Safia/Safdar OTT release date: When and where to watch Naseeruddin Shah, Kanwaljit Singh's social drama

Social dramas are popular because they help viewers connect emotionally with universal content, providing a realistic reflection of society. They serve as a powerful tool for promoting social awareness and change. One such film is Safia/Safdar. The Hindi film was selected for the Chicago South Asian Film Festival 2025 and is now all set to land on ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium). The film stars Naseeruddin Shah, Aditi Subedi and Kanwaljit Singh. 

When and where to watch Safia/Safdar?

ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium) is all set to premiere another social drama, Safia/Safdar. The film was selected for the Chicago South Asian Film Festival 2025, and now it's going to be released directly on OTT. 

What is Safia/Safdar about?

The story for Safia/Safdar is described as “an unusual young girl who breaks through a man’s world for the survival of her family," which strongly signals gender, society, and struggle–centric storytelling. The film explores the themes of identity, resilience, family responsibility, patriarchy, and marginalised voices.

The poster of the film shows an older man riding a scooter with a young woman seated behind him, moving forward through a narrow, worn-down street. The road seems narrow, a symbol of limited choices and social confinement. The scooter suggests daily survival, not luxury - a life on the move, but slow and burdensome.

In the distance, a large, hunched male face looks down, stern and unyielding, almost as if society itself is watching, judging and controlling.

The title Safia/Safdar, split by a sharp slash, visually reinforces the core conflict: two identities, one body. This suggests gender disguise, dual existence, or a life lived in a name to survive in a male world. The muted colours - grey, brown, dark blue - give the picture a sharp realism, which grounds the story more on lived experience than imagination.

Overall, at one glance, it conveys identity vs survival, childhood sacrificed, and gendered spaces, and the emotional cost of navigating a world that was not built to accommodate you. 

Also Read: Mrs. star Sanya Malhotra's on-screen father-in-law Kanwaljit Singh apologized to her after watching the film | Here's why

Safia/Safdar is directed by Shabana Azmi's brother, Baba Azmi. 

Safia/Safdar first review out

Actor Kamna Pathak, who attended the screening of Safia/Safdar, reviewed the film and wrote on Threads, "Watched Safia/Safdar such a beautiful, heartfelt story. A simple, lovely film, so beautifully directed by Baba Azmi Sir. Sir ji Charan Sparsh And Aditi… you were absolutely superb. Every time I watch you, you surprise me more," she said.

She congratulated Baba Azmi and thanked him for creating something so special. She also congratulated the entire cast and said it was truly lovely work. She mentioned that the music by her dear friend Ripul Sharma was beautiful and expressed a big thank you to Namrata for producing such a beautiful film.

Safia/Safdar FAQs

Q: Who directs Safia/Safdar?

A: Shabana Azmi's brother, Baba Azmi, directed Safia/Safdar, which was selected for the Chicago South Asian Film Festival 2025.

Q: Who stars in Safia/Safdar?

A: Safia/Safdar stars Naseeruddin Shah, Aditi Subedi and Kanwaljit Singh. 

Q: Where to watch Safia/Safdar?

A: Safia/Safdar will land on ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium) on January 16, 2026.