Ashhar Alam/New Delhi

Streaming platform ZEE5 has unveiled the first look of its upcoming original film Jab Khuli Kitaab, bringing veteran actors Pankaj Kapur and Dimple Kapadia together for a sensitive, emotionally layered romantic drama set in the later years of life.

The film is scheduled to premiere exclusively on ZEE5 on March 6, 2026, marking another addition to the platform’s growing slate of original Hindi content. The project is presented by Applause Entertainment and produced under Shoestrap Films, with actor and writer Saurabh Shukla serving as both director and writer. The story is adapted from Shukla’s original stage play of the same name.

At the heart of Jab Khuli Kitaab lies the story of Gopal and Anusuya, a long-married couple whose life takes an emotional turn after a long-buried truth surfaces. The narrative traces how their family dynamics shift as secrets, humour, regret, affection and reconciliation intersect, exploring the evolving nature of relationships over time.

The film also features Aparshakti Khurana as a young lawyer who brings a modern perspective to the family’s emotional journey. Supporting roles by Samir Soni, Nauheed Cyrusi and Manasi Parekh further strengthen the ensemble performance.

ZEE5 executives described the film as a celebration of enduring relationships and emotional maturity, emphasizing that love does not follow age boundaries. The platform highlighted its focus on meaningful storytelling that resonates with contemporary audiences while retaining emotional depth and nostalgia.

Applause Entertainment representatives praised the film’s character-driven storytelling and nuanced emotional treatment of relationships, while also acknowledging Shukla’s writing and directorial vision.

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Shukla described the film as an honest portrayal of long-term relationships, focusing on unspoken feelings, unresolved tensions and quiet moments of tenderness. The narrative balances emotional seriousness with lighter, relatable human moments.

Overall, Jab Khuli Kitaab aims to present a heartfelt exploration of marriage, love, forgiveness and the possibility of rediscovering companionship later in life, blending nostalgia with modern emotional storytelling.