One of the country’s finest and most versatile actors of over forty years in the fields of theatre, television, and cinema, the inimitable Ratna Pathak Shah is a rare gem in the world of fiction, reconciling intellectual rigour and emotional integrity. A critically acclaimed artist, Ratna Pathak Shah’s performances in every film portray her depth, wit, and realism on screen. Trained at the distinguished National School of Drama and grounded in the real, improvisational grime of stage work, she lends every performance depth of intention paired with depth of empathy.
Among the online libraries, if you are intrigued by some of the best Ratna Pathak Shah movies, ZEE5 has an extensive collection of some of her finest work.
Here are three Ratna Pathak Shah films you can watch on ZEE5 now, all of them a testimony to the actor’s versatility.
1. Detective Sherdil
About the Movie:
Detective Sherdil is a 2025 ZEE5 Hindi mystery comedy crime television show directed by Ravi Chhabriya. The story is based on a high-profile businessman murder mystery. The case is transferred to Detective Sherdil. The film is now available for streaming on ZEE5 in Hindi.
Shah’s Role:
That would be Rajeshwari Bhatti, an integral part of the Bhatti family at the center of the murder mystery. A presence that lends weight and mystery to the series, Rajeshwari’s sharp mind and multiple layers in her character make her an important player in the drama that is unfolding.
Plot:
Based in Budapest, Sherdil investigates the sensational murder of an Indian-origin telecom magnate, Pankaj Bhatti. A suspected hate crime spirals into a mocking whodunnit involving conspiracy, hidden motives, and bizarre suspects like Rajeshwari Bhatti. The movie is a mix of suspense, comedy, and witty twists, leaving you wondering until the very end.
Why Watch:
Grippy cameos and excellent cameos by Ratna Pathak Shah add layers to the mystery and to the case, that people who love crime comedies and ensemble casts really should be watching Detective Sherdil.
2. Khichdi 2
About the Movie:
Khichdi 2: Mission Paanthukistan is the hilarious sequel of the popular Khichdi franchise, which premiered on ZEE5 in February 2024. The movie reunites the iconic Parekh family for more slapstick adventure and mayhem.
Shah’s Role:
Supriya Pathak, Rajeev Mehta, Anang Desai, and Vandana Pathak make up the main cast, but Ratna Pathak Shah’s hilarious cameo makes the show a pleasant surprise for fans who are well familiar with her comedy.
Plot:
The Parekh family is pressed into service to rescue the fictional country of Paanthukistan by having Praful (Rajeev Mehta) pose as its king. The hijinks of the family propel them through deserts, mountains, and palaces in a roller coaster of laughs and madness.
Why Watch:
Ratna Pathak Shah’s comedy chops are flawless even in a cameo. But the film is catnip for fans of Indian sitcoms and family comedies, and it’s streaming in Hindi on ZEE5.
3. Nil Battey Sannata
About the Movie:
The film beautifully touches on ideas of dreams, perseverance, and the magic of learning even against the odds of social and economic obstacles. As an inspiring story with a dose of reality, Nil Battey Sannata sends a strong message about never losing hope. Chanda is willing to change her daughter’s life by joining her school and attending the same class as her daughter. It is a creative movie with a powerful message that has won various awards.
Shah’s Role:
She is Dr. Diwan, the school principal, whose counsel and encouragement are essential in Chanda’s path. Ratna Pathak Shah imbues the character with warmth and wisdom, and has subtlety of authority that makes Dr. Diwan a character to remember.
Plot:
Chanda is a school dropout and works as a housemaid. She opts to take admission in the same school as her daughter to motivate her in her studies. It’s a take on the dreams and hopes of a family, highlighting the transformative potential of education.
Why Watch:
Ratna Pathak Shah’s impactful performance as Dr. Diwanis is simply the icing on the cake for the film that has a heartwarming tale to tell! Nil Battey Sannata is streaming in Hindi on ZEE5 and must be on your list if you like to watch a light-hearted movie.
Each of them provides a singular glimpse into her craft, which she’s always working to get just right, be it in a murder-mystery, comic gem, or heartfelt tearjerker. If you are someone who enjoys performances marked by subtlety and stories that stay with you for long after the credits have rolled, you must watch these Ratna Pathak Shah movies on ZEE5 now. Relax and let one of India’s finest actresses lead you on a movie venture that you will never forget.
If you are a fan of Ratna Pathak Shah’s layered performance, these three Hindi films on ZEE5 are a must-watch. Be it cracking a whodunit in Detective Sherdil, scene-stealing cameo in Khichdi 2, or lending emotion to the gutsy Nil Battey Sannata, Shah masters them all. These are must-watch movies that are streaming on ZEE5 if you enjoy the nuanced work of the actress Ratna Pathak Shah.
