When it comes to Hindi movies and web series, most people immediately think of Netflix or Prime Video. But if you haven’t explored ZEE5 lately, you’re missing out on some genuinely impressive content. Beyond its popular titles lies a collection of underrated gems, from gripping psychological thrillers and emotional dramas to dark comedies and unconventional stories that deserved far more attention than they received.
If you’re looking to move beyond predictable plots and mainstream blockbusters, these hidden gems deserve a place on your watchlist.
1. Berlin (2023)
Set during the harsh winter of Delhi in 1993, Berlin follows Ashok, a deaf and mute man who is arrested on suspicion of being a foreign spy. To communicate with him, intelligence officers bring in Pushkin Verma, a sign language teacher played by Aparshakti Khurana.
What begins as a routine assignment soon turns into something much more dangerous as Pushkin realizes he has become part of a larger political conspiracy involving rival intelligence agencies. Featuring compelling performances from Ishwak Singh, Aparshakti Khurana, and Rahul Bose, Berlin is a slow-burning spy thriller that rewards patient viewers with its layered storytelling and unexpected twists.
2. Expiry Date
Vishwa believes he has a happy marriage until he discovers that his wife, Disha, has been having an affair. In a fit of anger, he accidentally kills her and desperately tries to cover up the crime by reporting her as missing.
His carefully crafted plan begins to unravel when he meets Sunitha at the police station. She is also there to report her husband missing, only for both of them to discover that their spouses were involved with each other. What follows is an intense story filled with deception, blackmail, revenge, and shocking revelations.
3. Aafat-e-Ishq
Lallo is a lonely 30-year-old woman who spends her days caring for an elderly widow. Her only companion is Atmaram, the cheerful ghost of a 1970s rockstar.
Everything changes when Lallo unexpectedly inherits a huge property. Suddenly, several men begin showing interest in her, but there’s a terrifying catch. An ancient curse causes every man who falls in love with her to die under mysterious circumstances.
Blending horror, romance, dark comedy, and fantasy, Aafat-e-Ishq offers one of the most unusual and entertaining stories available on ZEE5.
4. Gyarah Gyarah
Gyarah Gyarah tells its story across three different timelines: 1990, 2001, and 2016.
In 2016, police officer Yug Arya discovers an old walkie-talkie that mysteriously comes to life every night at exactly 11:11 PM. On the other end is detective Shaurya Anthwal, speaking from the 1990s.
The two officers begin working together across time to solve unsolved murder cases. However, every change they make in the past creates unexpected consequences in the present. Inspired by the acclaimed Korean drama Signal, the series delivers suspense, emotional storytelling, and plenty of unpredictable twists.
5. Barot House
Amit and Bhavana Barot live peacefully with their four children until tragedy strikes. Their nine-year-old daughter is found murdered inside their own home.
As the investigation progresses, suspicion slowly shifts from an unknown outsider to someone much closer. Their young son, Malhar, becomes the prime suspect, forcing Amit to confront the horrifying possibility that the killer may be living under the same roof.
Loosely inspired by real-life events, Barot House combines psychological suspense with emotional family drama to create an unsettling viewing experience.
6. Hum Tum and Them
Shiva is a divorced mother trying to rebuild her life, while Yudi is a widowed single father still struggling to raise his children after losing his wife.
Despite their completely different personalities, they fall in love and decide to build a future together. Their biggest challenge, however, comes from their own children, who strongly oppose the relationship.
With mature writing, relatable characters, and realistic family conflicts, Hum Tum and Them offers a refreshing take on second chances and modern relationships.
7. Safed
Set in the spiritual city of Varanasi, Safed tells a deeply moving story about two people rejected by society.
Chaandi is a young transgender person fighting for dignity and acceptance, while Kaali is a young widow forced to live a life of isolation because of outdated traditions.
As their paths cross, they discover comfort, friendship, and eventually a love that challenges deep-rooted social prejudices. Sensitive, emotional, and beautifully acted, Safed is one of the most underrated Hindi films on ZEE5 and leaves a lasting impact long after it ends.
Also read : 10 Best Suspense Thriller Movies on Netflix
Whether you’re in the mood for an intelligent spy thriller, a psychological mystery, a heartfelt drama, or something completely unconventional, these seven underrated movies and web series prove that ZEE5 has far more to offer than many viewers realize.
