a film — it was an emotion, a tribute, and a story that deserved to be told with sincerity, humour, and heart. As my directorial debut, this project held a deeply personal significance. Bringing that vision to life required more than just passion; it needed a team that believed in the story as much as I did. The team’s trust and energy made this journey truly unforgettable. The love we received in theatres was beyond anything I imagined, and now, I’m excited for audiences across the country to experience it on ZEE5 Global. I hope it moves them, makes them smile, perhaps shed a tear — and maybe even inspires someone, somewhere, to pick up a pen and start a new chapter."
Actor-Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker said, “The moment I read the script of Ata Thambaycha Naay!, I knew I had to be a part of it — it spoke to me instantly. It’s not often that a role offers the opportunity to be both subtle and deeply impactful. What drew me in even more was the soul of the story — a heartfelt tribute to Mumbai’s sanitation workers, the city’s unsung heroes. This film captures their struggles and spirit with honesty, humour, and immense heart. I’m proud to have been part of a project that brings their journey to light and does so with such sensitivity. For those who missed it in theatres, I hope you’ll watch it on ZEE5 Global. It’s a film that reminds us that it’s never too late to start again — and that even the quietest revolutions can change lives.”
Bharat Jadhav said, “Playing Sakharam in Ata Thambaycha Naay! has been a rewarding experience. His journey—from struggle to self-worth through education—deeply moved me. I’m grateful that ZEE5 Global is taking this heartfelt story to a wider audience. It’s a film that’s close to my heart, and I can’t wait for viewers to experience its soul."
Siddharth Jadhav added, ““Working on Ata Thambaycha Naay! felt like being part of something real and rooted. With Shivraj’s direction, a brilliant cast, and Zee’s support, everything just fell into place. Having spent 25 years in the industry, it was truly an honour to be part of such a heartfelt and meaningful film. I’m especially grateful for the love people have shown for my character, Maruti Kadam — it’s been incredibly rewarding. I’m excited for audiences to now witness this incredible story on ZEE5 Global.”
