NEW DELHI: Get ready for your weekly roundup of the newest OTT releases, offering a seamless mix of movies and TV shows to fulfil all your binge-watching desires in the coming seven days. Zoya Akhtar presents her take on The Archies, bringing the beloved characters to your screens. Pankaj Tripathi leads a fresh thriller, Kadak Singh, promising an enthralling experience.
The Archies (December 7):
Set in the vibrant and dynamic landscape of 1960s India, “The Archies,” a musical venture directed by Zoya Akhtar, unfolds as a captivating tapestry of coming-of-age tales and the journey through adolescence. This cinematic experience is a homage to the original comics and is centred around the fictional town of Riverdale. Within this imaginative setting, the film intricately intertwines narratives featuring a group of teenagers, including iconic characters such as Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead, and others.
Streaming on Netflix
Vadhuvu (December 8):
Prepare yourself for a thrilling ride of suspense and intrigue as the highly awaited web series, ‘Vadhuvu,’ steps into the spotlight. With Avikagore, Nandu, and Ali Reza in the lead, this compelling narrative is directed by Poluru Krishna and brought to life by producers Srikanth Mohta and Mahendra Soni under the SVF banner. The movie follows a wedding shrouded in secrets and lies. With the bride confessing that everything at the wedding is a clandestine affair, the storyline takes an intriguing turn when she faces numerous attempts on her life upon entering her mother-in-law’s house.
Streaming on Hotstar
Christmas as Usual (December 6):
In the heartwarming holiday comedy “Christmas as Usual,” viewers are invited to a distinctive celebration that seamlessly weaves together themes of love, culture, and tradition. The narrative centres around Thea (Ida Ursin-Holm), who, in the joyous spirit of her engagement, decides to introduce her fiancé Jashan (Kanan Gill) to the charm of a quintessential Norwegian Christmas with her family. The unexpected twist unfolds with Jashan’s Indian heritage, infusing a delightful cultural blend into the festive proceedings. This convergence of traditions results in unforeseen yet heartwarming seasonal chaos, creating a unique and memorable holiday experience for all involved.
Streaming on Netflix
Kadak Singh (December 8):
Kadak Singh” unfolds as a psychological thriller delving into the intricate realms of memory and identity. Pankaj Tripathi takes on the role of AK Srivastava, alias Kadak Singh, an officer in the Department of Financial Crimes. The storyline intensifies as Srivastava, grappling with retrograde amnesia, becomes entangled in the unravelling of a Chit Fund Scam. The film intricately stitches together the threads of Srivastava’s fragmented past, compelling him to rediscover his identity through diverse perspectives. Amidst the complexities of financial crime, he navigates through the murky waters of deceit. Joining the cast are Parvathy Thiruvothu and Sanjana Sanghi in pivotal roles, adding depth to this gripping narrative.
Streaming on ZEE5
Chamak (December 7):
Tracking the path of Kaala, a budding young rapper, this series unfolds as he retraces his steps from Canada to his homeland in Punjab. The narrative gains complexity as Kaala delves into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the untimely death of his father, Taara Singh, a renowned singer tragically killed during a performance years ago. Kaala’s pursuit takes him through the obscure alleys of Punjab’s music landscape, ensnaring him in a web of political intrigue, compelling family sagas, intense business rivalries, and the haunting spectre of honour killings. The series weaves together these elements, creating a gripping and intricate storyline.
Streaming on SonyLIV
Mast Mein Rehne Ka (December 8):
The movie directed by Vijay Maurya features the veteran actors Jackie Shroff, Neena Gupta, Abhishek Chauhan, Monika Panwar, and Faisal Malik, each recognised for their diverse talents. The movie is set around a man who chooses an old widower’s home for his first robbery, kicking off a set of events that have them both looking at life in a new way and with new companions in the starkness of the city of Mumbai.
Streaming on Prime Video
Detective Knight: Redemption (December 8):
Taking place amidst the festive yet suspenseful atmosphere of New York during the Christmas season, Detective Knight: Redemption centres on Detective James Knight (Bruce Willis). In this gripping narrative, Knight finds himself ensnared in a high-stakes jailbreak orchestrated by a criminal mastermind known as “The Christmas Bomber.” This elusive figure leads a group called the “Real Saints of Christmas,” spreading chaos across the city. Facing this formidable threat, Knight agrees to a deal that could potentially redeem his tarnished career. As he confronts these adversaries, the thrilling action unfolds, marking Detective Knight: Redemption as a sequel to the earlier instalment, Detective Knight: Rogue.
Streaming on Lionsgate Play
My Life with the Walter Boys (December 7):
Centred around 15-year-old Jackie Howard, this compelling drama unravels against the vibrant streets of Manhattan. Her life takes a heartbreaking turn with a tragic event that shatters her family, propelling her into a new existence on a Colorado ranch. In this setting, she becomes part of an unconventional household overseen by a guardian and a dozen boys. Jackie, once drawn to predictability and perfection, now confronts a whirlwind of change. As she grapples with the complexities of her evolving relationships, particularly with two contrasting brothers, Jackie’s journey becomes even more intricate. This narrative is an adaptation of Ali Novak’s 2014 novel of the same name.
Streaming on Netflix
Analog Squad (December 7):
An enthralling Thai series, Analog Squad tells a captivating story centred around Pond, a man in his middle years. Confronted with the distressing news of his distant father’s deteriorating health, Pond assembles a group of individuals to create a fictional family, aiming to provide his father with a final sense of pride. Set against the backdrop of the late 1990s, a time characterised by challenges in verifying identities, the narrative deepens as these initially unfamiliar individuals undertake a mission to bridge emotional gaps within Pond’s actual family. As the plot unfolds, these strangers-turned-companions undergo a transformative journey, establishing genuine connections that surpass their initial facade.
Streaming on Netflix
Leave the World Behind (December 8):
An enthralling storyline, Leave the World Behind is a cinematic adaptation of Rumaan Alam’s 2020 novel, unfolding against the backdrop of a family holiday in Long Island. The narrative commences with Amanda, Clay, and their children Archie and Rose, anticipating a tranquil vacation at an exclusive luxury rental. However, their serene retreat takes a suspenseful turn when an unexpected blackout occurs, and two enigmatic strangers deliver news of a broader crisis.
As the film progresses, it explores the challenges faced by both families in this disconcerting situation, probing into the repercussions of a world suddenly devoid of communication. The cast includes Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, and Ethan Hawke, among other talented performers.
Streaming on Netflix