ZEE5 is set to bring the Kannada-Tulu film ‘Jai’ to its streaming platform from February 6, marking a significant milestone as the platform’s first-ever Tulu film premiere.

Celebrated for its grassroots storytelling and strong socio-cultural resonance, the film will be available in both Kannada and Tulu, expanding ZEE5’s regional cinema slate and reinforcing its focus on diverse linguistic narratives, reported by MoneyControl.

Directed by Roopesh Shetty, who also plays the lead, ‘Jai’ blends drama, action, humour and socio-political commentary into a narrative that is deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of coastal Karnataka. The film follows the journey of Satya, a young man from Simhabettu village, whose growing awareness of community issues draws him into local politics and, eventually, into a larger fight for the welfare and dignity of his people. The story balances topical concerns with engaging character-driven moments, making it both relevant and accessible.

The film boasts a strong ensemble cast featuring Roopesh Shetty, Raj Deepak Shetty, Adhvithi Shetty, Aravind Bolar, Devadas Kapikad, Naveen D Padil and Bhojaraj Vamanjoor, along with several well-known regional performers. Adding to its appeal, ‘Jai’ also features Suniel Shetty, marking his debut in Tulu cinema and lending the film wider recognition beyond regional audiences.

‘Jai’ made a notable impact during its theatrical run, registering record-breaking screenings in both Kannada and Tulu versions. It was widely appreciated for its authentic portrayal of village life, spirited performances and its ability to bring together humour, emotion and a strong sense of community. The film also set a precedent for cross-language appeal, drawing large audiences in coastal regions and beyond, and demonstrating the growing appetite for rooted regional stories.

Speaking about the digital release, Roopesh Shetty said the film comes from a deeply personal space and reflects the soil, language, humour and social realities of coastal Karnataka. He added that releasing ‘Jai’ on ZEE5 in both Kannada and Tulu gives the story the reach it deserves, especially for Tulu-speaking audiences who rarely see their language represented on major streaming platforms.

Suniel Shetty said his decision to be part of ‘Jai’ was driven by the honesty of the film rather than its scale. He noted that Tulu cinema carries a raw cultural pride that is seldom seen at a national level, and expressed happiness that the film will now reach a wider audience through ZEE5, helping regional voices travel beyond borders.

With ‘Jai’ streaming from February 6, ZEE5 continues to underline its commitment to celebrating regional cinema, offering audiences across India and overseas access to diverse languages, cultures and powerful local stories.