Mrunal Thakur and Huma Qureshi Starrer ‘Pooja Meri Jaan’ Set to Stream on ZEE5 After Four-Year Delay
Following nearly four years of uncertainty, the thriller Pooja Meri Jaan, starring Mrunal Thakur and Huma Qureshi, is finally set to reach audiences. Streaming platform ZEE5 has officially acquired the project as part of its upcoming Hindi lineup, bringing an end to the prolonged delay surrounding its release. While the acquisition is confirmed, ZEE5 has yet to announce the specific premiere date.
Production Stalls and the Road to Streaming
Produced under Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, Pooja Meri Jaan completed principal photography and post-production by the end of 2022. The film was originally slated for a direct-to-digital premiere on JioCinema. However, following the high-profile merger of JioCinema with Disney+ Hotstar, the release strategy stalled, leaving the finished film in limbo.
Earlier this year, director Navjot Gulati spoke publicly about the professional and emotional impact of the delay:
Financial & Valuation Disputes: Gulati alleged that the film was held back primarily due to pricing negotiations, claiming Maddock Films was unwilling to sell the project below its internal valuation.
Theatrical Options: The director questioned why a traditional theatrical release was never pursued to resolve the impasse, citing other OTT-backed titles that successfully pivoted to cinemas.
Personal Toll: Gulati revealed that his father passed away in 2024 without ever seeing the film released, adding that the stalled project severely impacted his career as prospective producers hesitated to sign him while his debut feature remained shelved.
About the Film
Pooja Meri Jaan explores the dark, real-world themes of online harassment, stalking, and cybercrime. Alongside Mrunal Thakur and Huma Qureshi, the thriller features Vikram Singh Chauhan and Vijay Raaz in pivotal supporting roles.
ZEE5 Unveils Massive Slate
The acquisition of Pooja Meri Jaan comes as part of a major content reveal by ZEE5. The platform’s upcoming Hindi slate includes:
New Original Series: Kambli (inspired by former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli), The Scam: Leaked, Coffee King, Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai 2.0 (hosted by R. Madhavan), and a revival of the classic Zee Horror Show. Returning seasons for hits like Rangbaaz, Janaawar, and Bakaiti were also confirmed.
Upcoming Feature Films: Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai (Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde, Mouni Roy), Bandar (Bobby Deol, Sanya Malhotra), Kangana Ranaut’s Bharat Bhagya Vidhata, Vaani Kapoor’s Sarvgunn Sampann, as well as Ghamasaan, Ikroop, and Dalimb.
