Tisca Chopra’s Directorial Debut “Saali Mohabbat” to Stream on Zee5 from November 22

BY SHANTISWAROOP TRIPATHI

After making waves at several international film festivals, actress-turned-writer-director Tisca Chopra’s film “Saali Mohabbat” will stream on the OTT platform Zee5 from November 22. The film, produced by costume designer-turned-filmmaker Manish Malhotra, stars Radhika Apte, Divyendu Sharma, Anurag Kashyap, Anshuman Pushkar, Sauraseni Maitra, and Sharat Saxena in key roles. This marks the fourth collaboration between Zee5 and Jio Studios, following the success of films like “Hisab Barabar” starring R. Madhavan and Sanya Malhotra, “Mrs.”, and more recently “Bhagwat” starring Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar.

Saali Mohabbat Dives Into Dark Obsessions

Having received acclaim at last year’s IFFI and this year’s Chicago South Asian Film Festival, “Saali Mohabbat” takes viewers into a world where love turns into obsession, and hidden secrets gradually unravel. The film follows Smita (Radhika Apte), a small-town housewife whose seemingly ordinary life becomes entangled in a web of betrayal, deceit, and moral ambiguity. The story of her daily domestic routine transforms into an intriguing exploration of the thin, treacherous line between trust, revenge, truth, and illusion.

Zee5 Hails Saali Mohabbat’s Bold Storytelling

Speaking about “Saali Mohabbat”, Kaveri Das, Head of Hindi Business at Zee5, said, "At Zee5, our constant effort is to bring stories that challenge conventions and deeply resonate with audiences. With Saali Mohabbat, we are thrilled to present a thriller that is not only about suspense but also about the complex emotions that shape human choices. Collaborating once again with Jio Studios and working with creative stalwarts like Manish Malhotra and Tisca Chopra has been incredibly rewarding. And of course, Radhika Apte returning to the platform with a character that showcases her depth and range makes this project even more special."

Jio Studios Highlights Saali Mohabbat Strategy

Nimrata Jyoti Deshpande, Chairperson of Jio Studios (Media and Content Business, RIL), said, "At Jio Studios, our ongoing endeavor is to promote bold voices and compelling stories that transcend genres. Saali Mohabbat is a perfect example of that vision — a meticulously crafted thriller that represents our proud collaboration with producer Manish Malhotra, who extends his creative talent from fashion to film seamlessly. After its successful reception at film festivals, we are delighted that Saali Mohabbat has found a place on Zee5, where our stories consistently reach a wide and appreciative audience. We are excited to bring this thrilling debut film directed by Tisca Chopra to viewers worldwide."

Manish Malhotra Details Saali Mohabbat Approach

Manish Malhotra, who transitioned from costume designer to filmmaker, said, "Stage 5 Productions was founded with a clear purpose: to provide a platform for stories that are original in thought and strong in craft. With this spirit, I am delighted to announce my second film, Saali Mohabbat — a multi-layered, character-driven drama exploring power, silence, and the invisible cost of human choices. This project was created with deep involvement at every stage, from development to the final cut. At Stage 5, we do not just make films; we stand by them. Every creative and strategic decision was taken with purpose, conviction, and responsibility."

He added, "We had the privilege of working with an exceptionally talented cast, each bringing a distinct rhythm, restraint, and authenticity to their roles — performances that do not shout but linger. Jyoti Deshpande and Jio Studios supported the film with clarity and long-term vision from day one, and at the heart of this vision is Tisca Chopra, whose screenplay and direction bring structure, nuance, and a confident creative voice to the story. We are also proud to partner with Zee5, a platform that has consistently supported brave, content-driven cinema. Their support ensures that the film reaches audiences across geographies, languages, and cultures — exactly the journey this story deserves. Saali Mohabbat is the result of shared intent, coordinated effort, and a team that values storytelling over spectacle."

Tisca Chopra, actress-turned-screenwriter and director, said about her directorial debut “Saali Mohabbat”: "With my film Saali Mohabbat, I wanted to tell a story that is both intimate and unsettling — a story that captures a woman’s perspective in a world filled with hidden cracks and polite facades. I have always been drawn to the silent tensions beneath relationships: invisible power struggles, unspoken expectations, and how love can turn into darkness. This film explores the delicate boundaries of trust, betrayal, and identity, but from a deeply feminine perspective. It is the story of a time when a woman stops conforming to the emotional roles expected of her and begins to embrace her truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. I feel incredibly fortunate to have a creative and intuitive producer like Manish Malhotra and his production house, Stage 5. Manish’s response, just three minutes into the story, reassured me that this story had found its true home. He and his team supported the film not just with resources but with genuine artistic faith and emotional understanding, allowing it to retain its raw honesty. Directing Saali Mohabbat was both terrifying and liberating — terrifying because it demanded emotional vulnerability, liberating because it allowed me to step beyond the limits that women filmmakers are often confined to. I am deeply grateful to Zee5 for championing bold, layered, and thought-provoking cinema and helping bring this story to audiences who seek more than superficial emotions. I must also sincerely thank Jio Studios for their belief in meaningful storytelling and their commitment to supporting independent, writer-driven voices. Jio Studios has consistently encouraged stories that break boundaries, and I am truly grateful that Saali Mohabbat found collaborators who share that vision."

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FAQs

Question 1: Who directed the film “Saali Mohabbat”?

Answer: This film is directed by actress-turned-director Tisca Chopra.

Question 2: When and where is this movie releasing?

Answer: The film will stream on the OTT platform Zee5 from 22 November 2025.

Question 3: Who are the actors in the film?

Answer: The film stars Radhika Apte, Divyendu Sharma, Anurag Kashyap, Anshuman Pushkar, Sauraseni Maitra, and Sharat Saxena in lead roles.

Question 4: Who produced the film?

Answer: The film is produced by costume designer turned producer Manish Malhotra.

Question 5: What genre is this film?

Answer: “Saali Mohabbat” is an emotional drama that depicts the complexities of relationships and love.