| Genre: | Drama |
| Director: | Gajendra Ahire |
| Country: | India |
| Language: | Hindi |
| Network: | ZEE5 |
Paithani is a Hindi drama web series directed by Gajendra Ahire and produced by Zee Studios and Aarambh Entertainment.[1] It follows a mother and daughter as they face challenges while weaving their last Paithani saree. Starring Mrinal Kulkarni, Eisha Singh,[2] Shivam Bhaargava, Syed Zafar Ali, and Sangeeta Balachandran,[3] [4] the trailer was released on November 7, 2024,[5] and the series premiered on ZEE5 on November 15, 2024.[6] [7]
The series revolves around the life of Godavari, a renowned artisan known for her exquisite Paithani sarees.[8] As she approaches retirement, her daughter, Kaveri, embarks on a mission to fulfill her mother's lifelong dream: to weave one last Paithani saree.[9] This journey takes them through a tapestry of emotions, challenges, and the enduring bond between a mother and daughter.[10]
Shaheen Irani from OTT Play rated the show 1.5 stars out of 5, describing it as "sweet but extremely slow-paced." She noted that while the show romanticizes Mumbai, this is its primary offering, along with a focus on the intricate craft of Paithani saree making. Irani suggested that viewers could either skip it entirely or opt to watch only the final episode, if they don't mind the over-dramatization.[11]
Tanmayi Savadi of Times Now, on the other hand, gave the series 3 stars out of 5, praising the performances of Mrinal Kulkarni and Eisha Singh, calling the series "warm and delicate."[12]
Smriti Kannan of Fugitives commented on Paithani by stating that it had the potential to be an emotional family drama exploring the deep cultural significance of the saree in Indian society. However, she felt that the show missed this opportunity, calling it "a lost chance."[13]