What are the OTT releases this week? With so many releases across platforms, unfortunately, I couldn’t find any great options for you this week, since all releases are mediocre; if you have time, try Identity or The Secret of the Shiledars. Why I pick that; scroll down to read more.
Identity (Malayalam): A Twisted Thriller That Overcomplicates
Platform: ZEE5
Directors: Akhil Paul & Anas Khan
Cast: Tovino Thomas, Trisha Krishnan, Vinay Rai
Plot & Review: Identity (2024)
Alisha (Trisha Krishnan), a key witness to a crime, is placed under police protection. Sketch artist Haran (Tovino Thomas) tries to help her identify the killer, but her memory condition complicates things. The first half sets up an engaging thriller, but the second half spirals into chaos—multiple villains, forced twists, and moments where logic completely disappears.
❤️ What Works:
✔High production value, well-shot action sequences.
✔Tovino Thomas brings intensity, though his character is built just to highlight his skills.
❌ What Doesn’t:
✖The second half feels overstuffed with unnecessary subplots.
✖Trisha’s character is barely developed beyond her memory condition.
✖Some scenes defy logic—people survive fatal injuries, planes magically land.
My Opinion: While Identity starts as an intriguing thriller, it loses itself in an overcomplicated mess of twists. The film sacrifices clarity for shock value, making the second half feel like a puzzle with missing pieces. Watch if you love stylish thriller, skip if you have other choices.
Pushpa 2: The Rule – A King Without a Kingdom
Platform: Netflix
Director: Sukumar
Cast: Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil
Plot & Review: Pushpa 2 (2024)
Does the sequel justify the hype? I would say no.
The first half revisits familiar themes—Pushpa outwitting the cops, proving his dominance, and flexing his brand. The only standout is the ‘Gangamma Jatara’ sequence, where Allu Arjun, draped in a sari, exudes both ferocity and grace. But beyond these moments, the film stretches itself thin, focusing more on ego battles than storytelling.
❤️ What Works:
✔Allu Arjun’s larger-than-life presence, especially in the Jatara scene.
✔ Stunning visuals and music.
❌ What Doesn’t:
✖ A predictable plot—too many recycled elements from part one.
✖ Shekhawat lacks menace; he’s more ego-driven than strategic.
My Opinion: The highs are high, but the narrative feels stretched, lacking the punch that made the first one special. Watch for the grandeur, but don’t expect anything fresh.
Emakku Thozhil Romance: A Rom-Com Without the Romance or Comedy
Platform: Sun NXT
Director: Balaji Kesavan
Cast: Ashok Selvan, Avantika Mishra, Urvashi, Bagavathi Perumal
Plot & Review: Emakku Thozhil Romance (2024)
Uma (Ashok Selvan) is an aspiring filmmaker who dreams of winning an Oscar but spends most of the film entangled in relationship misunderstandings with Leo (Avantika Mishra).
❤️ What Works:
✔ Urvashi brings life to an otherwise forgettable film.
✔ A few slapstick comedy moments land well.
✔ Short runtime (100 minutes) prevents complete exhaustion ;-).
❌ What Doesn’t:
✖ The romance feels hollow, with no real depth in writing.
✖ The conflicts are forced and repetitive.
My Opinion: While Emakku Thozhil Romance tries to be a lighthearted rom-com, it lacks both charm and originality. Watch if you enjoy mindless entertainment, but don’t expect much else.
The Secret of the Shiledars: A Historical Treasure Hunt With a Modern Twist
Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Director: Aditya Sarpotdar
Cast: Rajeev Khandelwal, Sai Tamhankar, Gaurav Amlani, Ashish Vidyarthi
Plot & Review: The Secret of the Shiledars (2025)
Dr. Ravi Bhatt (Rajeev Khandelwal) discovers he is part of the legendary Shiledars, a secret group protecting Chhatrapati Shivaji’s lost treasure. Along with Aditya (Gaurav Amlani) and Priya (Sai Tamhankar), he embarks on a dangerous mission to uncover the truth, battling hidden enemies and solving age-old mysteries
❤️ What Works:
✔ Rich historical backdrop adds depth to the mystery.
✔ Rajeev Khandelwal delivers a solid performance.
✔ Crisp runtime (35 min episodes) keeps it engaging.
❌ What Doesn’t:
✖ The supporting cast lacks strong character development.
✖ A few predictable plot points take away the thrill.
My Opinion: While The Secret of the Shiledars is an entertaining mix of history and adventure, it doesn’t reinvent the treasure hunt genre. Watch if you love mystery thrillers with a historical touch, but don’t expect a mind-blowing revelation.
Dhoom Dhaam (Telugu): A Predictable Comedy That Struggles to Stand Out
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Director: Sai Kishore Macha
Cast: Chetan Krishna, Hebah Patel, Sai Kumar, Vennela Kishore, Prithviraj, Goparaju Ramana
Plot & Review: Dhoom Dhaam (2024)
Karthik (Chetan Krishna) falls in love with Suhan (Hebah Patel) and plans to marry her with their parents’ blessings. However, things take a turn when he realizes her father, Mahendra Bhupati (Vinay Varma), has a mysterious past connection with his family. What follows is a mix of comedy, misunderstandings, and family drama.
❤️ What Works:
✔ Vennela Kishore’s humor saves the second half.
✔ Decent music and vibrant visuals.
❌ What Doesn’t:
✖ Predictable storyline with no surprises.
✖ The first half lacks energy and feels stretched.
✖ Chetan Krishna’s performance is serviceable but lacks depth.
My Opinion: While Dhoom Dhaam has a few entertaining moments, it mostly feels like an old story with a new cast. Watch if you’re in the mood for a time-pass entertainer, but don’t expect anything fresh.
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