MUMBAI: Zee5 is turning up the volume and doing so in seven languages. The homegrown streaming platform has unveiled its largest array of multilingual content to date, banking on a mix of original series, blockbusters, live sports, AI-powered storytelling, animation and children’s programming as competition intensifies in the Indian OTT market.
The extensive slate spans Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Malayalam, Kannada and Bangla, reflecting Zee5’s strategy to broaden its appeal through language-centric storytelling while investing in new formats beyond traditional scripted entertainment.
To create the ambitious lineup, Zee5 has partnered with a wide range of production houses. In Hindi, the collaborations are Jio Studios, Maddock Films, AAZ Films, 200 NOTOUT CINEMAS, DICE Media, Collective Studios Historyverse, Tips Films, Pen Studios, Ellipsis Entertainment, Reliance Entertainment and Jar Pictures. Regional partnerships include Annapurna Studios, Sri Venkateswara Creations, Sitara Entertainments, Sri Venkateswara Cine Chitra, Passion Studios, Vriddhi Cinemas, KVN Productions, Thespian Films, Bahawa Entertainment, Pratisaad Productions, Kyra Kumar Kreations, Acropolis Entertainment, Anjan Dutt Productions, Why So Serious Films, Surinder Films and Zee Studios.
The Hindi catalog features a mix of fresh originals, returning franchises and feature films. New series include Kambli, inspired by the life of former cricketer Vinod Kambli, The Scam Leaked, Coffee King, Jeena Easi Ka Naam Hai 2.0, hosted by R Madhavan, and a revival of the cult horror show Zee. Returning franchises include Rangbaaz Season 4 starring Mohit Raina and Arunoday Singh, Janaavar 2 starring Bhuvan Arora and Bakaiti Season 2 starring Rajesh Telang and Sheebha Chaddha.
The list of Hindi films includes Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai starring Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde and Mouni Roy, Bandar starring Bobby Deol and Sanya Malhotra, Bharat Bhagya Vidhata led by Kangana Ranaut, Pooja Meri Jaan starring Mrunal Thakur and Huma Qureshi, Sarvgunn Sampann” starring Vaani Kapoor, Ghamasaan starring Arshad Warsi, Tigmanshu Dhulia and Pratik Gandhi; Ikrop starring Mithila Palkar and Gauahar Khan and Dalimb starring Jitendra Kumar and Priya Bapat.
Regional content continues to be a key element of the platform’s strategy. Tamil viewers can expect Koose Munisamy Veerappan, Thadayam, Ananthakaalam, Thee Kural, billed as the first independent rap battle show on the platform, and films like Demonte Colony 3, Hi! starring Nayanthara, Kavin and Raawadi.
In Telugu, Zee5 has announced original series Sreemathi starring Nivetha Thomas and Objection My Lord starring Srikanth, while talk show Jayammu Nishyayammu Ra is returning with a new season. Upcoming films include Venky Anil 5, NBK111 and Vrushakarma.
The Kannada slate includes another season of Aiyana Mane, new originals Bitcoin Scam and Operation Bangara, and Karavali starring Raj B. Shetty and Prajwal Devaraj. In Malayalam, the platform will premiere Queen, Malabar Cup, rap battle series Kerala Underground and the acclaimed film Balan Boy.
For the Marathi audience, Zee5 is bringing back Hey Kay Naveen? along with new originals Aga Aai, Aaho Aai and films Tumbadchi Manjula and Bhootam Bhayam. In Bangla, returning favorites Shwetkali and Lalbazar will be joined by new originals including Alur Dosh and Priyo Bondhu.
Apart from films and original scripts, Zee5 is expanding its portfolio with live sports including FIFA, Bundesliga, ILT Season 5 and Tamil Nadu Kabaddi. The platform is also investing in storytelling, animation and children’s programs using artificial intelligence through titles like Garud – Ek Yodha Ki Gatha, Narmada Manasa Sundari, Vikram Betal, Shiv Sathi – Ek Anant Prem Kahani, Param Sundari Chandrakanta, Tirupati Balaji, Ram Anjani Yuddha, Ayyappan, Shivlok Ke Kundakka Mandakka, Smart KidZ, Tales of Krishna and Bandbudh and Budbak 2.0.
The announcement comes as competition between streaming platforms intensifies, with services increasingly investing in regional storytelling, franchised content and new technologies to deepen engagement. Bringing together massive collaborations, existing franchises and new formats across seven languages, Zee5 is making its strongest move yet to strengthen its position as India’s leading domestic streaming platform.