KOLKATA, 29 NOV: On December 2, ZEE5, India’s largest domestic video streaming service, will debut its newest original movie, “India Lockdown.”

The direct-to-digital film, which Madhur Bhandarkar directed, is the first Hindi feature film to examine the covid pandemic and its effects on Indian society.

The ZEE5 Original Film, written by Amit Joshi and Aradhana Sah alongside Madhur Bhandarkar, has Hrishitaa Bhatt in a cameo along with Shweta Basu Prasad, Aahana Kumra, Prateik Babbar, Sai Tamhankar, and Prakash Balewadi in the key roles.

India Lockdown, which was produced by Dr. Jayantilal Gada of PEN Studios, Madhur Bhandarkar of Bhandarkar Entertainment, and Pranav Jain of P J Motions Pictures, had its world premiere on November 21 at IFFI Goa and was met with a resounding reception.

The 2021 movie tells four parallel tales of different persons who are thrown into extraordinary situations by the lockdown brought on by the corona pandemic.

Shweta Basu Prasad portrays Mehrunissa, a sex worker in Kamathipura, Mumbai, who is compelled to explore new methods of conducting business online as a result of the lockdown, as seen in the teaser.

Aahana Kumra portrays Moon Alves, a pilot used to flying high in the sky who is abruptly grounded for several months and experiences what it is like to have her wings clipped for the first time. 

Migrant workers Prateik Babbar as Madhav and Sai Tamhankar as Phoolmati lose their main source of income due to the epidemic and are forced to starve or walk home because trains and local transportation are shut down.

The last character is Nageshwar, played by Prakash Belawadi. He is an elderly man who is trapped in a faraway city from his daughter at a crucial point in her life. 

Will every one of them make it through India Lockdown’s uncertainty, scared and powerless?

Amit Agarwal, the company’s founder, invited Madhur Bhandarkar, a friend, and director, to the Kolkata premiere of India Lockdown.

Amit has previously provided financial support for movies like M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story and produced movies like Simran with Kangana Ranaut and Astra (Bengali).

From December 2, “India Lockdown” will debut exclusively on ZEE5. (PHN)