Mumbai: ZEE5 will stream the much-awaited Kannada-Tulu film Jai starting February 6. Celebrated for its grassroots storytelling and socio-cultural resonance, Jai becomes the first ever Tulu film to premiere on the platform, alongside its Kannada version.
Directed by Roopesh Shetty, who also plays the lead, Jai blends drama, action, humour, and socio-political commentary, rooted in coastal Karnataka’s cultural fabric. The film follows Satya, a young man from Simhabettu village, whose awakening to community issues propels him from local politics to a broader fight for his people’s welfare, balancing topical themes with engaging character moments.
The film features a stellar ensemble cast including Roopesh Shetty, Raj Deepak Shetty, Adhvithi Shetty, Aravind Bolar, Devadas Kapikad, Naveen D Padil, Bhojaraj Vamanjoor, and marks Bollywood icon Suniel Shetty’s debut in Tulu cinema.
Having achieved record-breaking screenings in theatres for both Kannada and Tulu, Jai was praised for its authentic portrayal of village life, humour, heart, and community ethos, appealing across linguistic boundaries.
Speaking about the digital premiere, Roopesh Shetty, Director & Lead Actor, said, “Jai comes from a very personal space. It is rooted in the soil, language, humour, and anger of coastal Karnataka. We made this film for people who see themselves on screen, their villages, their politics, their everyday struggles. Bringing Jai to ZEE5 in both Kannada and Tulu feels like the story has finally found the reach it deserves, especially for Tulu audiences who rarely see their language represented on major platforms.”
Suniel Shetty added, “When I agreed to be part of Jai, it wasn’t about the scale or the screen time. It was about the honesty of the film. Tulu cinema carries a rawness and cultural pride that is rarely seen nationally. I’m glad that Jai will now reach a wider audience through ZEE5, this is how regional voices truly travel beyond borders.”
Streaming from February 6 in Kannada and Tulu, Jai reinforces ZEE5’s commitment to celebrating regional cinema and bringing diverse linguistic voices and powerful storytelling to audiences across India and beyond.
