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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
From crime dramas to slice-of-life gems, the streaming landscape has witnessed a surge of outstanding content. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 must-watch OTT releases to catch before bidding farewell to the year
NEW DELHI: As the year comes to a close, the world of OTT platforms has treated audiences to a diverse array of gripping narratives and compelling performances. From crime dramas to slice-of-life gems, the streaming landscape has witnessed a surge of outstanding content. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 must-watch OTT releases to catch before bidding farewell to the year:
1. Kohraa: “Kohrra” unfolds a gripping crime narrative embedded in Punjab’s socio-cultural intricacies. Director Randeep Jha, along with creators Gunjit Chopra and Diggi Sisodia, intricately weaves a murder mystery, exploring family politics, buried shame, and the Punjabi psyche. Sudip Sharma, of ‘Pataal Lok’ fame, crafts a compelling narrative set against the discovery of a murdered NRI in rural Punjab, revealing a world of deceit and dysfunctional families. The series, spanning six episodes, masterfully balances police procedural and human drama, delving into complex emotions and repressed feelings. Suvinder Vicky’s outstanding performance adds depth to this digital masterpiece, showcasing Punjab’s reality with intelligence and emotion.”
Rating: 7.5/10 IMDb
Platform: Netflix
2. Delhi Crime 2: Netflix’s “Delhi Crime Season 2” unveils a gripping narrative as DCP Vartika and her team race against time to apprehend the ruthless Kachcha Baniyan Gang, known for their audacious robberies in the 1990s. Shefali Shah’s portrayal of DCP Vartika Chaturvedi earned her a 2023 International Emmy Awards nomination. Building on the success of Season 1, which won the International Emmy for Best Drama Series in 2020, Season 2 delves into the complexity of societal divides and police challenges.
As the storyline unfolds, the series transcends the typical crime drama, becoming a profound exploration of human conflict. Balancing professional and personal dilemmas, public scrutiny, media interference, and systemic challenges, the characters grapple with moral quandaries and emotional turmoil. “Delhi Crime” skillfully weaves a tapestry of emotions, prompting viewers to reflect on life’s complexities. Shefali Shah’s powerful performance, marked by vulnerability and strength, adds a compelling layer to this intense narrative, making it a standout in the realm of crime dramas.
Rating: 7.9/10 IMDb
Platform: Netflix
3. The Railway Men: In their debut series, ‘The Railway Men,’ Director Shiv Rawail and co-writer Aayush Gupta craft a riveting narrative around the 1984 Bhopal gas leak tragedy. Focused on the heroic efforts of Indian Railways during the Union Carbide factory’s lethal methyl isocyanate leak, the series centers on Iftekaar Siddiqui (Kay Kay Menon), the dedicated station master. Unexpected characters like the Express Bandit (Divyenndu) and journalist Jagmohan Kumawat (Sunny Hinduja) add complexity.
Over four intense episodes, the series hauntingly depicts the gas leak’s aftermath, with powerful performances by R Madhavan and Kay Kay Menon leaving a profound impact. ‘The Railway Men’ is not just a historical account but a poignant reflection on heroism, societal issues, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Rating: 8.5/10 IMDb
Platform: Netflix
4. Mast Mein Rehne Ka: This heartwarming gem set in Mumbai explores the profound themes of loneliness, companionship, love, and kindness. Directed by Vijay Maurya, this slice-of-life film will feature Jackie Shroff and Neena Gupta as lead roles, alongside Abhishek Chauhan, Monika Panwar, Rakhi Sawant and Faisal Malik in pivotal roles. Amidst the bustling city, the characters, from a septuagenarian Mangalorean widower to a struggling ladies tailor, find themselves in unintentionally humorous situations.
The movie beautifully depicts human relationships without labels, much like a Mario Miranda mural. Despite a simple plot, strong performances by Jackie Shroff, Neena Gupta, and the cast make it relatable. The film juxtaposes bittersweet stories against Mumbai’s chaos, portraying its glamour and underbelly. Running parallel narratives, it tackles ageism subtly and captures various facets of life. With top-notch acting, direction, and cinematography, it’s a must-watch that transforms harsh realities into something beautiful and bearable.
Rating: 7.2/10 IMDb
Platform: Amazon Prime
5. Farzi: In their latest streaming venture, Raj and DK, known for their signature blend of grunge, goofiness, and entertainment, delivered “Farzi,” a crime caper set in urban India. The narrative, while traversing familiar anti-hero tropes, bears the duo’s unique stamp, making it stand out. Shahid Kapoor’s streaming debut proved as gripping as Vijay Sethupathi’s Hindi collaboration.
The storyline explores the consequences when an artist flouts the boundaries of law, infusing socio-political realities with sharp humor. Shahid Kapoor, portraying Sunny, shines as the charismatic core, effortlessly navigating through comedy, emotion, action, and romance. Vijay Sethupathi, an ocean of talent, delivers a spectacular performance, intensifying the impact as a task force officer.
Rating: 8.4/10 IMDb
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
6. Scoop: #Scoop, a gripping web series, unfolds as a journalist delves into the murky nexus of police, media, and Mumbai’s underworld after a shocking murder. Under the expert guidance of director Hansal Mehta, the series becomes a gem, seamlessly blending Mumbai’s crime underbelly with exceptional direction, breathtaking cinematography, and a stellar cast. Karishma Tanna, Sandesh Kulkarni, Harman Baweja’s noteworthy comeback, and Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub delivers outstanding performances. Mehta’s brilliance in storytelling, coupled with captivating cinematography that captures Mumbai’s essence, makes #Scoop a compelling watch. Karishma Tanna shines as an actor throughout the plot and delivers one of her career’s best acting. The series skillfully navigates unexpected twists, blending Gujarati dialogues into the crime narrative authentically. Overall, #Scoop triumphs as a gripping crime drama with stellar performances and cultural authenticity, a testament to Hansal Mehta’s directorial prowess.
Rating: 8.4/10 IMDb
Platform: Netflix
7. Jaane Jaan: “Jaane Jaan” unfolds a riveting narrative centered around a single mother caught in a crime investigation. With the support of a math teacher neighbor and a determined cop, the plot takes intriguing turns, ensuring a captivating experience from start to finish. The smooth storytelling effortlessly engages the audience, setting up expectations for a satisfying conclusion.
However, the movie takes an unexpected turn, subverting expectations and leaving viewers astounded. The well-developed characters with unique quirks make them relatable, and the breathtaking cinematography immerses the audience in the story’s world. The impeccable attention to detail and a perfect soundtrack enhance the emotional depth of each scene.
The top-notch performances, particularly by Jaideep, bring the story to life, leaving the audience both satisfied and amazed. “Jaane Jaan” is a rollercoaster of emotions, a visual feast, and a triumph in storytelling—a must-watch for any movie enthusiast.
Rating: 7/10 IMDb
Platform: Netflix
These top 7 OTT releases before the new year have left an indelible mark on the digital entertainment landscape.
