Some movies entertain, while some make you laugh. But then, once in a while, comes a film that truly touches your heart. Ata Thambaycha Naay on ZEE5 is exactly that kind of film. Based on true events, this heartfelt drama is streaming on ZEE5 from July 28, 2025. And trust me, you wouldn’t wanna miss this. If you’re someone who loves Marathi movies that are rooted in reality, you’ll love this. If you enjoy watching Marathi movies based on true events, there couldn’t be a better pick for you. Packed with inspiration, Ata Thambaycha Naay movie should 100% be next on your watchlist, and I’ll tell you why.
What’s Ata Thambaycha Naay All About?
The name Ata Thambaycha Naay literally translates to, “Now, there’s no stopping!” And honestly, I think that’s what this film is all about. To never stop learning, never stop growing, and to always keep moving forward in life. Ata Thambaycha Naay tells you the untold story of Mumbai’s municipal workforce, aka the BMC workers. It talks about how these dedicated workers went out of their way to complete their education for their own dignity. It is an uplifting tale of hope, resilience, and second chances.
The story of the film starts with Udaykumar Shirurkar(played by Ashutosh Gowariker), the Assistant Municipal Commissioner, coming up with a unique initiative. He wishes to help BMC employees complete their education. Basically, he wants them to at least give their 10th standard exams. Hence, he forms a class of 23 workers who will have to attend night classes to study for their class 10 exams.
This includes workers like Sakharam Manchekar, Maruti Kadam, Pravin, Jayshree, Seema, and many more. A woman named Apsara Jadhav loves the initiative so much that she joins the team even though her name wasn’t on the list. Then enters their teacher, Nilesh Mali, who’s dealing with his own personal and professional battles. But despite that, he stands tall by his students.
Then, the real journey begins.
But what makes Ata Thambaycha Naay movie so deeply moving and inspiring? Let me tell you.
1. It’s Based on a True Story That Feels Real and Relatable
The biggest reason Marathi films like these hit so hard is that they’re rooted in real stories. If you like true events movies, you’ll love this one. It is inspired by an incident that took place in the BMC office in 2017. It all started when former Assistant Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation(BMC), Udaykumar Shiroorkar, came up with a brilliant initiative. He made a list of 23 BMC workers and urged them to complete their basic education and clear their class 10 exams. This changed their lives. And that’s what inspired this film. We’re not talking about idealized heroes. We’re talking about ordinary people with extraordinary courage. Those overlooked BMC workers, gutter cleaners, sweepers, garbage collectors, and everyone else who dared to go back to school and complete their 10th-grade education.
2. The Underdog Story We All Love
Who doesn’t love a good underdog story? Especially one where the odds feel genuinely stacked against the protagonists. Each character in the movie has their own mountain to climb. These aren’t fresh-faced students, they’re people who’ve been underestimated their whole lives. And when they decide to stand up, dust themselves off, and give education one more shot, it’s hard not to tear up and cheer for them.
3. It Reminds You That Learning Has No Expiry Date
The emotional core of Ata Thambaycha Naay lies in its message that it’s never too late to learn. It shows us that knowledge is empowering at any age. It makes you believe that every human being deserves the chance to grow and feel proud of themselves.
4. Performances That Hit Home
You can’t talk about why Ata Thambaycha Naay is so impactful without praising the cast. The performances in this film aren’t dramatic or over-the-top. They’re subtle, grounded, and painfully real. Om Bhutkar, as the dedicated teacher, Nilesh Mali brings empathy and quiet strength. Bharat Jadhav as Sakharam Manchekar delivers one of his most nuanced performances to date. Siddharth Jadhav balances energy with emotional depth as he plays Maruti Kadam. You also get to see Pravin Dalimbkar, Parna Pethe, Prajakta Hanamghar, Kiran Khoje, and several other deliver some fantastic performances.
5. It Celebrates the Power of Community and Encouragement
Let’s not forget one of the most beautiful aspects of the film, the way the characters uplift each other. It shows how support systems can change lives. You understand why it’s important to support and uplift each other. Imagine if Udaykumar didn’t take that initiative, none of this would have happened.
6. Dignity Comes from Growth, Not Just a Job Title
Ata Thambaycha Naay doesn’t romanticize struggle. Instead, it honors dignity, the kind that comes from effort, progress, and believing in your worth. These municipal workers may have been overlooked by society, but through education, they begin to reclaim their identity.
7. A Simple Story with a Lot of Heart
There are no gimmicks here. No big twists, flashy sets, or melodramatic moments. Just a straightforward story told with honesty and emotion. Director Shivraj Waichal keeps the film grounded in reality. The dialogues, classroom scenes, and emotional moments are handled delicately. It’s this simplicity that makes Ata Thambaycha Naay movie stand out among drama movies, it doesn’t try to impress, it just connects.
So, Should You Watch Ata Thambaycha Naay on ZEE5?
Absolutely. 100% yes. Whether you’re a fan of Marathi movies, looking for something with a real message, or just want to watch something that leaves a mark, Ata Thambaycha Naay is a must-watch.
Now streaming on ZEE5 from June 28, 2025, it’s a film that will make you tear up, smile widely, and maybe even pick up a forgotten dream of your own. Stream Ata Thambaycha Naay online today on ZEE5, because the most powerful stories are the ones that remind us of our own strength.
