Tag Archives: OTT Releases This Week

Are you waiting for the latest OTT releases this week? From Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ka Jaan(Zee5) to Skull Island (Netflix). Thrillers, Documentary, Animes, Action…the list is long and diverse.

Kondraal Paavam – Suspense Thriller with Compelling Performances

OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
Directed by: Dayal Padmanabhan
Cast: Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Santhosh Pratap, Eswari Rao, Charle

Plot

Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, Kondraal Paavam is a gripping Tamil remake of the Kannada film ‘Aa Karaala Ratri’. The narrative revolves around a poverty-stricken family of three — Mallika (Varalaxmi Sarathkumar) and her parents (Eswari Rao and Charle). Their mundane lives take a turn when a mysterious visitor, Arjun (Santhosh Prathap), seeks shelter at their home for the night. A series of tense events unravel, as the movie brilliantly showcases the fallout of misdirected desires and its implications.

Why You Should Try

• Director Dayal Padmanabhan establishes each character’s motives and backstory proficiently, leading to a better understanding of their actions and decisions in the latter part of the film.
• A standout performance by Varalaxmi Sarathkumar as Mallika, a character with a moral grey area willing to do whatever it takes to escape the shackles of poverty.
• Intriguing subplots, like the enigma around the character of Arjun, keep the audience hooked.

Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan – A Mix of Salman Khan’s Trademark Action and Comedy

OTT Platform: ZEE5
Directed by: Farhad Samji
Cast: Salman Khan, Pooja Hegde, Venkatesh, Bhumika Chawla, Shehnaaz Gill, Jagapathi Babu, Palak Tiwari

Plot

Remake of Tamil movie Veeram starring Ajith Kumar.
Salman Khan, as Bhaijaan, is a single man who lives with his three adoptive brothers. Bhagyalaxmi’s entry complicates matters, and Bhaijaan’s potential in-laws are threatened. Bhaijaan takes matters into his own hands, and viewers are treated to traditional Salman Khan action with a comedic twist.

Why You Should Try:

• Full of references to Salman Khan’s past movies, a treat for his fans.
• Pooja Hegde’s charming and humorous portrayal of Bhagyalaxmi may entertain her fans.

Why You Should Skip:

• Heavy reliance on Salman Khan’s star power with less emphasis on plot.
• Missed opportunities to explore cultural differences and some humor may fall flat.
• Action scenes might appear less impressive compared to recent action films.
  

Take Care of Maya – An Emotional Tangle of a Family’s Struggle

OTT Platform: Netflix
Directed by: Henry Roosevelt
Documentary Genre: Health, Family, Legal

Plot

“Take Care of Maya” is a harrowing Netflix documentary following the case of Maya Kowalski, a young girl admitted to a pediatric hospital in 2016 for extreme pain. She was kept in the hospital for three months under a state-issued shelter order, separated from her parents who were suspected of medical child abuse. This documentary explores the events and their aftermath, unfolding from the perspective of the Kowalskis, through court testimony, father’s recollections, and various records from Maya’s mother.

• It sheds light on a critical issue involving medical child abuse suspicion and its effect on a family.
• Provides a deep dive into a rare pain syndrome case and its related controversies.
• The real-life story behind the documentary is engaging and heartbreaking.

Agent – A Predictable Spy Thriller without any Thrill

OTT Platform: SonyLIV
Directed by: Surender Reddy
Cast: Akhil Akkineni, Mammootty, Dino Morea, Sakshi Vaidya

Plot

Agent is a spy thriller about an unlikely protagonist, Ramakrishna aka Rikki, who dreams of becoming a RAW agent. Despite his quirks and wild behavior, Rikki catches the attention of the RAW chief, Mahadev, who sends him on a mission to thwart the evil plans of a rogue ex-RAW agent. The film follows Rikki’s misadventures as he tries to save the day, with his love interest and unpredictable actions adding to the chaos.

• Interesting plot with juxtaposed roles between ‘The Devil’ and ‘The God’.

Why You Should Skip

• The love track is forced and seems out of place, and the musical score fails to add value.
• The narrative is inconsistent with jarring tonal shifts and misplaced ‘mass moments’.
• Major character reveals are handled with nonchalance, reducing their impact.
• The film fails to build emotional depth, making significant scenes feel unimpressive.

John Wick: Chapter 4 – A Riveting Action-Packed Finale

OTT Platform: Lionsgate Play
Directed by: Chad Stahelski
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Laurence Fishburne, Lance Reddick

Read detailed review here.

Exclusive OTT Releases This Week

Tiku Weds Sheru 

OTT Platform: Amazon prime
Directed by: Sai Kabir
Cast: Avneet Kaur and Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Plot

The film was initially titled as “Divine Lovers”, with Irrfan Khan and Kangana Ranaut as main leads in 2016. Tiku, who looks at marriage as her escape to Mumbai from a local town to become an actress and Sheru, who has been working as a junior artist in the city for years. They get married and the comedy of errors for this couple starts.

Kerala Crime Files

OTT Platform: Disney Plus Hotstar
Directed by: Ahammed Khabeer
Cast: Aju Varghese, Lal, Navas Vallikkunnu, Sanju Sanichen

Plot

This is the first true thriller webseries from malayalam film industry & as per reports, it is based on true events.

A team of six policemen led by Sub-Inspector Manoj is on a chase to solve a murder in a suburban lodge room, with just one clue – a fake address, Shiju, Parayil Veedu, Neendakara, from a lodge register. As per the updates, ‘Kerala Crime Files’ consists of six episodes, 30 minutes each.

Kafas

OTT Platform: SonyLiv
Directed by: Sahil Sangha
Cast: Sharman Joshi, Mona Singh, Zarina Wahab

Plot

A middle-class family sees a brighter tomorrow when their son meets with a life-changing career opportunity. But this transition only unravels a web of trauma, raising poignant questions about wealth, power, and morality.

Secret Invasion

OTT Platform: Disney Plus Hotstar
Directed by: Ali Selim
Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Emilia Clarke, Martin Freeman, Cobie Smulders

Plot

Nick Fury learns of a secret invasion of Earth by a faction of shapeshifting Skrulls; Fury joins his allies, and together they race against time to thwart an imminent Skrull invasion and save humanity.

I’m a Virgo

OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
Directed by: Boots Riley
Cast: Jharrel Jerome, Mike Epps & Walton Goggins

Plot

It’s a coming-of-age absurdist comedy tale about Cootie, a 13-foot-tall 19-year-old black man raised by his aunt Lafrancine and uncle Martisse in Oakland, California. He is shielded from the outside world until he is accidentally discovered by a group of teenage political activists.

Skull Island (Anime)

OTT Platform: Netflix
Directed by: Brian Duffield
Genre: Action, Adventure & Science fiction

Plot

A group of well-meaning explorers venture out to sea to rescue Annie from the ocean. In doing so, they find themselves shipwrecked on the perilous Skull Island. Together, they fight to survive the dangers of the mysterious isle, which is home to large creatures and terrifying monsters; including Kong. This is the fifth installment overall in the franchise.

For more suggestions and reviews click here.

Are you waiting for the latest OTT releases this week? From I Love You(Jio Cinema) to Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King (Netflix). Thrillers, Romance, Animes, Action…the list is long and diverse.

1. I Love You – A Twisted Tale of Love and Revenge

OTT Platform: Jio Cinema (Hindi)
Directed by: Nikhil Mahajan
Cast: Rakul Preet Singh, Pavail Gulati, Akshay Oberoi, Kiran Kumar

Plot Synopsis

“I Love You,” directed by Nikhil Mahajan, known for his successful Marathi film “Godavari,” is an unconventional romantic thriller that promises to defy expectations. The plot revolves around Satya Prabhakar (Rakul Preet Singh), an independent working woman in Mumbai, whose life takes a drastic turn just when she decides to advance her relationship with her love interest. As the story unfolds, it takes the audience on a thrilling journey of revenge and justice that Satya seeks.

The trailer, already captivating the viewers, introduces a complex love triangle involving Satya, Pavail Gulati, and Akshay Oberoi’s characters. As the tale progresses, it uncovers a web of betrayal and murder that hints at an exciting and suspense-filled narrative that challenges conventional notions of love stories.

2. Tamilarasan – ‘Paasam’ filled with Courage and Justice

OTT Platform: Zee5 (Tamil)
Directed by: Babu Yogeswaran
Cast: Vijay Antony, Suresh Gopi, Sonu Sood, Remya Nambeesan

Plot Synopsis

Tamilarasan (Vijay Antony), a dedicated cop, and his wife Leena (Remya Nambeesan) are hit with a heavy blow when they learn that their son Prabhakar (Pranav Mohan) has a weak heart that requires an immediate transplant. However, the hospital where they admit him prioritizes profits over patients, making Prabhakar’s life a low concern. This infuriates Tamilarasan, who takes heart specialist Dr. Muruganantham (Suresh Gopi) hostage to ensure his son’s treatment. All the while, his corrupt superior Rana Pratap Singh (Sonu Sood) is eager to bring him down. The film follows Tamilarasan’s desperate struggle to save his son, battling a system steeped in greed and corruption.

Why You Should Try

The performances by Vijay Antony and Suresh Gopi, along with the supporting cast, add to the intense and dramatic narrative. The movie’s attempt to address issues like medical corruption and the importance of organ transplantation, although not without flaws, offers food for thought.

Why You Should Skip

The movie is stuffed with melo-drama. Some of the serious scenes might seem funny by accident, and the movie doesn’t do enough research on organ transplantation, which makes the story less believable.The movie also suffers from an underdeveloped script and a lack of character depth.

3. Kandahar – An Underwhelming Journey Through Hostile Territory

OTT Platform: Amazon Prime (English)
Directed by: Ric Roman Waugh
Cast: Gerard Butler, Ali Fazal, Navid Negahban, Bahador Foladi

Plot Synopsis

The plot follows the adrenaline-fueled journey of undercover CIA operative, Tom Harris (Gerard Butler), whose mission in the hostile territory of Afghanistan takes a dangerous turn when an intelligence leak exposes his identity. He must navigate through perilous obstacles to an extraction point in Kandahar, avoiding an elite special forces unit out to get him. Ali Fazal plays the role of Kahil, involved in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Butler’s character.

Why You Should Try

It is based on the true events from the life of a former military intelligence officer. If you are a fan of Gerard Butler or Ali Fazal, their performances might be a reason to give this film a try. The film’s brilliant cinematography and the gripping narrative, drawing inspiration from real-life events, could provide an exciting cinematic journey.

Why You Should Skip

Despite its promising premise, Kandahar seems to have fallen short of delivering a thrilling action film. The film also brings up social issues, such as the oppression of women, but fails to address them meaningfully, which may frustrate viewers seeking a deeper narrative. Kandahar’s Western saviour narrative may seem uninspired and xenophobic. This film might not be for those seeking fresh, compelling narratives or exciting action sequences in the genre.

4. Extraction 2 – The Return of the Rake: No Boundaries, No Mercy

Platform: Netflix (English)
Director: Sam Hargrave
Main Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Golshifteh Farahani, Adam Bessa

Plot Summary

Extraction 2, the much-anticipated sequel to Netflix’s 2020 hit, brings back the formidable mercenary Tyler Rake, played by Chris Hemsworth. This time, Rake must rescue a Georgian gangster’s family from a foreign prison.

Aiming to deepen Rake’s backstory, the sequel introduces new characters and offers more insight into Rake’s motivations. The film promises high-octane action, including a stunning 21-minute escape scene featuring Hemsworth himself. Director Sam Hargrave raves about Hemsworth’s commitment to his role, commending his physical and emotional performances.

5. Shaitan – A Bold Take on Survival and Crime

OTT Platform: Disney+ Hotstar (Telugu)
Directed by: Mahi V Raghav
Cast: Rishi, Shelly, Deviyani, Jaffer Sadiq, Ravi Kale, Lenaa

Plot Synopsis

Shaitan focuses on a family of four struggling to survive in the toughest conditions. Each family member resorts to a life of crime, which they see as a means of survival. The series paints an unfiltered picture of the socio-political circumstances that trigger Bali, the head of the family, into a world of crime. The rise and fall of this criminal family form the crux of this gripping Telugu crime drama.

Why You Should Try

Shaitan may appeal to those who appreciate intense crime dramas that shed light on the darker aspects of society.

Why You Should Skip

Shaitan is filled with explicit content, strong language, and graphic violence, making it unsuitable for sensitive viewers. It pushes boundaries with its bold scenes and disturbing elements, which might not appeal to everyone.

6. Farhana – A Tale of Empowerment Amidst Struggles

OTT Platform: SonyLiv (Multi-Audio)
Directed by: Nelson Venkatesan
Cast: Aishwarya Rajesh, Selvaraghavan, Jithan Ramesh, Anumol, Aishwarya Dutta

Plot Synopsis

Farhana (Aishwarya Rajesh), a Muslim woman from a conservative family, starts working due to financial difficulties. She ends up in a job that involves talking to desperate men seeking female companionship. Over time, she grows comfortable with the work, as it improves her family’s living conditions. Things spiral out of control when she breaks company rules and tries to meet a frequent caller.

Why You Should Try

Farhana is an intriguing drama that highlights empowerment and the freedom of choice. Aishwarya Rajesh delivers a standout performance, bolstered by a nuanced script and strong supporting cast. The film creatively employs symbolism and parallels, making it a thought-provoking watch. Its suspenseful narrative and the impactful portrayal of a woman’s fight against societal norms could be engaging for many viewers.

Why You Should Skip

Farhana might not suit everyone due to its pacing issues and some plot points that might stir controversy. Some scenes and dialogues may unintentionally evoke laughter, and the hurried climax might not satisfy everyone. If you are uncomfortable with the depiction of certain regressive societal viewpoints or prefer a lighter narrative, Farhana may not be your cup of tea.

7. Bichagadu 2 (Pichaikkaran 2)

OTT Platform: Disney + Hotstar (Telugu)
Director, Music Director, Editor: Vijay Antony
Cast: Vijay Antony, John Vijay & Kavya Thapar

Plot Synopsis

In Bichagadu 2, Vijay Antony takes on the roles of a billionaire named Vijay Gurumoorthy and a beggar named Sathya. The story twists when Sathya, with a hard past, is a victim of an illegal brain transplant that forces him into the life of a billionaire.

Why You Should Try

The film tries to build a new narrative using the original movie’s framework, which might appeal to fans of the first instalment.

Why You Should Skip

The movie falls short due to its lackluster storyline and simplistic treatment of a classic double-action trope. The supporting characters, action scenes, and songs are forgettable, diminishing the overall impact.

8. Raavana Kottam – Clash of Castes, Clash of Ideals

OTT Platform: Amazon Prime (Tamil)
Directed by: Vikram Sugumaran
Cast: Shanthnu Bhagyaraj, Prabhu, Anandhi, Sanjay Saravanan

Plot Synopsis

Raavana Kottam is set in Ramnad district where the village is divided into Meltheru and Keezhtheru, both living peacefully due to the influence of respected villager Chandrabose (Prabhu) and his son Sengu (Shanthnu). Sengu’s love for Indhira (Anandhi) creates tension between Meltheru and Keezhtheru, leading to the destruction of their harmony. This clash is further exploited by politicians for their gain. The film ends on an emotional note, highlighting the exploitation of innocent villagers by power-hungry politicians.

Why You Should Try

The film stands out for its socio-political narrative that deals with caste politics, water scarcity, and corporate mafia. Shanthnu’s performance is commendable, and he tries to hold the film singlehandedly. The landscape of the Ramnad district is beautifully captured.

Why You Should Skip

Raavana Kottam has its flaws, with a lack of depth and impact being major ones. The humour falls flat, and the film suffers from one-dimensional characters. The narrative is not powerful enough to hold your attention throughout. If you prefer movies with well-rounded characters and a strong, focused storyline, Raavana Kottam might disappoint you.

9. Jee Karda – A Tale of Love, Friendship, and Understanding

OTT Platform: Amazon Prime (Hindi)
Directed by: Arunima Sharma
Cast: Tamannaah Bhatia, Suhail Nayyar, Aashim Gulati

Plot Synopsis

Set amidst a group of seven childhood friends, Jee Karda is a tale of love, friendship, and unexpected realisations. At present, two of the friends decide to get married, but they start to realise that they might not be in love after all. The movie follows them as they deal with the challenges of their relationship and try to figure out what they really want.

Why You Should Try

Last week, Tamannaah was trending on Twitter. I believe Tamannaah Bhatia and Suhail Nayyar are the biggest reasons to watch this movie. The movie is trying to explore the complicated love-friendship spectrum of urban couples.

Why You Should Skip

If you are looking for an intense drama or a great romantic movie, Jee Karda might not cater to your taste. The movie’s deep focus on the celebration of friendships and romantic relationships, and the lack of depth in characters or plot elements might not be okay with all viewers. If you love dramas like Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar
Go for it, or else skip it.

10. Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King

OTT Platform: Netflix
Directed by: Ayataka Tanemura

Plot Synopsis

Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King is a highly anticipated film in the Black Clover franchise, following the hit anime series. Set to unravel an all-new story, the film brings viewers back to the Clover Kingdom after a hiatus since the season four finale.

The protagonist, Asta, will encounter the former Wizard King and a host of new and familiar characters. Although the storyline details are currently under wraps, fans can anticipate thrilling battles and stunning animation.

The original manga creator Yūki Tabata is serving as the movie’s chief supervisor and original character designer. Key members of the television anime staff will be returning for the film, under the direction of Ayataka Tanemura. The film will boast of character designs by Itsuko Takeda and music composition by Minako Seki.

Other OTT Releases this week

Vamanan (Malayalam)

OTT Platform: Manorama Max

Rafuchakkar

OTT Platform: Jio Cinema

For more movie suggestions click here.