This year has witnessed the release of numerous outstanding movies and web series, ranging from the thrilling Night Manager to the captivating Match Made in Heaven Season 2. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 OTT recommendations that you should indulge in before the year concludes:
- Night Manager (Disney+ Hotstar)
The Night Manager is the gripping Indian rendition of the acclaimed British thriller series with the same title, originally inspired by John le Carré’s novel. The show originally aired on BBC One in 2016 and has now been brought to the Indian audience through the creative vision of Sandeep Modi. The Hindi adaptation boasts a stellar cast, including Aditya Roy Kapur, Anil Kapoor, Sobhita Dhulipala, Tillotama Shome, Saswata Chatterjee, and more. Dive into the intrigue and suspense on Disney+ Hotstar.
- Farzi (Amazon Prime)
Raj & DK, known for their directorial prowess, take the helm of another exhilarating series, Farzi. The show marks the OTT debut of Shahid Kapoor, portraying a small-time artist with grand plans for the ultimate con job. As he delves into the perilous realm of crime, he encounters a formidable task force officer determined to thwart his ambitions. The cast is further enriched with talents like Vijay Sethupathi, Kay Kay Menon, and more, promising a riveting narrative on Amazon Prime.
- Made in Heaven Season 2 (Amazon Prime)
The narrative of Made in Heaven Season 2 picks up swiftly after the intense Season 1 finale. The storyline unfolds seamlessly, portraying Karan (Arjun Mathur) and Tara (Sobhita Dhulipala) as now sharing a flat. Meanwhile, Jauhari (Vijay Raaz) takes a majority stake in the wedding planning company following Adil’s (Jim Sarbh) separation from Tara, and Faiza (Kalki Koechlin) finds herself growing closer to Adil. However, the shift to an episodic wedding format feels somewhat disconnected, deviating from the organic flow established in the preceding events.
- Kathal (Netflix)
A Jackfruit Mystery unfolds as a finely crafted social satire, skillfully weaving the disappearance of two jackfruits into a compelling narrative that lays bare broader societal issues. Balancing humour with a leisurely pace, the film adeptly sheds light on intricate caste dynamics and gender biases without veering into preachiness. While there’s room for a deeper exploration of these themes, Kathal captures the enchantment of rural life and its uncomplicated pleasures. The cast delivers captivating performances infused with witty banter, and the portrayal of the police force exudes raw authenticity.
- Wednesday (Netflix)
“Wednesday” proves itself as a show that merits attention and viewing. Fans of suspense and mystery are sure to find enjoyment in this series. The staggering billion views it garnered testify to the exceptional portrayal of both acting and plot, solidifying its well-deserved popularity. Every element of the show, from its gripping narrative to the performances, contributes to its remarkable appeal.
- Guns & Gulaabs (Netflix)
Raj & DK, known for their creative prowess, also steer the ship for Guns & Gulaabs. This distinctive dark comedy series boasts a stellar cast including Rajkummar Rao, Dulquer Salmaan, Adarsh Gourav, and Gulshan Devaiah. Set against the backdrop of the ’90s, the narrative unfolds with a quirky charm, showcasing a group of misfits navigating a world teeming with crime, thrills, and innocent romance.
- The Archies (Netflix)
The Archies is a serviceable musical film, featuring commendable performances from star kids Suhana Khan, Agastya Nanda, and Khushi Kapoor. The film’s standout features lie in its superb songs and visually striking scenes, serving as its major strengths. However, the narrative and storytelling could have been elevated to match the calibre of the musical and visual elements, leaving room for improvement in the overall storytelling and presentation of the film.
- Aspirants Season 2 (Amazon Prime)
The Viral Fever Production’s Aspirants Season 2 has been released, marking the sequel to the acclaimed Aspirants series. This narrative revolves around the lives and challenges three friends face, providing a glimpse into the world of UPSC aspirants. Directed by Apoorv Singh Karki, with a script penned by Deepesh Sumitra Jagdish, and produced by Vijay Koshy and Shreyansh Pandey, the series boasts a talented cast including Naveen Kasturia, Shivankit Singh Parihar, Abhilash Thapliyal, Sunny Hinduja, Namita Dubey, Harish Chhabra, Tengam Celine, and Abhishek Sonpaliya.
- The Railway Men (Amazon Prime)
The Railway Men is a compelling web series produced by Yash Raj Productions, featuring an esteemed cast including R. Madhavan, Kay Kay Menon, Divyendu Sharma, and Babil Khan. Directed by Shiv Rawail and written by Aayush Gupta, the series is produced by Aditya Chopra and Uday Chopra. The storyline is grounded in the tragic events of the Bhopal gas disaster in 1984, shedding light on the unsung heroes of that time who played a crucial role in saving countless lives.
- The Vaccine War ( Disney Hotstar)
The Vaccine War, directed by Vivek Agnihotri and adapted from Dr Balram Bhargava’s book “Going Viral,” is a cinematic endeavour produced by Pallavi Joshi. Boasting a stellar cast including Nana Patekar, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Raima Sen, and Sapthami Gowda, the film unfolds against the backdrop of the pandemic era. It intricately explores the challenges posed by the harsh conditions of the time and sheds light on the remarkable efforts of Indian scientists in inventing a vaccine.
