ZEE5 is gearing up for a major expansion of its Bengali content library with a fresh line-up of web series, returning franchises, animation shows, sports and AI-driven stories. The streaming platform unveiled several upcoming Bengali projects at a special event in Kolkata on August 11, 2026, under the theme “New Bengal, New Stories.”
The announcement has created significant buzz among Bengali OTT audiences, particularly with the return of several popular franchises featuring some of the industry’s most recognised actors.
Lalbazaar 2, Shwetkali 2 and Shikarpur 2 Return
Among the biggest announcements is ‘Lalbazaar 2’, the second season of the crime thriller featuring Anirban Bhattacharya. The popular series will return with a new storyline and is expected to attract fans of the first season.
ZEE5 has also announced new seasons of ‘Shwetkali 2’, ‘Shikarpur 2’ and ‘Kalipatka 2’. The return of these established franchises is expected to strengthen ZEE5’s position in the competitive Bengali OTT market.
Saswata Chatterjee and Raj Chakraborty Team Up for Mahapralay
Another major highlight is ‘Mahapralay’, directed by filmmaker Raj Chakraborty and starring Saswata Chatterjee.
The series is being positioned as the next chapter following ‘Abaar Proloy 2’, bringing together the popular actor-director combination once again. The project is likely to be one of the most anticipated Bengali web series on ZEE5.
ZEE5 Announces Several New Bengali Web Series
Along with returning franchises, ZEE5 has announced a wide range of new Bengali original series.
The upcoming line-up includes:
- Alur Dosh
- Tarkata
- Prem Shots
- Asthir
- Priyo Bondhu
- Bakhtiyarer Swarnomudra
- Nari Charitra Bejay Jotil
- Nibba Nibbi
The new projects are expected to explore different genres and storytelling formats, with a mix of established performers, new pairings and fresh narratives.
Bengali Animation and AI-Based Content Also on the Way
ZEE5 is also expanding beyond conventional live-action web series. The platform has announced several animation and AI-oriented projects, including ‘Garuda, Ek Yoddha Ki Gatha’, ‘Vikram Betal’, ‘Shiv Sati’, ‘Param Sundari Chandrakanta’, ‘Tirupati Balaji’, ‘Ram Anjaneya Yudh’ and ‘Ayyappan’.
For younger viewers, ZEE5 will also introduce ‘Shivlok Ke Kundakka Mandakka’.
The move indicates the platform’s intention to build a broader content ecosystem that caters to children, families and audiences interested in animation and technology-driven storytelling.
FIFA, Bundesliga and Copa Italia Coming to ZEE5
Sports will also play an important role in ZEE5’s upcoming content strategy. Viewers will be able to watch football competitions including FIFA, Bundesliga and Copa Italia on the platform.
With international football added to its offering, ZEE5 is looking to expand its appeal beyond entertainment and attract a wider sports-viewing audience.
ZEE5’s Focus on Taking Bengali Stories Global
ZEE5 Bengali Business Head Rusha Bandyopadhyay highlighted the emotional connection and unique identity of Bengali stories. The platform aims to take these stories to a much larger audience, both in India and internationally.
According to the company, the return of popular franchises such as Lalbazaar, Shwetkali and Kalipata reflects the strong response from audiences, while new projects such as Alur Dosh, Tarkata, Priyo Bondhu and Nibba Nibbi will explore newer directions in Bengali storytelling.
Major Production Houses Join ZEE5’s Bengali Content Slate
To create its upcoming Bengali content line-up, ZEE5 is collaborating with several established production houses, including Acropolis Entertainment, Surinder Films, Why So Serious?, Anjan Dutt Productions, iWash Entertainment, Raj Chakraborty Entertainment and Vikram Chatterjee Films.
The collaboration between ZEE5 and these production companies is expected to bring a diverse mix of stories, genres and creative voices to Bengali OTT.
ZEE5 Strengthens Its Position in the Bengali OTT Market
ZEE5 currently has a global presence across more than 190 countries and offers content in seven languages, including Bengali, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Marathi.
With multiple popular franchises returning, a strong pipeline of original Bengali web series, animation, AI-based content and international sports, ZEE5 is clearly making a major push in the Bengali OTT space.
The coming months will reveal which of these highly anticipated projects becomes the next big Bengali OTT hit.
