ZEE5 is set to expand its diverse offerings with the upcoming releases of Kichcha Sudeep's much-anticipated Kannada action thriller, 'Max', and the gripping crime drama, 'Crime Beat'. Following the successful theatrical run of 'Max' and the latest buzz around 'Crime Beat', these releases are bound to attract significant viewer attention as they hit the OTT platform.
'Max', which received mixed reviews during its December 25, 2024 theatrical release, has garnered attention for its box office earnings, reportedly collecting Rs 48.58 million after 29 days. Fans of the film can rejoice as it is confirmed to be available for streaming on ZEE5 starting February 22, 2025. ZEE5 announced the news with excitement, stating, "Max is set to release on 22nd February, 2025 exclusively on ZEE5!" This move is part of the platform's strategy to broaden its content library and attract new subscribers.
Transitioning from action to crime, 'Crime Beat', another major release on ZEE5, features rising stars Saba Azad and Saqib Saleem. Slated to premiere on February 21, 2025, this show focuses on the life of ambitious journalist Abhishek, played by Saleem, who dives deep to unearth shocking secrets within his city. With the assistance of determined police officer Maya Mathur, played by Azad, the storyline promises intense drama as it exposes the dark underbelly of crime and corruption.
The narrative, which revolves around the challenges faced by crime reporters, is helmed by esteemed directors Sudhir Mishra and Sanjeev Kaul. Mishra expresses his hope for the series to captivate viewers, as it delves intricately through the thrilling yet dangerous journalism world. The official synopsis suggests, “Crime Beat will blow you away!” This is truly promising, especially as audiences show increasing interest in investigative thrillers.
Alongside these exciting new entries, ZEE5 has also released 'Mrs.', which dropped on January 5, 2025. This film, starring Sanya Malhotra, has drawn scrutiny for its near-exact replication of the acclaimed Malayalam film 'The Great Indian Kitchen' without providing due credit to its original director, Jeo Baby. Critics argue this omission casts doubt on the film's authenticity and raises questions about the necessity of remaking such poignant content. The film's central themes explore the monotony of domestic responsibilities faced by women, echoing the original's feminist undertones.
The bold approach exhibited by Jeo Baby is something 'Mrs.' seems to lack, as suggested by reviewers who feel it does not confront issues with the same degree of depth. Nevertheless, Malhotra's performance has been widely praised, with audiences able to see glimpses of her strengths throughout the film, keeping the female audience engaged and reflective about societal roles.
All three titles—'Max', 'Crime Beat', and 'Mrs.'—represent ZEE5's commitment to delivering varied and engaging content for its subscribers. With notable actors leading the casts and compelling storylines, these releases signal the platform's ambition to become a cornerstone of Indian OTT entertainment. The scheduled dates mark significant additions to ZEE5’s lineup, reinforcing its competitiveness within the burgeoning OTT space. Fans should keep their eyes peeled for these debuts, as they promise to bring forth thrilling narratives bound to resonate with audiences.