On the occasion of Holi, Hindi Zee5 has unveiled the highly anticipated first look of its upcoming thriller-drama Dalimb, marking an exciting new chapter in digital streaming content. The film features digital superstar Jitendra Kumar in a complex, layered character that promises to showcase a different dimension of his acting prowess.
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Dalimb Project Details and Cast Information
The haunting first look image captures a man in an evocative mask that evokes imagery reminiscent of Kathakali dancers or scenes from Rishab Shetty’s acclaimed film Kantara. This visually striking imagery positions Dalimb as one of the platform’s most ambitious and tonally distinctive offerings, promising an immersive and unsettling cinematic experience rooted in fractured realities and unsettling truths.

| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Film Title | Dalimb |
| Streaming Platform | Hindi Zee5 |
| Announcement Date | Holi 2026 (March 2, 2026) |
| Director/Writer | Priya Aven (debut feature director) |
| Dialogue | Varad Bhatnagar, additional by Tanuj Garg |
| Producers | Tanuj Garg, Atul Kasbekar (Ellipsis Entertainment) |
| Lead Actor | Jitendra Kumar (character: Suraaj) |
| Supporting Cast | Priya Bapat, Kshitish Date, Kavin Dave, Sai Prasad, Harish Kulkarni, Sagar Yadav |
| Genre | Psychological thriller-drama |
| Setting | Suburban middle-class Mumbai |
| Production House | Ellipsis Entertainment (first collaboration with Zee5) |
| Release Timeline | 2026 |
| Themes | Memory, guilt, fractured realities, human relationships |
Creative Team and Production Vision
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Director Background | Priya Aven – long-standing corporate films executive |
| Script Development | Year-long collaborative scripting process with producers |
| Core Narrative | Explores fragile intersections of memory, guilt, relationships |
| Character Development | Layered characters with emotionally charged storytelling |
| Visual Language | Haunting, unsettling, deeply immersive experience |
| First Look Imagery | Masked figure evoking Kathakali and Kantara aesthetics |
| Storytelling Approach | Pacy, engaging, unsettling thriller with emotional core |
| Production Approach | Creatively ambitious and emotionally powerful |
Jitendra Kumar’s Transformative Character
Jitendra Kumar plays Suraaj, a character he describes as significantly different from his previous roles. The actor expressed his enthusiasm about the project: “When I heard the narration of Dalimb at the Ellipsis office last year, I was drawn to its honesty and the depth of the character. Suraaj is layered with a very different graph and I feel that the audience will really connect with it. Working with Priya, Tanuj, Atul and the Ellipsis team was a smooth and fulfilling experience. I’m looking forward to the audience watching the film.”

This role marks a departure from his widely recognized performances in Panchayat and Kota Factory, showcasing Kumar’s commitment to exploring complex, psychologically intricate characters. His involvement signals his evolution as an actor willing to take on challenging dramatic material.
Zee5’s Strategic Direct-to-Digital Commitment
Kaveri Das, Business Head Hindi Zee5 and Chief Channel Officer & TV, articulated the platform’s vision: “At Hindi Zee5, our focus is on building a strong Direct-to-Digital ecosystem with commissioned, streaming-first films at its core. Dalimb is a psychological drama that explores the fragile intersections of memory, guilt, and human relationships, unfolding through layered characters and emotionally charged storytelling. This film is part of our strategic effort to strengthen our commissioned D2D pipeline for the year ahead, backing distinctive, high-impact stories created exclusively for digital audiences.”
The investment reflects Zee5’s commitment to expanding premium Hindi content, delivering culturally rooted narratives designed to resonate with contemporary audiences. Dalimb exemplifies this strategy, prioritizing artistic vision and emotional depth.
Ellipsis Entertainment’s Creative Excellence
Director Priya Aven revealed the personal nature of the project: “Dalimb is deeply personal to me, and I cannot wait for the audiences to enter its world. Much has been drawn from events and realities I have witnessed first-hand. It is a pacy, engaging and unsettling thriller with an emotional core that will shock you and move you in equal measure. The association with Ellipsis and Zee5 on my debut feature has been deeply gratifying.”
Producer Tanuj Garg emphasized the creative journey: “From its inception, Dalimb felt urgent and distinctive. I knew we had to support Dalimb from the minute I heard it. Priya’s gut, conviction and passion are unwavering, which is what we look for in young, new directors. We jammed together on the script for the better part of a year, before arriving at what we believed was both creatively ambitious and emotionally powerful.”

Producer Atul Kasbekar added: “Dalimb is the kind of film that stays with you long after it ends. It’s a bold and unconventional story that pushes the boundaries of psychological storytelling while remaining deeply relatable at its core. We look forward to sharing it with audiences this year.”
Read More: O Romeo Box Office: Film Crosses Rs 54 Crore After 3 Weeks; 60% Friday Drop
FAQs
What is Dalimb’s storyline?
Dalimb is a psychological thriller-drama set in suburban middle-class Mumbai, exploring the fragile intersections of memory, guilt, and human relationships. It promises an emotionally charged narrative rooted in fractured realities and unsettling truths.
When will Dalimb release on Zee5?
Dalimb is scheduled for release on Hindi Zee5 in 2026. The exact premiere date will be announced as production finalizes and promotional campaigns expand.
Who directs Dalimb?
Priya Aven makes her feature film directorial debut with Dalimb. She brings experience as a long-standing executive in the corporate films space to this psychological thriller.
What character does Jitendra Kumar play in Dalimb?
Jitendra Kumar plays Suraaj, a layered character with a unique graph and complex emotional journey. The role represents a significant departure from his previously recognized roles.
Is this Zee5 and Ellipsis Entertainment’s first collaboration?
Yes, Dalimb marks the maiden collaboration between Hindi Zee5 and Ellipsis Entertainment, showcasing the platform’s commitment to partnering with distinctive production houses on high-impact stories.





