1. Welcome to Waikiki — A group of broke roommates run a failing guesthouse and somehow keep each other sane. Chaotic, silly, and the easiest entry point if you're new to the genre.

2. Descendants of the Sun — A military captain and a trauma surgeon meet in a disaster zone and can't quite let go of each other afterward. Big-budget, big emotions, still one of the most-watched K-dramas ever made.

3. 18 Again — A man given a second shot at eighteen has to figure out what he'd actually change. Funny in places, unexpectedly moving in others.

4. Youth of May — Set against a real, painful chapter of Korean history, this one trades comfort for weight — a love story that doesn't try to protect you from how it ends.

5. Goblin — An immortal cursed guardian searches for the one person who can free him from centuries of loneliness. Equal parts fantasy epic and slow-burn heartbreak.

6. Strong Girl Bong Soon — A woman with freakish physical strength takes a bodyguard gig and ends up in the middle of far bigger trouble than she signed up for.

7. School 2017 — Less about grand romance, more about the quiet anxieties of being a teenager who doesn't know if their dreams are realistic. Underrated.

8. Partners for Justice — A prickly forensic examiner and an idealistic young prosecutor keep clashing over cases neither of them can crack alone.

9. Doctor Stranger — A doctor who defected from the North rebuilds his career and life in South Korea, with the past never quite staying buried.

10. Fight for My Way — Two friends who never got the careers they wanted lean on each other through every rejection, building something that looks a lot like love along the way.

All ten stream with Hindi audio on ZEE5 — no subtitles required, no reason to keep putting off that first episode.

According to reports citing government sources, the Centre directed ZEE5 to remove the film under provisions of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. Officials reportedly cited security-related concerns while defending the decision.

The development has drawn sharp reactions from filmmakers, artists and supporters of the film, many of whom have questioned the circumstances under which the title was withdrawn after being made available to viewers.

Government sources indicated that the project was originally submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022 under the title Punjab 95. The film allegedly faced objections from the certification authority, which recommended a large number of cuts before granting approval.

According to officials, the suggested changes were not implemented by the filmmakers. The project later resurfaced under a different title, Satluj, and was released directly on an OTT platform, where CBFC certification is not mandatory under the existing regulatory framework.

Officials maintained that digital streaming content falls under the IT Rules, 2021, rather than the CBFC’s certification process. Once the matter came to the government's attention, ZEE5 was reportedly instructed to remove the film pending further directions.

The controversy intensified after filmmaker Anurag Kashyap publicly criticised the decision. In a social media post, Kashyap compared director Honey Trehan’s situation with that of acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, who has faced censorship, restrictions and legal action in Iran over his films and public positions.

Kashyap’s remarks added an international dimension to the debate, with several film industry figures expressing concerns about creative freedom and the treatment of politically sensitive subjects in cinema.

Meanwhile, Diljit Dosanjh reacted to the film’s removal by stating that he had anticipated such a possibility. He claimed that many viewers had already downloaded the film and encouraged supporters to continue sharing it.

His remarks sparked another controversy, with copies of the film reportedly appearing across social media platforms and video-sharing websites. Clips and full versions of the movie began circulating online soon after it disappeared from the streaming service.

In response, ZEE5 issued a public appeal urging viewers not to support piracy. The platform stated that it was making efforts to resolve the situation and hoped the film could return in the future through appropriate channels.

At the centre of the dispute is the film’s subject matter. Satluj is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, whose work documenting alleged human rights violations in Punjab during the militancy era remains a sensitive chapter in Indian history.

The film was completed in 2023 and initially carried the title Punjab 95. Following objections and discussions regarding certification, the title was changed. The movie later received international exposure after being screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it drew attention for both its storyline and Diljit Dosanjh’s performance.

The film was subsequently released in select international markets before arriving on ZEE5 earlier this month.

Government-linked sources have reportedly argued that certain portions of the film could be vulnerable to misuse by anti-India elements or separatist groups. Concerns have also been raised about the possible interpretation of specific scenes in the context of pro-Khalistan narratives, particularly ahead of future political developments in Punjab.

Supporters of the film, however, argue that artistic works dealing with historical events should be evaluated on their merit and context rather than on speculative interpretations.

With the film now unavailable on its original streaming platform and piracy concerns growing, the debate surrounding Satluj has expanded beyond entertainment and into broader questions about digital regulation, censorship and freedom of expression in India.

Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has expressed disappointment after his much-awaited film Punjab 95, released on the OTT platform ZEE5 under the title Satluj, was removed just two days after its digital premiere. While the streaming platform said the decision was taken due to "current circumstances," Diljit said the incident reflected a worrying decline in humanity rather than a personal setback.

Speaking during an Instagram Live session, the actor said he was not upset about the film being taken down because it had already reached audiences online.

"I am not sad that the film has been removed from the internet because it has already reached people. Once something is online, it cannot be erased. What saddens me is that humanity seems to have died," Diljit said, adding that compassion and understanding appear to be fading.

The actor also revealed that he had anticipated possible hurdles before the release. According to him, the team believed that if the film remained available for even a few days, it would achieve its purpose by reaching viewers.

During the interaction, Diljit hinted that another upcoming project had also faced restrictions. He told fans that after this development, he would focus on his scheduled Europe concert tour, with the first performance planned in Berlin.

Following the removal of the film, ZEE5 issued an official statement acknowledging the audience's positive response and thanking viewers for supporting the project.

The platform said it continues to have confidence in the film and its creators, describing Satluj as an important piece of storytelling. However, it stated that the film would remain unavailable until further notice because of the prevailing circumstances.

ZEE5 also said it is exploring all available legal options to restore the film on the platform at the earliest while reaffirming its commitment to meaningful and authentic content.

The controversy has also drawn political reactions.

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal criticised the decision, describing the removal of the film as an attack on truth, collective memory and freedom of expression. He argued that Punjab's history should be discussed openly rather than suppressed.

The film is based on the life of noted human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who documented thousands of alleged illegal cremations during Punjab's militancy period. Khalra's investigations attracted international attention before he was abducted in 1995. His family alleged that he was tortured and killed in police custody, following which the Supreme Court ordered a CBI investigation into the case.

The project has witnessed a long and controversial journey before reaching audiences.

Originally announced in 2022 under the title Ghallughara, the film was later renamed Punjab 95 after objections were reportedly raised during the certification process. According to media reports, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) recommended extensive modifications, including numerous cuts and changes related to historical references, although the complete list of suggested changes was never officially published.

Unable to secure theatrical clearance in India, the film premiered internationally in February 2025 and later received recognition at international film festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival, where Diljit Dosanjh's performance earned praise.

Its digital release on ZEE5 was seen as the first opportunity for Indian audiences to watch the film legally. The unexpected removal shortly after release has now reignited debates around censorship, artistic freedom and the challenges faced by films dealing with politically and historically sensitive subjects.

Neither the streaming platform nor the filmmakers have confirmed when the film will return online, leaving its future release schedule uncertain.

Shakira and Burna Boy light up ceremony as Mexico beats South Africa 2-0; streaming woes trigger backlash in India

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off in spectacular fashion at the Azteca Stadium on Thursday night, but the opening day was anything but straightforward. A colourful ceremony headlined by Shakira and Burna Boy was followed by a fiery match that saw three red cards and a Mexican victory. Meanwhile, thousands of kilometres away in India, the tournament’s digital broadcaster found itself in the middle of a social media storm.

Mexico defeated South Africa 2–0 in the opener, but the match will be remembered as much for the dismissals as for the goals. The referee brandished three red cards – two against South Africa and one against Mexico – raising early concerns about discipline in this expanded 48-team tournament.

Ceremony lights up Azteca

The two-hour opening ceremony featured Colombian pop star Shakira, who has now performed at four World Cups, alongside Nigerian singer Burna Boy. The duo performed the official tournament song “Die-Die”. Mexican acts including Belinda, Los Ángeles Azules, and rock band Maná also took the stage.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino later unveiled the World Cup trophy, joined by Hollywood actress Salma Hayek. Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin rounded off the performances before the first match kicked off.

Mexico strikes early

The home side wasted little time. In the 9th minute, South African captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made a costly error on a back-pass. Mexico’s Julián Quiñones pounced and slotted home the tournament’s opening goal. The striker nearly added a second just before halftime, but his shot rattled the post.

South Africa struggled to mount any serious attack in the first half and trailed 1–0 at the break.

Jiménez doubles the lead

Mexico’s second goal arrived in the 67th minute. Roberto Alvarado delivered a cross from the right, and striker Raúl Jiménez rose to meet it with a powerful header. That sealed the 2–0 win for the hosts in front of a raucous home crowd.

Three red cards in opener – a worrying sign?

The match turned chaotic early in the second half. In the 49th minute, South African midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was shown a straight red card for a foul from behind on Bryan Gutiérrez. Things got worse for the visitors in the 84th minute when Themba Zwane received his marching orders for violent conduct, reducing South Africa to nine men.

Deep into stoppage time, Mexico’s César Montes also saw red for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

For context, the entire 2022 World Cup in Qatar recorded just four red cards. The 2018 edition in Russia also had four. The 2006 tournament still holds the unwanted record of 28 red cards. With three in the opening match alone, concerns are already being raised that this edition could break that mark.

 Zee5 faces heat over streaming quality

Back in India, the excitement quickly turned to frustration. Zee5, the official streaming partner for the FIFA World Cup 2026, faced massive backlash on social media within hours of the broadcast starting.

Users complained of poor video quality, frequent buffering, and intrusive advertisements – even for paid subscribers. Several viewers also reported a glitch during the live stream of the opening ceremony. The criticism trended on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with many demanding refunds or urging the platform to fix the issues before the next matches.

Neither Zee5 nor FIFA’s Indian representatives have issued an official statement so far.

Protests outside the stadium

Away from the football, tensions simmered on the streets of Mexico City. Dozens of demonstrators gathered near the Azteca Stadium ahead of the opening match, demanding higher wages for teachers and better public amenities. Protesters accused the government of prioritising the World Cup while ignoring social issues. The protests remained peaceful, but they served as a reminder of the domestic challenges facing the host nation.

 South Korea pull off upset

On the pitch, there was more drama on matchday one. Asian giants South Korea staged a comeback to beat Czech Republic 2–1. Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu scored for the Koreans, while Ladislav Krejci netted the lone goal for Czechia.

The 23rd FIFA Men's World Cup gets under way on Friday with a record 48-team tournament staged across three North American countries for the first time in 96 years, bringing a larger schedule, a richer prize pool and new viewing patterns for fans in India and around the world.

Three nations hosting

The tournament — played in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 12 to July 20 — marks the first time three countries have jointly hosted the World Cup. Mexico will host the opening match in Mexico City on June 12, when the hosts take on South Africa. According to FIFA, 16 host cities will stage 104 matches, the most in the competition’s history.

Bigger field, new format

For the first time since the World Cup expanded in 1998, the field has grown again: 48 teams are split into 12 groups of four, with each side playing three group-stage matches. The top two teams from each group (24 in total) qualify directly for the knockout round, while the eight best third-placed teams also advance, creating a 32-team first knockout stage. That change extends the tournament schedule and guarantees more knockout fixtures than previous editions.

Prize money jumps

FIFA has increased the overall prize pool significantly. The organisation said the total distribution for the 48 teams will be about USD 655 million (roughly ₹5,600 crore), up nearly 50% from 2022. The champions will receive approximately USD 50 million (around ₹429 crore), the runners-up about USD 33 million (₹283 crore), with third and fourth place teams getting roughly USD 31 million and USD 29 million respectively, according to tournament figures released by FIFA.

Standout teams and groups

Defending champions Argentina are placed in Group J. Heavyweights France and Spain landed in Groups I and H respectively, while England, Germany and Portugal occupy Groups L, E and K. Early analyses by pundits and data models have flagged Groups H through L as especially competitive, dubbing several of them “groups of death” because they pack multiple top-ranked nations.

Debuts and veterans

The 2026 World Cup includes first-time appearances from Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan, while Haiti has reached the finals for the first time since 1974. Scotland, Austria and Norway return after lengthy absences. FIFA’s official squad lists also show striking age contrasts: Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon is the oldest player at 43 years and 162 days, while Mexico’s Gilberto Mora is the youngest at 17 years and 240 days.

Local context and fan impact

In Mexico City’s Azteca and other host stadiums, organisers say they are ready for packed crowds and complicated logistics as fans move across borders and time zones. Matches will be played across venues spanning North America, producing kick-off times that translate into a wide range for Indian viewers — from early morning to late-night slots. Broadcast rights holders in India, Zee Entertainment’s Unite8 Sports Network, will stream live matches via the Zee5 app and website, with additional highlights and reports available on Indian news apps.

Historic notes

Mexico becomes the first nation to host the men’s World Cup three times (1970, 1986, 2026). The World Cup itself began in 1930 in Uruguay; the tournament has grown steadily in size and commercial scale since then, with interruptions only during World War II. Brazil remains the most successful nation with five titles, while Argentina captured the last World Cup in 2022.

What's next

As the group stage unfolds over the next three weeks, teams will jostle for the 32 knockout slots that now follow a larger group phase. Fans should expect more upsets and extended tournament drama, with an unusually dense schedule of fixtures and new storylines emerging from debutant nations and veteran stars alike.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be broadcast in India on Unite 8 Sports channels, while live streaming will be available on Zee5 as Zee Entertainment expands its sports portfolio.

Zee Entertainment Secures FIFA World Cup Rights for India Ahead of 2026 Tournament

New Delhi: Less than two weeks before the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has announced that it has acquired the media rights for the tournament in India, bringing one of the world's biggest sporting events to its television and digital platforms.

The FIFA World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be available to Indian viewers through the newly launched Unite 8 Sports channels and on the Zee5 streaming platform. The expanded tournament will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, making it the largest edition of the competition to date.

Rights Secured Across FIFA Events

Beyond the men's FIFA World Cup in 2026 and 2030, ZEEL said it has also secured media rights for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 and several other FIFA competitions through 2034. The package includes a range of youth tournaments and additional football-related content aimed at Indian audiences.

The acquisition significantly strengthens Zee's position in the sports broadcasting market, where competition for premium global sports properties has intensified in recent years.

Late Confirmation Before Kick-Off

The announcement comes unusually close to the start of the tournament. Industry observers had been watching developments around the Indian broadcast rights for months, as no official broadcaster had been confirmed despite the event drawing near.

One of the key challenges has been the time-zone difference. Most FIFA World Cup matches are expected to be played during late-night and early-morning hours in India, potentially limiting television viewership compared to previous editions.

According to industry reports, this factor influenced negotiations and broadcaster interest in the rights package.

Reports of Earlier Negotiations

Media reports indicate that discussions between FIFA and JioStar over broadcast rights pricing did not result in an agreement. Sources familiar with the matter suggested that differing assessments of the commercial value of the tournament in the Indian market contributed to the impasse.

The development eventually opened the door for Zee Entertainment to enter the bidding process and secure the rights.

Reports have suggested that FIFA initially sought around $100 million for the Indian rights package before lowering expectations during negotiations. However, broadcasters reportedly remained cautious, citing scheduling challenges and audience considerations.

New Sports Channels Launched

As part of its renewed push into sports broadcasting, Zee has introduced four dedicated sports channels under the Unite 8 Sports brand. These include standard-definition and high-definition offerings in both Hindi and English.

The channels are expected to serve as the primary destination for the FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage in India while also carrying other sports programming throughout the year.

More Than Just Football

The company has indicated that its sports portfolio will extend beyond football. Programming plans include cricket, kabaddi, badminton, wrestling and combat sports, alongside existing properties such as regional leagues and franchise tournaments.

In addition to the FIFA World Cup, Zee will also broadcast events including the FIFA U-17 World Cup, FIFA U-20 World Cup, women's youth tournaments, futsal competitions and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

Return to Sports Broadcasting

The FIFA rights acquisition marks a significant milestone in Zee Entertainment's return to sports broadcasting after several years away from the segment. The company had previously exited the space following the sale of its sports network assets but has gradually signalled its intention to re-establish a presence in the market.

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 now added to its portfolio, Zee has made one of its biggest moves in sports media in recent years. The success of the venture will likely depend on audience engagement, digital viewership and advertiser response as Indian fans prepare to follow football's biggest tournament through Unite 8 Sports and Zee5 next month.