iWorld
Bhagwat puts truth on trial as Arshad and Jitendra clash in Zee5 thriller
MUMBAI: When truth plays hide and seek with lies, the chase makes for dangerous cinema. Zee5, India’s largest homegrown video streaming platform, has lifted the curtain on its next original film, Bhagwat, a taut crime thriller inspired by true events. Produced by Jio Studios in association with Baweja Studios and Dog ‘n’ Bone Pictures, the film promises an edge-of-the-seat battle between morality and deception.
At the centre of Bhagwat is Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat, played by Arshad Warsi, whose seemingly routine case of a missing woman mutates into a sinister labyrinth of secrets, suspected trafficking, and unrelenting deceit. In parallel, a fragile romance brews between Meera and Sameer, portrayed by Jitendra Kumar, a professor whose vulnerability offers a stark counterpoint to the dark suspense unfolding in Robertsganj, Uttar Pradesh.
Directed by Akshay Shere, the film marks a fresh pairing of two powerhouse performers. Warsi, best known for his wry comic timing, plunges into gritty intensity, while Jitendra Kumar, beloved for his affable roles in Panchayat and Kota Factory, pivots into uncharted territory. Their face-off anchors a thriller where emotion and tension collide.
“Bhagwat is a powerful reflection of our vision: a gripping thriller that’s as emotionally layered as it is suspenseful,” said Kaveri Das, Business Head – Hindi, Zee5. “Arshad Warsi brings remarkable nuance, while Jitendra Kumar’s compelling avatar is sure to surprise.”
For Jio Studios COO & CFO Priyanka Chaudhary the film underlines a mission to deliver stories rooted in India yet resonant globally. “Bhagwat embodies that mission, a taut, heartland thriller that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Building on the success of Mrs., this marks another exciting collaboration with Zee5,” she noted.
Producer Harman Baweja echoed the sentiment, calling the film “a journey into the shadows of human nature, where love, deception, and justice collide.” For Baweja Studios, Bhagwat is another stride in backing stories that are bold, relevant, and emotionally compelling.
Zee5, which has been steadily building a slate of original dramas that go beyond formula, sees Bhagwat as one of its standout offerings of the year. With its mix of crime, suspense, and romance, the film seeks not only to entertain but to leave viewers reflecting long after the credits roll.
Streaming soon and exclusively on Zee5, Bhagwat promises to keep audiences guessing right until the final reveal.
Gaming
Nations Cup names 700 plus coaches for 2026 debut
India joins via Nodwin Gaming, roster building begins ahead of 10 May deadline.
MUMBAI: Game on, but this time, it’s nations not just nicknames entering the lobby. The Esports Foundation has confirmed the appointment of over 700 game coaches representing National Team Partners across more than 100 nations and territories for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026, set to take place in Riyadh from November 2 to 29, 2026. The scale signals a shift towards structured, nation-based esports, where flags matter as much as frags.
India is stepping into this global arena through Nodwin Gaming, its designated National Team Partner, which has now unveiled a multi-title coaching line-up effectively kickstarting the country’s campaign.
The roster reads like a mix of battle-tested veterans and rising strategists. Moin Ejaz (NO_Chanc3) will spearhead DOTA 2, bringing over a decade of experience, including a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Esports Championships 2022. Rahul (Ayogi) takes charge of Battlegrounds Mobile India, with a track record spanning titles such as BGMI Pro Series 2023 and BGIS 2026.
In Valorant, Abhishek Bajaj (GodspeedxD) steps in with multiple championship wins across teams like Reckoning Esports and Velocity Esports, while Pankaj Upadhyay (KAKA), a familiar name in Indian League of Legends, will lead that front.
The line-up also reflects international collaboration. Steve Vitug (Dale) from the Philippines will coach MOBA Legends: 5v5!, while Indonesia’s Gradyano Valendy (Rinnqt) joins for Honor of Kings. Other appointments include Pratik Mehra (Aurum) for PUBG: Battlegrounds, Ashrit Goyal (notyAshritB) for Rainbow Six Siege, and Nirjhar Mitra (jocse) for Rocket League.
This announcement marks more than just staffing, it signals the start of serious team-building. Coaches will now identify players, shape strategies, and assemble competitive squads ahead of the roster submission deadline on May 10, with team announcements expected from mid-May.
Globally, the coaching pool spans more than 90 esports organisations, blending world champions with emerging leaders effectively connecting grassroots talent pipelines to elite competition.
For India, the move reflects a broader attempt to formalise its esports ecosystem, creating structured pathways from local play to global representation. For the tournament itself, it is another building block in turning esports into something closer to traditional sport complete with national pride, coaching systems, and long-term development.
As the countdown to Riyadh begins, the focus shifts from selection rooms to server rooms. The teams are still forming but the stage is already set.
