Nagraj Manjule and Amey Wagh's 'Frame' sets July 10 ZEE5 debut
DIRECT ANSWER: Nagraj Manjule and Amey Wagh headline Frame, a Marathi social drama premiering July 10 on Marathi ZEE5 after debuting at the International Film Festival of India in Goa. Vikram Patwardhan's film follows two Pune newspaper journalists forced to weigh professional duty against human compassion during an earthquake.
The pairing of Nagraj Manjule and Amey Wagh marks a notable moment for regional streaming, bringing festival-tested Marathi cinema to a growing OTT audience. For more platform news, see our Streaming & TV Alerts coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Frame debuts July 10, 2026 on Marathi ZEE5.
- Manjule plays veteran photojournalist Chandu Pansare; Wagh plays newcomer Sidharth Deshmukh.
- The film premiered at IFFI Goa before its streaming launch.
- The cast also includes Mugdha Godse and Akshaya Gurav.
- Aatpaat and Zee Studios produced the social drama.
What is 'Frame' about?
Set in the newsroom of a Pune-based newspaper, Frame follows Chandu Pansare, a veteran photojournalist committed to a click-first approach, and Sidharth Deshmukh, a newcomer trying to reconcile professional obligation with empathy.
When an earthquake devastates the region, the two are pulled into scenes of destruction and loss. They must confront what it means to document suffering rather than intervene in it.
The film uses their contrasting outlooks to raise questions about the responsibilities of witnessing tragedy through a camera lens. Director Vikram Patwardhan called it a story about perspective through both a camera lens and the lens of humanity itself.
When and where does 'Frame' premiere on ZEE5?
Frame will debut July 10 on Marathi ZEE5. The film previously premiered at the International Film Festival of India in Goa.
V.R. Hema, chief channel officer of Zee Marathi and business head of Marathi ZEE5, said the platform has become a destination for curated stories from across Maharashtra. She framed Frame as a film about difficult choices when professional responsibility crosses paths with human compassion.
Who stars alongside Nagraj Manjule and Amey Wagh?
Beyond the Nagraj Manjule and Amey Wagh pairing, the film also features Mugdha Godse and Akshaya Gurav. It is produced by Aatpaat and Zee Studios.
Manjule plays Chandu, whom he described as an unconventional protagonist who believes his job is to document reality, not interfere with it. Wagh plays Sidharth, a character he said represents empathy and the questions young professionals face in demanding industries.
The exclusive premiere news was first reported by Variety.
What are the cast and director saying about 'Frame'?
Manjule said playing Chandu was fascinating and challenging because the character is driven and uncompromising. He added that audiences will question whether they agree with Chandu's convictions.
Wagh said Sidharth's journey is about discovering where compassion fits within ambition and responsibility. Patwardhan noted that the relationship between Chandu and Sidharth let the film explore two philosophies of storytelling and survival.
For viewers tracking Indian OTT releases, Frame arrives as Marathi ZEE5 continues to position itself around authentic regional storytelling.