Must-watch Marathi gems on ZEE5: Stories rooted in emotion, culture & craft

Marathi cinema has always been rich in emotion, craft and cultural depth with stories that feel lived-in, characters that feel familiar, and filmmaking that pushes boundaries without losing its local soul. On ZEE5, some of the finest contemporary Marathi films have found a home, offering audiences everything from mythology-rooted drama to quiet character studies and heartfelt family stories.

If you’re looking to dive into the best of what the industry has to offer, start with these unmissable titles:

1. Dashavatar

A powerful blend of faith, folklore and human conflict, Dashavatar brings together Dilip Prabhavalkar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Bharat Jadhav, Abhinay Berde, Priyadarshini Indalkar in a story that draws from ancient tradition while staying grippingly modern. As mythology begins to echo in the lives of ordinary people, belief and reality collide in ways they never expected. It’s visually striking, emotionally layered and carries a climax that lingers long after.

2. Jarann

Jarann is the kind of film that enters quietly but stays with you for days. Rooted in rural Maharashtra, it follows the tender, complex bond between a mother and child trying to navigate change, choices and harsh realities that come with survival. The performances are beautifully understated, giving the story an organic honesty that feels almost real life-like. It’s a film that reminds you how powerful small stories can be.

3. Sthal

Raw, intimate and deeply observant, Sthal captures the awkwardness and emotional weight of arranged marriage through the eyes of a young woman pushed into a system she’s still trying to understand. The film doesn’t rush but watches, listens and lets silence speak louder than words. What makes Sthal special is its authenticity: it presents a world many know too well, without judgement, only humanity.

4. Fussclass Dabhade

A charming family entertainer with heart, humour and a cast that knows exactly how to land both laughs and emotion. Fussclass Dabhade follows the chaos within a middle-class household where every member has their own dream, frustration and secret battle. It’s a feel-good film that mirrors the everyday dramas of our own families while keeping the warmth intact. Perfect for a light-hearted, comforting watch.

5. Ata Thambaycha Naay

Packed with energy, wit and a strong social pulse, Ata Thambaycha Naay follows a group of characters who find themselves fighting a system that’s stacked against them. The film balances humour with sharp commentary, making its message land without losing entertainment value. It’s spirited, timely and captures the Marathi sensibility of resilience with refreshing honesty.

Tune in on ZEE5 to discover powerful Marathi stories that entertain, move and stay with you long after the end credits roll.