ZEE5, despite generating tremendous online buzz with the much-anticipated releases of Kaalidhar Laapata and The Bhootnii, failed to make any impact in July 2025. What’s more disappointing is that the platform gambled heavily on these two Hindi movies to lure a massive audience. While both films have their moments, they cannot be called good movies due to their noticeable flaws overall.
First, let’s start with Kaalidhar Laapata. ZEE5 heavily promoted this Abhishek Bachchan starrer before its release on OTT. In fact, they left no stone unturned to promote this drama film. What could have been a heartwarming and emotionally charged drama instead emerges as a largely hollow remake of the acclaimed Tamil comedy-drama K.D. (2019).
What’s more disappointing about Kaalidhar Laapata is the fact that Madhumita directed both the remake and the original. It’s honestly quite baffling to see how a director could not do justice to her own original work. Instead of providing a bit of freshness to the remake, the film relies far too heavily on the outstanding performances of its leading duo — Abhishek Bachchan and the child star Daivik Baghela.
The Bhootnii, starring the likes of Sanjay Dutt, Mouni Roy, and Sunny Singh, works well, but only in parts. It suffers from inconsistent storytelling, predictable plot twists, and underwhelming horror. But thanks to Dutt, the newcomer Palak Tiwari, and some good comedic moments, it somehow manages to stay afloat.
Bhairavam was another much-anticipated OTT title in July for ZEE5 users. Overall, it received a mixed reception from audiences. Some viewers found the film’s first half slow but praised the post-interval plot twist and its emotional depth.
Others highlighted its strong themes of justice and loyalty, calling it a powerful emotional drama with rich visuals. However, many people noted the film’s illogical and predictable elements, with some criticizing the director’s melodramatic approach and poor casting, concluding that it failed to live up to its potential.
Ammy Virk’s Saunkan Saunkanay 2 faced the wrath of the audience. Viewers lamented its weak, recycled script filled with outdated and regressive jokes. They felt that the talented cast, including Ammy Virk, Sargun Mehta, and Nimrat Khaira, was wasted on one-dimensional characters. Moreover, it suffered from poor pacing and lacklustre comedic elements.
In addition, ZEE5 didn’t drop any original series last month.
Overall, July 2025 was a disappointing month for ZEE5, marked by a series of high-profile failures. The platform’s gamble on a few star-led films like Kaalidhar Laapata and The Bhootnii did not pay off. The reliance on these titles, without the support of a single original series, suggests a flawed strategy that resulted in a month of underperformance and missed opportunities.
Moving past star power and predictable remakes, ZEE5 should prioritize compelling, original storytelling that offers both depth and quality. A pivot towards innovative series and films that resonate with modern audiences, rather than relying on recycled formulas, will be key to a stronger comeback in the coming months. Stay tuned for more updates.