November 2025 saw ZEE5 deliver a varied slate of regional content, characterised by high highs and noticeable lows. The month witnessed successes in family drama and comedy, specifically with the highly praised Hindi original Thode Door Thode Paas and the laugh-riot Malayalam film The Pet Detective.
However, the platform also struggled with critical duds like the poorly received horror-comedy Inspection Bungalow and the extremely polarising, heavily criticised release The Bengal Files. Ultimately, ZEE5’s performance in November 2025 showcases a commitment to bestowing diverse content but highlights an inconsistent quality across its genre offerings.
Thode Door Thode Pass (Hindi ZEE5 Original)
Release Date: November 7
Thode Door Thode Pass received highly positive reviews from critics and viewers both, particularly for its focus on authentic emotions and relatable conflicts between generations, avoiding heavy melodrama. A key theme is the importance of digital fasting, where a retired patriarch (played by Pankaj Kapoor) teaches the family to disconnect from gadgets to strengthen their relationships, making it an eye-opener for the new generation.
Kiss (2025)
Release Date: November 7
Praised for its light and refreshing tone, Kiss was noted for its genuine story, charming leads (Kavin and Preethi Asrani), and effective utilisation of the cast. Director Sathish was applauded for his work, and VTV Ganesh’s comedy is highlighted as a major entertainment factor. It’s described as a one-time, fun-filled watch, despite a slow start.
Vikkatakavi – The Movie (Telugu ZEE5 Original)
Release Date: November 14
King Amaragiri tasks Detective Ramakrishna with solving the sudden memory loss epidemic in his village. Ramakrishna’s investigation quickly draws him into a tangled web of political plots and long-buried historical secrets.
Inspection Bungalow (Malayalam ZEE5 Original)
Release Date: November 14
This Malayalam horror-comedy web series was credited for the attempt, but it failed in terms of execution. Many viewers believed that the series was neither consistently funny nor frightening, instead ended up transforming into a formulaic and dated revenge drama. Its short, seven-episode runtime maintains pace, but the weak comedy and predictable plot prevent it from being a memorable watch.
The Bengal Files (2025)
Release Date: November 21
The Bengal Files largely received negative reviews, with viewers calling it a propaganda-laden, excruciating experience. They heavily criticised the film for its incoherent writing, poor editing, graphic and sickening violence, and divisive political agenda. However, a few positive reviews praised the film’s shock value, emotional connection to suffering, and the strong performances, despite noting issues with slow pacing and over-dramatisation.
Murugesan +2 (Tamil ZEE5 Original)
Release Date: November 21
Murugesan +2 revolves around a truck driver leading a double life with two families. When he is presumed dead after an accident, his two families fight over his wealth. Murugesan’s unexpected return alive satirises family loyalty and the corrupting power of money, leaving him unwanted. Reviews for this one are largely mixed, with many declaring it a passable watch.
The Pet Detective (2025)
Release Date: November 28
This Malayalam action comedy flick was hailed as a fun comedy entertainer. Viewers praised its energetic, fast-paced ride. Sharaf U Dheen’s lead performance and swag were highly praised, along with the music and direction. A perfect stress-buster, a laugh riot that brings back the vibrant spirit of old-school comedy and is ideal for a watch with the whole family.
Regai (Tamil ZEE5 Original)
Release Date: November 28
The plot follows SI Vetri (Bala Hasan) investigating a murder and a severed arm, leading to a string of complicated cases. While suffering from a low-budget, daily soap feel and predictable twists, the series remains engaging due to its well-paced script and frequent turns. It’s a light, quick watch for fans of easy mysteries.
Raktabeej 2 (2025)
Release Date: November 28
Raktabeej 2 received mixed to positive reviews. Viewers praised its ambitious scope, strong technical execution, and originality. Abir Chatterjee and Mimi Chakraborty delivered strong performances, but Ankush Hazra as the villain was widely acclaimed as the standout. However, the film was criticised for lapses in logic, unnecessary romantic subplots, a weak soundtrack, and a shaky screenplay.
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