Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz To Parasakthi: ZEE5 Films That Demand Your Attention – Watch Now!

Cinema that punches above its weight doesn’t just entertain; it demands engagement, asks questions and leaves a mark. ZEE5’s hard-hitting films and series offer thoughtful, powerful viewing experiences with weighty themes, ranging from coming-of-age journeys and moral conflict to resistance movements and psychological thrillers. These titles showcase diverse voices and complex themes, making them ideal picks for viewers seeking cinema with depth and impact. Here’s a round-up of hard-hitting titles on ZEE5, each offering a story that’s as compelling as it is memorable.

Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz

A thoughtful Hindi-Punjabi coming-of-age series on ZEE5, Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz centres on Ghuppi Singh, a teenager torn between family tradition and his own dreams of football. The series explores identity, generational expectations and the push-and-pull of cultural legacy, all grounded in nuanced performances and an emotionally resonant narrative. It’s the kind of grounded drama that stays with you because its conflicts are deeply human and close to home. Shabad premiered on ZEE5 on 6 February 2026 and is streaming now.

Kennedy

One of the most anticipated thrillers to hit ZEE5, Kennedy is a neo-noir crime drama written and directed by Anurag Kashyap, starring Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone. The story follows a cab-driver by day who becomes a hired killer by night, navigating a gritty underworld marked by revenge, moral ambiguity and survival. After premiering at international festivals, the film arrived on ZEE5 on 20 February 2026, completing its journey from Cannes acclaim to mainstream streaming. Its raw, atmospheric tone and complex central performance make it a standout example of bold storytelling.

Saali Mohabbat

Directed by Tisca Chopra in her feature debut and anchored by Radhika Apte’s mesmerising performance, Saali Mohabbat turns a seemingly ordinary small-town marriage into a psychological mystery of betrayal, guilt and survival. At its core is Smita’s fractured journey through love and loss after a double murder upends her life, forcing viewers to confront shifting identities and moral uncertainty. This crime thriller debuted directly on ZEE5 on 12 December 2025, offering slow-burn intensity and layered tension that lingers long after the credits roll.

Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam

Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam stars Sachin Khedekar, Amey Wagh and Prajakta Koli in a story about preserving cultural identity and fighting bureaucratic neglect. The film’s drama unfolds as a principal and his community come together to save a Marathi-medium school from demolition, blending nostalgia with a powerful message about language, heritage and resistance. Released in theatres early in 2026 and releasing on 27th February 2026 on ZEE5, it’s an emotionally charged watch rooted in contemporary social realities.

Uttar

This Marathi drama, featuring Renuka Shahane, Abhinay Berde and Hruta Durgule, explores the emotional terrain between technology, motherhood and modern life. Uttar reflects on how artificial intelligence begins to shape personal relationships, particularly the bond between a mother and her child, turning everyday reality into a poignant inquiry about connection and human identity. After its December 2025 theatrical release, the film arrived on ZEE5 on 13 February 2026, adding emotional depth to the platform’s hard-hitting library.

Parasakthi

Streaming on ZEE5 since 7 February 2026, Parasakthi is a Tamil period drama starring Sivakarthikeyan, Atharvaa and Sreeleela. Set in the 1960s, the film follows the Purananooru Army’s resistance against linguistic imposition and cultural erasure, creating a story that’s both action-driven and deeply rooted in historical context. With its themes of brotherhood, conviction and sociopolitical strife, Parasakthi stands out as a large-scale narrative that combines emotional urgency with cinematic spectacle.