10 Hindi Movies from 2018 you must watch on ZEE5

The year 2018 has been a golden year for Bollywood. There have been many movies that have done great not only critically but also commercially. Surprisingly, the high-budget Khan movies have not been able to perform and win the hearts of the audience. If you enjoy watching Hindi movies online, you can watch or rewatch some of the best Hindi movies from 2018 on ZEE5.

1. Mulk

Mulk is one of the best movies of this year. The captivating social drama film, starring Rishi Kapoor and Tapsee Pannu gives out the message that there is no religion for terrorism. The powerful performances, flawless direction, and hard-hitting dialogues make it a compelling watch.

2. Parmanu

Next on the list is Parmanu, the story of Pokhran. The patriotic movie starring John Abraham and Diana Penty is based on the 1998 Pokhran Nuclear Test conducted with the joint collaboration of BARC, DRDO, ISRO and the Indian Army. The way director Abhishek Sharma has presented the real incidents in a thrilling way make the movie a must watch.

3. Padman

Padman is a social drama film that has high rewatch value for the message it conveys and for the brilliant performance of Akshay Kumar. It tells the story of a courageous man who faces social stigma and other challenges in his well-intentioned pursuit to develop affordable sanitary pads.

4. Veere Di Wedding

Veere Di Wedding celebrates female friendship in a way that few Bollywood movies have done. The movie is filled with fun-filled and heart-touching moments that you would love to relive with your girl gang. With spectacular performances from Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar, and Shikha Talsania, the movie shines as a movie that showcases a more realistic yet fun side of friendship.

5. Laila Majnu

Laila Majnu is a beautiful romantic drama movie directed by Sajid Ali. Written by Imtiaz Ali, the Sufi poetic aura of his style of romance is evident in the movie. While there have been past adaptations of the Laila-Majnu tale, this version provides a fresh perspective by setting the story in present-day Kashmir.

6. Batti Gul Meter Chalu

Batti Gul Meter Chalu highlights the problems that people face due to power cuts. Set in Tehri, Uttarakhand, the local dialect, locations and characterizations feel incredibly fresh to watch on-screen. But the biggest highlight is how all the previously mentioned elements come together to address a relevant social issue. Among performances, watch out for Shahid Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor and Divyendu Sharma.

7. Paltan

If you enjoy war movies, you should definitely watch Paltan on ZEE5. The movie starring Arjun Rampal and Sonu Sood is based on the clashes between the Indian and Chinese Military (Nathu La and Cho La) on 1967. Many are not aware of this battle and that is exactly what makes the movie an insightful watch.

8. Genius

Genius is an action thriller movie starring Mithun Chakraborty, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Utkarsh Sharma. Directed by Anil Sharma (known for directing Gadar), the movie features some spectacular action sequences and a thrilling plot that you shall definitely enjoy.

9. Yamla Pagla Deewana Phir Se

After tickling our funny bone with the previous two instalments of Yamla Pagla Deewana 1 and 2, the Deol trio is back with Yamla Pagla Deewana Phir Se. It has always been a fun, emotional-filled experience watching Dharmendra, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol act on-screen together and YPD Phir Se is no exception.

10. Tigers

Tigers starring Emraan Hashmi is a ZEE5 Original Film released in 2018 that you cannot afford to miss. Directed by Oscar-winner Danis Tanovic, The drama is inspired by true events in Pakistan. Watch it for the engaging storyline, great direction, and pitch-perfect performance by Emraan Hashmi.

In short, 2018 was the year of content-driven Hindi movies that had unique stories and fabulous performances. Grab a bucket of popcorn and binge-watch the amazing Hindi movies online on ZEE5.

Shop for Fashionable and Trendy Nighty on Zivame

Wearing loose shorts and old T-shirts at bed-time is outdated. Women want to feel and look good always. Just like any other women clothing, sleepwear is also available in various styles, fabrics, colours, and designs. Women must pay a lot of attention when they are shopping for sleepwear. When you choose the right nightdress, you not only get a good night’s sleep but also feel happy about the way you look. If you are looking for cute and stylish nighty, buy now at Zivame.

Types of nightdresses

The nightdresses of Zivame are loaded with style and cuteness. The short nightdresses are ideal for hot and humid weather. The knee-length dresses will make you feel relaxed and comfortable. You can also choose silk nightgowns that will make you look sensuous and appealing. If you want to make your night special, wear a sexy nightgown to make a great impression.

Choosing the right sleepwear

Comfort should be your first priority when you are buying a nightdress. Let’s take a look at the factors that women must keep in mind when they are shopping for sleepwear:

1.Fabric

The most important factor in choosing the right sleepwear is fabric. You should choose the fabric, according to your preference and comfort. You can choose a satin chic nightgown for looking stylish and sensuous. Check out the navy or maroon satin gown on Zivame that will surely raise the temperature in the bedroom.

If you do not enjoy the slippery feeling of wearing satin clothes, you will not get a good night’s sleep wearing satin sleepwear. In that case, you can opt for a cool cotton nightdress in white or pastel colours. As cotton is a breathable fabric, it is ideal for summer. It is soft to wear and touch. There is a wide range of printed white cotton nightgowns on Zivame. If you are fond of cute designs, you would love the Disney range of night dresses.

2.Details

When you are shopping for sleepwear, you must pay attention to the details. Choose nightdress that has minimal detailing so that you can feel comfortable. If you are opting for a nightdress with buttons, choose the ones that have small buttons. Avoid sleepwear that has fancy frills and lace. They can irritate your skin and disturb your sleep.

3.Silhouette

The silhouette and cut of your sleepwear are extremely important for your comfort. Choose anti-fit cuts that do not make you feel suffocated. You can find nightdresses in classic styles on Zivame that are loose and comfortable. If you wear a tightly fitted sleepwear, it will make you toss and turn at night. A loose fit night dress that falls straight to your knee will make you feel comfortable throughout the night.

4.Colour and Design

You can find nightdresses in various colours and designs on Zivame. You can choose between floral, Disney or geometric prints. Checks and slogans look uber cool. White and pastel colours are ideal for the summer season, whereas bright colours are perfect for cooler nights.

Women today are fashionable, confident and expressive. They like to express their personality through what they wear, whether it is for a party or while relaxing on the bed. Every woman likes stylish and comfortable sleepwear that will make her feel great about herself. Zivame has the perfect nighty for every woman.

Kaali: A nail-biting thrilling original web series on ZEE5

When was the last time you had watched a nail-biting thriller that didn’t let you blink your eyes? Kaali is a ZEE5 Bengali Original starring popular Bengali stars like Paoli Dam, Rahul Banerjee, and Shantilal Mukherjee. It is directed by Korok Murmu and produced by Parambrata Chattopadhyay. It released on 13th November 2018. The plot revolves around a helpless mother who has to deposit 6lakhs at the hospital for her son’s operation within 12 hours. She is ready to go to any extent to save her son. The action-packed thriller shows the strength of a woman and celebrates her power.

Plot and Characterization

In the first episode, we are introduced to all the main characters. The titular character (Paoli Dam) works as a beautician and lives with her son, Sunny. She has separated from her husband because the latter is involved in illegal activities. Two things happen simultaneously in a day which change the course of the protagonist’s life. One is the accident of her son and another is her husband getting involved in a murder case.

The doctor informs her that her son’s condition is serious and he needs an artificial lung to survive. The surgery will cost 6 lakhs and she has only 12 hours to deposit the money, else her son won’t survive. There are two inspectors who investigate the murder case and the drug trafficking racket. Inspector Aniket Bose (Rahul Banerjee) wants to help the protagonist as he has had feelings for her, whereas the intentions of OC Mitra (Shantilal Mukherjee) seem dubious.

She gets involved with dangerous people as she tries to accumulate money for her son’s operation. As each episode progresses, she gets pulled into the world of drug trafficking. The more the danger increases, the more she becomes dangerous.

How far can a mother go to save her only child?

Acting and Direction

The acting of Paoli Dam who played the titular character is so good that you will root for her with all your heart. There is a scene in Episode 6 when she yells out her son’s name and breaks down in the middle of the street. Her helplessness of not able to get the money for her son’s operation will pierce your heart. She portrayed a mother’s love with complete honesty.

At the same time, the fire and determination in her eyes when she was fighting the goons were worth watching. Rahul Banerjee was apt for the role of Inspector Aniket Bose. I also liked the chemistry between Paoli Dam and Rahul Banerjee.

Overall, the series is pretty fast-paced. There is not a single unwanted scene in the series. The direction is praise-worthy as the director keeps you on your toes constantly. There are various twists and turns thrown into the plot that makes it a perfect thriller. The haunting background score adds to the thrill quotient.

Final Thoughts

The best thing that I liked about the web series is its title. The Hindu Goddess Kali is the goddess of destruction, power, and time. She is worshipped for destroying evil forces. Although she has a fearful appearance, she is the Divine mother who cares for her devotee.

The first season of the web series has 8 episodes, each one of which is named after the 10 Mahavidyas: Kali, Pitambari, Tara, Kamala, Bhuvaneshwari, Matangi, Dhumavati, and Bhairavi. Just like the Hindu Goddess, the protagonist of the web series symbolizes power, death, and destruction when she embarks on her journey to collect 6 lakhs. She is presented as violent and dark when she meets the goons involved in drug trafficking.

The series establishes the truth that there is the power of Goddess Kali in every woman. Enjoy watching a woman unleash her power when her child’s life is in danger. If you want to watch a nail-biting thriller that celebrates woman power, watch Kaali on ZEE5 for an unforgettable experience. Check out the trailer of the web series on YouTube.

Watch Dobaara on ZEE5 to make the best out of second chances

Dhadkan sansein nahi banti

Agar dhadke nahi dobaara

Boond barsaat nahi banti

Agar barse nahi dobaara

Last night, I watched one of the movies from the collection of the ZEE5 film festival. These couplets from the movie Dobaara made me contemplate the importance of second chances. The movie starring the very talented Manav Kaul and Parvathy Omanakuttan is about a married couple, Paro and Mohan whose relationship goes through several ups and downs. This1-hour 7 minutes Hindi feature film is directed by Bejoy Nambiar.

The thought-provoking film made me philosophical. I thought about all the times when I felt sad about failing at something. Be it relationships or dreams, how easily we give up! Don’t we? We tend to think that if it is not working out, there is no point in trying another time. I thought about all the manuscripts that I abandoned when they failed to get accepted by publishers. I thought about all the friendships that I left behind because of some minor misunderstandings.

Would my life be different if I had decided to take a second chance at that time?

Could the connection in those lost friendships be restored?

Would the abandoned manuscripts ever see the light of the day?

Maybe. Maybe not. At least, there would be no regrets in trying one more time.

Letting go is easier; holding on is difficult. We all know that letting go is extremely important for our mental peace. But when something is truly precious to us, doesn’t it deserve a second chance?

The most important thing is to figure out how important and valuable it is for us. If the person or project holds immense value, we must try to give the relationship a fresh start. In the movie, Paro gets tired of her married life and leaves her home. She feels that there is no connection between her and her husband. There is no point in staying back. Her husband, Mohan who was quite indifferent to Paro’s feelings for years realizes the importance of his wife. As the realization dawns on him, he accepts that he cannot live without Paro, he decides to find her and bring her back. But will Paro give him a second chance?

The best thing about the movie is that anyone can relate to the circumstances. When I was watching the movie, I tried to put myself in the shoes of both Paro and Mohan. Both the characters were equally responsible for making their married life suffer. As humans, we tend to take things for granted until it goes away from us. But the most important thing is to realize the other person’s value and holding onto them. When Mohan realizes Paro has left him, he reminds himself that he has not left her yet. He embarks on a long journey to bring back his wife.

The importance of second chances is so beautifully depicted in Dobaara that it will surely resonate with you. To get a glimpse of the movie, watch the trailer here

Maana zindagi ki shuruwat

Mumkin nahi dobaara,

Magar mumkin hai har mod se

Ek nayi shuruwat dobaara.

The ZEE5 film festival brings 12 beautiful films directed by 12 top directors, 6 from India and 6 from Pakistan. If you are a movie buff like me, you will be having a great time watching the films on ZEE5. So, what are you waiting for? Download the App and subscribe to it to have an amazing movie night on the weekend. Keep a bowl of popcorn ready.

Musings of a Gemini Lass (Sunshine and Wildflowers)

A perennial dreamer I am,

My life is a panorama of myriad hues.

Dancing and fluttering like a butterfly

I leave a tint of cheer wherever I go.

The scars of my metamorphosis

Are camouflaged behind my twinkling eyes,

Autumn and spring coexist in me

I am both vulnerable and resolute;

Inside the social and colorful carapace

You can find a sensitive and poignant soul.

Creativity is my loyal refuge

Where I balance my wavering thoughts,

Arcane twilight or an esoteric paradox?

You wonder every time we meet

Darling! Don't feel uneasy by my duality

See the portrait of life in me

Duality is the beauty of life

Where success and failure are intertwined.

My infectious zest for life 

Will make you admire thorns in roses;

The sanguine dust that I will sprinkle

Will let you find beauty amid chaos. 

Just an earnest pleading:

Never try to cage me in your golden frame;

I will always be your friend and lover

Let's fly together, holding each other forever. 

I always get fascinated with sun signs and their traits. As my zodiac is Gemini, I enjoyed a lot penning down this poem which talks about the common traits of a Gemini girl. 

What is your sun sign? Which trait do you like the most in your zodiac? Do let me know in the comment box. 

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Uncelebrated : Story 4 (microtale) of Sunshine and Wildflowers

Sadly in our country, girls are still treated as a burden by some families. Their education and career are given less preference as those families believe that girls will eventually be married off and have to take care of their family. My grandmother and mother had to face it many years back. 

The sad reality is marriage is still seen as the ultimate destination of a girl's life by some families and society. In all such families, may there be girls like Isha who can convert "being uncelebrated" into "motivation to succeed." May those girls have indomitable power to carve their own path. They are the true alchemists. 

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My friend -the moon (Sunshine and Wildflowers)

A part of me is broken beyond repair

I don't recognize this brokenness

Gazing at me with a grimace

From the other side of the mirror.

I wait for my friend-the moon

Camouflaged by the dark clouds;

I long to unmask my heart today

And sing my sorrow-song to her. 

Living amid the darkness

With a new face each night,

Only the moon can hear me

And be the blotting paper to my pain. 

The moon appeared with a balm for my scars

She said, "Dear girl, life is a perennial journey

From fullness to brokenness to emptiness;

In order to start anew

Embrace thy emptiness

Without getting stuck in 
The desert of brokenness

And one beautiful day, 

You will be shining like the full moon

Opulent, graceful, and resilient." 

This poem is about a girl's friendship with the moon. I believe if we can befriend nature, we can discover a mine of treasure and wisdom within us. At times of despair, gazing at a sunset or moon can provide more solace than talking to someone. 

Although Sunshine and Wildflowers is a blog series of short stories on women, I thought of also using poetry as a tool for story-telling. 

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After all these years : Story 3 of Sunshine and Wildflowers

It’s been ten years but I made no mistake in recognizing her. There were only five people in the train compartment, out of which she was one. At first, I thought to avoid her. What was the point in exchanging pleasantries after all these years? She had not noticed me as her gaze was transfixed on the screen of her phone. I looked out of the window as I felt the past merge with my present.

No. I cannot run away. I have to face it. If this person can affect me even after all these years, I definitely should not run away.

I picked my bag and moved towards her seat. As I sat in front of her, she hesitatingly turned her gaze from her phone to me. The smile on her face faded away at once.

“Hi Diya! How are you doing?” I asked.

She clearly did not expect to see me all of a sudden. And the fact that I was greeting her as if nothing had happened between us baffled her. After a silence of two minutes, she nodded in reply.

“Just like this train, life moves on. Holding on to anything eludes our peace of mind.” I said looking at Diya who did not utter a single word.

She looked at me, her face tainted with myriad expressions. It was a combination of sadness, guilt, and anger.

“I noticed you for a long time, but couldn’t gather the composure to greet you. After fighting a battle with my demons, I am here sitting in front of you, acknowledging your presence. I can clearly understand what you are feeling.” I continued.

“It’s good to see you, Meera after all these years,” Diya said with a soft smile.

“It’s great to see you too. Hope you are doing well.” I said.

We talked to each other about our present life, family, and work. The cloud of awkwardness did not fade away, but the sun was peeping somewhere behind the clouds. Diya and I were best friends in college. We were inseparable and that’s why people used to call us Siamese twins. As far as I can remember, I couldn’t spend even a single day without talking to her. I considered her my sibling and pleaded with my father to adopt her. We used to argue at times but never harboured any grudges against each other. 

One day, we had a bitter fight full of accusations. In anger, I told her all the things I did for her and she pointed out my faults. The nasty fight was accompanied by several misunderstandings that destroyed the foundation of our friendship. I started avoiding her as even seeing her face pinched my wounds. We went separate ways and never tried to contact each other.

I thought Diya had taken advantage of my helpful nature and exploited me. Maybe, that was true. But in anger, I have also said her things that the present me would have never said. Today, in retrospect, when I think about it, I understand that we both were at fault. And after all these years, it’s meaningless pointing fingers at each other and evaluating who was more wrong. The best thing that we can do to each other now is to release the pent-up anger and get a closure.

“It’s time to leave. My station has almost come. You take care.” I said to Diya.

“Meera, I am sorry for what happened.”

“I am sorry too. And thank you for today. It was great meeting you.” I said and shook hands with Diya. She beamed and waved me a goodbye.

As I alighted from the train, my phone beeped, alerting me of a new Facebook friend request. It was from Diya Sengupta. I felt liberated from the baggage that I was carrying subconsciously for the last ten years. My heart was at peace. It was overflowing with love and gratitude.

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Nature's Child : Story 2 of Sunshine and Wildflowers

All her life, she was fed the line “Loneliness can kill a person.” But no one told her, “Loneliness is a state of mind. It’s a choice. What seems to be loneliness for one person can be the blessing of solitude for another person.”

Natasha looked at the beautiful hills, marveling at the beauty of Nature. She was seeking this inner calm all her life, which was amiss since her childhood. Belonging to a rich and orthodox joint family, she always felt chained. An invisible cage followed her like a haunting shadow. 

Her happiness did not lie in money, but in simple things that Nature offered. The colorful orchids, the various shades of green, the whiff of petrichor, the play of butterflies, the hide and seek of sun and clouds, the laughter of a child filled her heart with uninhibited joy.

Natasha’s family failed repeatedly to understand her heart. She always had to follow her family’s decision whether she liked or not. She wanted to be a painter, but her family told her there is no money in scribbling lines with a pencil. She was compelled to do B.Com followed by MBA. When she got poor marks, she was admonished and ashamed by her entire family. 

Yes, it was true that she never had any shortage of money and material pleasures. But they were meaningless pursuits to her. The biggest wealth for Natasha was freedom and in that respect, she was a pauper. She felt she was an inanimate picture who is shrewdly caged in an expensive golden frame.

Caged birds cannot sing. So, as days rolled on, Natasha became sick and depressed. Her zest for life was fading away like the colors of the sunset. Without painting the glory of Nature on her canvas, she felt her limbs are amputated. When her family saw that her condition was deteriorating, they arranged her marriage with a rich businessman without her consent. This triggered survival instincts in Natasha. She knew that if she blindly followed even this decision of her family, she won’t be able to survive anymore.

She left her house with her savings and paint brushes, determined to fly amid the vast sky. After a few years of struggle, she got a job and settled in a small house in Shillong. She taught English and painting in a primary school, where her students loved her. Her evenings were dedicated to her canvas where she sang the glory of Nature through her paint brushes.

“Don’t you feel lonely living all by yourself in this remote hill station?” The fellow teachers asked Natasha many times to which her reply remained the same.

“I used to live with twenty family members in a huge mansion, but I never had any inner peace. What use it is to have people around you who tell you what to do and what not to do? We are all independent beings. We have no ownership over anyone. Only the Supreme owns us, not any human being. Then, why should I sacrifice my wings and agree to crawl all my life?”

“So, are you truly happy now?” They asked Natasha with a tint of pity.

“Yes. It is long-term happiness because I am under the umbrella of Nature, my Divine Mother Nature. In her bosom, there can only be peace, wisdom, and overflowing love.” Natasha replied with a serene smile.

Alone, but never lonely

She has slowly befriended

Beautiful, arcane, wild things-

Tidal waves on full moon

Gurgling rivers in

Torrential July rain,

Violet and purple wild flowers

Swaying with the whimsical wind.

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