Filmmaker Zenofar Fathima on the global expansion of The Reels Files
From Instagram to global OTT success, The Reel Files enters its boldest season yet
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Prefer us on GoogleLast Updated: Feb 20, 2026, 17:38 IST2 min
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Dubai, [UAE], February 18: The Reel Files returns with its most ambitious season yet, continuing to push the boundaries of short-form suspense and psychological storytelling. Created by Dubai based filmmaker, producer, and CEO of Zen Film Productions, Zenofar Fathima, and written by Afraah Farhana, the anthology series has emerged as a benchmark for atmospheric storytelling and psychological depth.
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Season 3 marks a defining moment for the series with the addition of acclaimed Bollywood actor Rahul Dev. Known for his commanding screen presence across Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam cinema, his participation introduces a darker and more intense layer to the narrative, elevating the creative scale of the series.
The journey of The Reel Files began as a simple Instagram storytelling experiment, which quickly gained attention and expanded onto OTT platforms. From a single Instagram story to a globally distributed anthology, the series reflects the organic evolution of original digital storytelling and its growing connection with audiences across formats.
Overall, Season 3 stands as the boldest chapter of The Reel Files so far, drawing inspiration from social realities, modern fears, and digital-age anxieties. The season features a diverse international cast and continues the focus on character-driven, suspense-led storytelling. Like previous seasons, The Reel Files Season 3 is available exclusively on ZEE5 Global.
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The season also serves as a sneak peek into Zenofer Fathima’s upcoming psychological thriller series, ‘KAZE – The Wind’, which has already generated strong excitement among audiences. The preview offers an early glimpse into the psychological tone and cinematic world of the forthcoming project.
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The preview of ‘KAZE – The Wind’ within The Reel Files introduces audiences to its psychological tone and narrative world through selected characters, without revealing the full scope of the project. Scheduled for release in 2026, the series will feature a wider ensemble cast, including a broader mix of Bollywood and Dubai-based actors, further strengthening a international presence.
Looking ahead, it is set to expand further across platforms and themes. Plans include a Ramadan-themed series that maintains a strong narrative voice while being meaningfully connected to the spirit of the holy month, offering a fresh narrative approach within the company’s work. In parallel, an influencer-focused series titled Like, Share and Die is also in development, centering on influencers’ lives and unfolding through an edgy and contemporary narrative that explores the tension between visibility and vulnerability. The Reel Files continues to evolve as a dynamic and forward-looking storytelling series.
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First Published: Feb 20, 2026, 17:41
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