Which are the OTT releases this week? With so many releases across platforms, here are 3 picks that I think are worth checking out. Lucky Baskhar, Ka and Sikandar Ka Muqaddar are my suggestions. Why I pick those; scroll down to read more.
Brother: A Tale of Values in a TV Serial Mode
Platform: Zee5
Director: M Rajesh
Cast: Jayam Ravi, Bhumika Chawla, Priyanka Mohan
Plot & Review: Brother (2024)
Jayam Ravi’s karthik struggles to find his place after moving in with his sister and her in-laws. When pushed to a breaking point, Karthik must decide whether to hold onto his values or mend the rift in his family.
❤️ Jayam Ravi delivers in emotional scenes, particularly during family conflicts.
❌ Weak comedy and uninspired writing fail to leave an impact.
❌ Priyanka Mohan’s underwritten role adds little to the narrative.
Porattu Nadakam: Below Average Political Satire
Platform: Amazon Prime
Director: Noushad
Cast: Saiju Kurup, Dharmajan Bolgatty, Rahul Madhav
Plot & Review: Porattu Nadakam
Set in the border village of Gopalapura, Porattu Nadakam is the story of Abu (Saiju Kurup), a struggling communist worker trying to save his property from the bank, with political satire and a strange gold chain found in cow dung.
❤️ A few jokes hit the mark, offering brief laughter.
❌ The screenplay feels cluttered, failing to connect its political satire with the central story.
❌ Weak direction and uninspired staging undermine the humour.
Divorce Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega: Average Rom-Com
Platform: ZEE5
Cast: Abigail Pande, Rishab Chadha
Plot & Review: Divorce Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega
Nikki (Abigail Pande), a stern journalist, and Ashu (Rishab Chadha), a lively intern, find themselves accidentally married while investigating a marriage registry scam. What follows is a mix of rivalry, unexpected twists, and reluctant bonding.
❤️ A family-friendly watch that provides a break from intense crime dramas.
❌ Predictable storyline with minimal subplots or memorable side characters.
❌ Some episodes feel stretched, and the romantic tension takes too long to develop.
Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi: A Nostalgic But Cliched Narrative
Platform: SUN NXT
Director: Srinivasa Raju
Cast: Ganesh, Malavika Nair
Plot & Review: Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi
The film is about Krishna (Ganesh), a businessman, and Pranaya (Malavika Nair), an orphanage owner, in a non-linear love story. Krishna poses as a driver to win Pranaya’s heart, but memory loss complicates their relationship.
❤️ Ganesh brings his usual charm, despite the repetitive narrative.
❌ Predictable plot revolving around dated tropes like memory loss and love at first sight.
❌ Shallow characterisation and clichéd gender roles diminish the emotional impact.
Parachute: Promising but Uneven
Platform: Hotstar
Director: Rasu Ranjith
Cast: Kishore, Shakthi Rithvik, Iyal, Krishna Kulasekaran, Kani Thiru
Plot & Review: Parachute
Story of two siblings, Varun (11) and Rudra (7). One day Varun takes his sister out on their father’s bike for her birthday; they get lost, leading to a series of events that intertwine family struggles, societal pressure, and political turmoil.
❤️ Strong performances by Kishore, Kani Thiru, and the child actors.
❌ Predictable story with distracting political subplots.
Her: A Compelling Tale of Women and Choices
Platform: Manorama Max
Director: Lijin Jose
Cast: Urvashi, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Ramya Nambeessan, Aishwarya Rajesh, Lijo Mol
Plot & Review: Her (2024)
Her revolves around five women from different walks of life, living in Thiruvananthapuram. Each story delves into their challenges, from societal expectations to personal struggles, showcasing their resilience and individuality.
❤️ A bold narrative addressing taboo topics and societal norms.
❤️ Stellar performances by the lead cast, especially Urvashi and Parvathy.
❌ Some segments feel clichéd and overly sentimental.
Sikandar Ka Muqaddar: A Twisty Heist Drama
Platform: Netflix
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Cast: Jimmy Shergill, Tamannaah Bhatia, Avinash Tiwary, Rajeev Mehta
Plot & Review: Sikandar Ka Muqaddar
Set against the backdrop of a jewellery heist, the film follows investigator Jaswinder Singh (Jimmy Shergill) as he unravels a web of lies involving suspects Mangesh (Rajeev Mehta), Kamini (Tamannaah Bhatia), and Sikandar (Avinash Tiwary). The story spans 15 years, exploring how the heist impacts their lives, leading to unexpected twists and turns.
❤️ A gripping plot with unexpected twists.
❤️ A refreshing focus on storytelling over star power.
❌ Some plot holes and underdeveloped characters.
Lucky Baskhar: A Cathartic Middle-Class Dream
Platform: Netflix
Director: Venky Atluri
Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Meenakshi Chaudhary, G.V. Prakash Kumar
A gripping con-thriller with emotional drama, Lucky Baskhar resonates with middle-class aspirations and dreams. A satisfying watch on Netflix!
KA: A Karmic Thriller in Old Bottle
Platform: ETV Win
Director: Sujith and Sandeep
Cast: Kiran Abbavaram, Nayan Sarika, Tanvi Ram, Achyuth Kumar
Plot & Review: Ka
Set in the mysterious hilly village of Krishnagiri, KA follows Vasudev (Kiran Abbavaram), a postman and orphan, as he unravels a series of kidnappings tied to the village’s dark past. With layers of karma, destiny, and a gripping backstory, the film keeps you hooked.
❤️ Stunning cinematography captures the village’s eerie charm.
❤️ Clever twists and philosophical undertones enrich the story.
❌ Overly detailed world-building slows the pace at times.