What are the OTT releases this week? With so many releases across platforms, unfortunately, I couldn’t find many great options for you this week, since most releases are average; if you have time, try Rekhachithram (Malayalam), Kudumbasthan (Tamil) or Baapu( Telugu). Why I pick that; scroll down to read more.
Rekhachithram (2025): A Smart Thriller That Blends Mystery with Cinema Nostalgia
Streaming on: Sony LIV
Director: Jofin T Chacko
Cast: Asif Ali, Anaswara Rajan, Indrans, Saikumar, Manoj K Jayan
Plot & Highlights
Rekhachithram is a gripping investigative thriller. The film follows Vivek Gopinath (Asif Ali), a cop trying to redeem himself, as he investigates a 40-year-old skeleton linked to an 80s film set. As Vivek pieces together clues from a time when technology was limited, the case becomes a thrilling.
A refreshing take on crime thrillers with a unique premise
Anaswara Rajan shines as Rekha, adding depth to her character
A treat for cinephiles with nods to 80s Malayalam cinema
The film’s slow-burn pace may not work for everyone
Manoj K Jayan feels underutilised
My Opinion: Rekhachithram isn’t just a mystery—it’s a love letter to Malayalam cinema.Though it takes its time to build up, the final twist is worth the wait. If you love thrillers with a nostalgic touch, this one is a must-watch!
Kudumbasthan (2025): A Fun Family Comedy with Manikandan’s Winning Touch
Streaming on: ZEE5 Director: Rajeshwar Kalisamy Cast: Manikandan, Guru Somasundaram, Saanve Megghana, R Sundarrajan
Plot & Highlights
Being the sole breadwinner of a middle-class family is no joke—literally! Kudumbasthan follows Naveen (Manikandan), a newly married man juggling endless financial responsibilities, from funding his mother’s pilgrimage to paying for his wife’s Civil Service exam. Adding to his stress is his brother-in-law Rajendran (Guru Somasundaram), who constantly undermines him. As Kudumbasthan—surviving it is the real challenge.
Manikandan nails another relatable underdog role
Hilarious moments keep the film lighthearted and engaging
Some jokes may not work for everyone
The film feels slightly stretched at 155 minutes
My Opinion: Kudumbasthan blends classic family drama with modern humour, making it funny and relatable. Strong performances from Manikandan and Guru Somasundaram keep it engaging. A good watch for those who enjoy heartwarming comedies.
Nadaaniyan (2025): A Glossy but Shallow High-School Rom-Com
Streaming on: Netflix Director: Shauna Gautam Cast: Ibrahim Ali Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Suniel Shetty, Dia Mirza
Plot & Highlights
Fake relationships, social class struggles, and high school drama—Nadaaniyan brings them all together in a lighthearted rom-com. Pia (Khushi Kapoor) is a rich girl who needs a boyfriend to keep her friendships intact. Arjun (Ibrahim Ali Khan), a scholarship student with big career dreams, becomes the perfect candidate. But as their fake relationship unfolds, they must navigate class differences, family expectations, and their own changing feelings.
Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan bring youthful charm
Fun, breezy moments make it watchable
Nods to classic Karan Johar films add nostalgia
A predictable, surface-level story
Social themes feel forced rather than impactful
Characters and settings don’t feel real or relatable
My Opinion: Nadaaniyan is a glossy, high-school rom-com that feels superficial despite its attempts at depth. The lead actors try their best, but the film remains predictable. Skip if you watched movies like Love Today (Tamil) or Perfect Date.
Manamey (2024): A Lighthearted Rom-Com That Plays It Safe
Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video Director: Sriram Adittya Cast: Sharwanand, Krithi Shetty, Vennela Kishore, Rahul Ravindran
Plot & Highlights
What happens when a carefree man is forced to take responsibility? Manamey follows Vikram (Sharwanand), a happy-go-lucky guy who avoids commitments—until his best friend’s sudden passing leaves him as a temporary guardian for their two-year-old son. Subhadra (Krithi Shetty), a responsible and practical woman, also steps in as the child’s caretaker. As they clash over parenting styles, love slowly blossoms between them.
Sharwanand shines in a fun, laid-back role
A few genuinely funny moments keep it entertaining
Hesham Abdul Wahab’s music adds charm
Predictable story with familiar rom-com tropes
Supporting characters feel underused
Antagonist subplot feels unnecessary and weak
My Opinion: Manamey is a breezy, feel-good rom-com that plays it safe. Sharwanand’s playful performance adds charm, but the film remains predictable. Worth a casual watch, but nothing fresh or surprising.
Thandel (2025): A Beautiful Love Story That Loses Focus in Its Second Half
Streaming on: Netflix Director: Chandoo Mondeti Cast: Naga Chaitanya, Sai Pallavi, Karunakaran, Divya Pillai
Plot & Highlights
Thandel is about the longing and devotion (melo-drama medium) in a romance shaped by distance. Raju (Naga Chaitanya), a fisherman from Srikakulam, spends most of the year away at sea. Sathya (Sai Pallavi), his love, accepts this way of life with patience and pride. When Raju is caught in a tragic twist of fate and lands in a Pakistani prison, their love is put to the ultimate test.
Naga Chaitanya deliver heartfelt performances
Devi Sri Prasad’s music adds emotional depth
Stunning cinematography captures the vast sea and emotions beautifully
The Pakistan prison subplot lacks depth
Side characters feel underdeveloped
Misses the opportunity to explore the real struggles of the 22 fishermen
My Opinion: Thandel is an average love story but loses its emotional depth when it shifts to the Pakistan prison subplot. The political drama feels rushed, but the romance and music keep it engaging. It works for fans of poetic (chocolate) love stories.
Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal (2025): A Thoughtful, Restrained Family Drama
Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video Director: Sharan Venugopal Cast: Joju George, Suraj Venjaramood, Alencier Lay Lopez, Garggi Ananthan, Shelly Kishore
Plot & Highlights
When three estranged brothers reunite at their ancestral home as their mother lies on her deathbed, old wounds resurface, and buried conflicts return. Vishwanathan (Alencier Lay Lopez) still carries the weight of past casteist insults, Bhaskar (Suraj Venjaramood) is an outsider in his own home, and Sethu (Joju George) finds himself stuck between them. Meanwhile, the younger generation—Athira (Garggi Ananthan) and Nikhil (Thomas Mathew)—try to make sense of the tensions while dealing with their own unresolved emotions.
A subtle, character-driven story without melodrama
Joju George and Garggi Ananthan deliver deeply layered performances
A realistic portrayal of family conflicts and generational differences
The slow, quiet storytelling may not work for everyone
Lacks big dramatic moments, making it feel subdued
My Opinion: Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal is a nuanced, slow-burning family drama that avoids melodrama. A worthwhile watch for those who enjoy subtle, character-driven narratives.
Baapu (2025): A Family Drama with Moments of Brilliance but an Uneven Narrative
Streaming on: JioHotstar Director: Dayakar Reddy Cast: Brahmaji, Aamani, Srinivas Avasarala, Sudhakar Reddy, Dhanya Balakrishna
Plot & Highlights
Set in rural Telangana, Baapu follows a struggling farmer’s family burdened by debt. Mallanna (Brahmaji) and his wife Saroja (Aamani) are trying to make ends meet through cotton farming, while their children battle their own hardships. Meanwhile, a subplot involving a hidden golden idol adds another layer of intrigue.
Brahmaji delivers a strong lead performance
Authentic rural setting and black comedy elements work well
A few engaging moments, especially around the family’s moral dilemma
Predictable and lacks depth in emotional moments
Romance subplots feel unnecessary and underdeveloped
Feels like a short film stretched into a feature-length movie
My Opinion: Baapu has an interesting premise with its dark comedy and performances. However, weak character arcs and a predictable story hold it back. Watch it for the performances, but don’t expect a deeply engaging family drama.
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