ZEE5’s latest Tamil original series, Regai, has opened to a highly positive response from both critics and viewers. According to the streamer, the Bala Hasan-starrer has also crossed 100 million streaming minutes in a remarkably short period since its release.
Directed by M. Dhinakaran and based on the works of legendary Tamil crime novelist Rajesh Kumar, Regai (Fingerprint) stands out by transplanting the classic whodunnit structure into a modern, chilling medical conspiracy.
The six-episode ZEE5 series introduces Sub-Inspector Vetri (played by Bala Hasan), whose routine investigation into the accidental death of an ice-cart vendor quickly turns sinister upon the discovery of a severed human hand. This initial clue pulls Vetri and Constable Sandhiya (Pavithra Janani) into a terrifying network of staged deaths, illegal clinical trials, and corruption within a powerful pharmaceutical ring.
Regai benefits from its short runtime (25–30 minutes per episode), as it keeps the overall tone engaging and crisp. Critics have largely praised the show for its focused direction and tight narrative structure.
Outstanding work from the leading duo, Hasan and Janani, is being praised by viewers as well. The series is also being appreciated for pushing the police procedural beyond mere technology, forcing SI Vetri to rely on classic investigative footwork, human psychology, and old-school deduction, a nostalgic nod to the golden age of crime fiction.
The success of ZEE5’s Regai proves that authentic, well-paced regional content, when backed by strong performances and a compelling concept, can not only win over critics but also capture the viewing minutes of millions, firmly establishing the Tamil thriller genre as a dominant force in the Indian OTT space. Stay tuned for more updates.