ZEE5 has all the reasons to celebrate post the release of its recent original series, ‘The Broken News’. Premiered on 10th June, the series marked Sonali Bendre’s return to acting and a much-talked-about OTT debut. It also marked ZEE5 and BBC India’s first collaboration.
Post its release, the platform, the makers, and the actors all are on cloud nine as ‘The Broken News’ became the most viewed original series of 2022 on ZEE5.
Helmed by Vinay Waikul, ‘The Broken News’ has gone on to clock 100Mn+ streaming minutes and 6Mn+ views in a week since its premiere.
The story is centered around a pair of rival television channels operating out of the same Mumbai building. Both the channels represent two opposing philosophies of journalism and immerse the viewers in the behind-the-scenes workings of a newsroom. It also addresses some pressing questions and reflects the current realities operating in the world’s largest democracy.
Expressing the happiness, Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 said, “We are proud to be delivering on our promise of presenting real and relatable stories with “The Broken News”; a series that authentically showcases the complications in the world of news media.”
He further added, “We are happy to have partnered with BBC India to deliver a fitting show which is in line with our content strategy of keeping the viewers at the center of the business and are looking forward to more such successful collaborations in the future”.
Agreeing with Kalra, Nimisha Pandey, Chief Content Officer, Hindi Originals, ZEE5 said, “The Broken News is very close to our heart and one of the most courageous shows we have created until now. It is heartening to see an encouraging response from the viewers, and it strengthens our belief that the audiences today are eager to accept complex storytelling and flawed characters.
Kalra also thanked the actors Sonali Bendre, Shriya Pilgaonkar, and Jaideep Ahlawat with a bunch of other fantastic actors for bringing these characters to life and giving phenomenal performances.”
The actors are also very happy with the success of the series and getting a massive fan following after the release. Sonali Bendre who marked her return expressed that she is very happy to be back on the screen.
The actress said, “I’m so glad to be back doing what I love and I’m looking forward to what the future has in store. I could not have done this without the support of the amazing team at ZEE5, BBC India, and our amazing director, cast and crew. I think reasons enough for a second season… what say?”.
Expressing her love for her fans she further added, “I am overwhelmed with all the love we have received for The Broken News. The fact that our content has stirred conversation around the key theme is a sign of the connection it has made with the audience, which to me is the most important part. For me personally, the feedback and support I’ve received for my portrayal of Amina from the audience and critics alike, has been amazing and I am very thankful for it.”
Jaideep Ahlawat who was praised for her role by the audience, said, “I am overjoyed reading all the comments and reviews for The Broken News. I didn’t expect people to fall in love with my portrayal of the character of Dipankar Sanyal, given his flaws, but it’s good to know that people have loved him despite that. I try to pick different characters to play each time I choose a project, and I am glad that the risks I took in playing this character have paid off with so many people. The challenge for every actor playing a flawed character is to make it believable and even likable”.
Shriya Pilgaonkar also said, “I am so overwhelmed by the critic’s appreciation and the audience’s love for my character Radha in The Broken News. I have received so many messages from journalists and news reporters that they truly connected to the story of the show and all the characters. I couldn’t have asked for more and I am so grateful for this creatively fulfilling experience”.
The Broken News is available exclusively on ZEE5 in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada.