OTT Releases This Week: HanuMan, Lal Salaam, Merry Christmas, Showtime, Damsel, Queen of Tears, Yatra 2, The Reluctant Traveler Season 2
Contents
1. HanuMan
Platform | ZEE5 |
Release Date | 8th March |
Director | Prasanth Varma |
Cast | Teja Sajja, Amritha Aiyer, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Vinay Rai, Samuthirakani, Vennela Kishore, Raj Deepak Shetty, Satya, Ravi Teja |
Language | Telugu |
Genre | Action |
IMDB Rating | 8.4/10 |
One of the hottest releases in the world of streaming this week is the exhilarating fantasy flick “HanuMan,” which has been making waves with its thrilling action sequences and captivating storyline. This Telugu-language superhero extravaganza, helmed by the talented Prasanth Varma, has been hailed by critics and has smashed box office records with its groundbreaking performance.
The film revolves around the character Hanumanthu, portrayed by Teja Sajja, a small-time crook residing in the bleak village of Anjanadri. His life takes a dramatic turn when he stumbles upon a mysterious glowing gem, granting him incredible superpowers akin to the legendary deity Hanuman. With newfound abilities, Hanumanthu embarks on a mission to protect his fellow villagers from the menacing threat posed by Mega Man, played by Vinay Rai.
As the battle between good and evil ensues, HanuMan faces numerous challenges and adversaries. Will he emerge victorious in his quest to safeguard Anjanadri and its inhabitants from the clutches of darkness? Dive into this gripping tale of heroism and adventure to find out.
2. Lal Salaam
Platform | Netflix |
Release Date | 15th March |
Director | Aishwarya Dhanush |
Cast | Rajnikanth, Vishnu Vishal, Vikranth, Livingston, Senthil |
Language | Tamil |
Genre | Action Drama |
IMDB Rating | 4.9/10 |
Aishwarya Rajinikanth’s latest film delves deep into the complexities of social dynamics, showcasing how the manipulative actions of a select few can sow seeds of discord between communities, leading to lasting turmoil and societal unrest. Vishnu Rangasamy’s narrative is crafted with a sincere intention to shed light on this sensitive issue from a fresh perspective.
Set in the fictional town of Murrabad, where Hindus and Muslims have coexisted peacefully for generations, the film explores how personal vendettas and unchecked egos, rather than religious differences, become catalysts for religious tensions. At the heart of the turmoil lies the conniving son-in-law of a politician, who exploits the animosity between two young men and local cricket players, Thirunaavukkarasu (portrayed by Vishnu Vishal) and Shamsuddin (played by Vikranth), to stoke communal division for his own political gain.
The film intricately weaves together the lives of these characters, with Thiru serving as the focal point through which the narrative unfolds, adding layers of drama and complexity. As the story unravels, audiences are drawn into a gripping tale of manipulation, betrayal, and the quest for justice in a society torn apart by political machinations and personal vendettas.
3. Merry Christmas
Platform | Netflix |
Release Date | 8th March |
Director | Sriram Raghavan |
Cast | Katrina Kaif, Makkal Selvan Vijay Sethupathi, Tinnu Raaj Anand, Sanjay Kapoor, Vinay Pathak, Pratima Kannan, Radhika Apte, Ashwini Kalsekar |
Language | Hindi, Tamil |
Genre | Mystery Thriller |
IMDB Rating | 7.7/10 |
The latest offering from director Sriram Raghavan, “Merry Christmas,” is a gripping mystery thriller that boasts a stellar cast led by Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi. Set against the backdrop of Bombay (now Mumbai) in the 1980s, the film follows the intriguing tale of two strangers, Albert (played by Vijay) and Maria (portrayed by Katrina), whose fateful encounter on Christmas Eve sets the stage for a riveting narrative.
At a bustling restrobar, Maria arrives accompanied by her mute daughter Annie (played by Pari Maheshwari Sharma), seeking solace and perhaps a momentary escape from life’s trials. It is here that she crosses paths with Albert, and amidst the festive ambiance, an unexpected connection blossoms between them. As they share moments of warmth and camaraderie, little do they realize that their newfound bond is about to plunge them into a whirlwind of unforeseen events.
As the night unfolds, secrets emerge, and the cozy atmosphere gives way to a chilling sense of unease. With each passing moment, Albert and Maria find themselves embroiled in a sinister web of deception and danger. Will they unravel the mysteries that surround them, or will they become victims of the night’s sinister twists?
With its captivating storyline and standout performances, “Merry Christmas” promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats as they witness the gripping tale of Albert and Maria’s Christmas Eve encounter.
4. Showtime
Platform | Disney+ Hotstar |
Release Date | 8th March |
Director | Sumit Roy |
Cast | Emraan Hashmi, Mahima Makwana, Mouni Roy, Rajeev Khandelwal, Shriya Saran, Vijay Raaz, Naseeruddin Shah, Lilette Dubey, Vishal Vashishtha, Neeraj Madhav, Gurpreet Saini, Denzil Smith |
Language | Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali |
Genre | Drama |
IMDB Rating | 6.2/10 |
A captivating addition to this week’s OTT lineup is the drama series “Showtime,” which offers viewers a glimpse into the glitzy and cutthroat realm of Bollywood. Boasting a talented ensemble cast including Emraan Hashmi, Mahima Makwana, Mouni Roy, Rajeev Khandelwal, Shriya Saran, Vijay Raaz, and Naseeruddin Shah, among others, the series unveils the hidden dynamics of the entertainment industry.
Beneath the surface glamour, “Showtime” delves into the fierce competition for recognition and success, shedding light on the power struggles, rivalries, and insecurities that permeate the industry. Through intricate storytelling, viewers are immersed in the chaotic world where fame and fortune come at a price.
Exploring pertinent themes, the series tackles the controversial issue of nepotism, which has sparked widespread debate in recent weeks. With its nuanced portrayal of the challenges faced by both insiders and outsiders in Bollywood, “Showtime” offers a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities within the entertainment sphere.
5. Damsel
Platform | Netflix |
Release Date | 8th March |
Director | Juan Carlos Fresnadillo |
Cast | Millie Bobby Brown, Ray Winstone, Nick Robinson, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Angela Bassett, Robin Wright, Brooke Carter, Sam Sharma, Rina Martin, Mens-Sana Tamakloe, Nicole Joseph |
Language | English |
Genre | Fantasy |
IMDB Rating | 6.3/10 |
“Damsel” takes viewers on a fantastical journey led by Millie Bobby Brown as Princess Elodie, the central figure caught in a perilous predicament. Elodie, portrayed as the archetypal ‘damsel’ in distress, finds herself thrust into a marriage with a royal prince, hoping for the fairy tale ending she dreams of.
However, her dreams are shattered when she discovers the sinister truth behind her royal union. Instead of a life of bliss, Elodie learns she has been chosen as a sacrificial pawn by the royal family, a fate suffered by generations of young women before her. Each has met a grim demise in the jaws of a fire-breathing dragon lurking in a cave, a macabre tradition meant to settle an ancient debt.
Unlike her predecessors, Elodie refuses to accept her fate passively. Determined to defy the grim prophecy, she musters every ounce of courage and resourcefulness to outwit her captors and survive the deadly trial ahead. As she navigates the treacherous landscape of deception and danger, the question remains: will Princess Elodie emerge victorious against the odds stacked against her, or will she succumb to the same tragic fate as those who came before her?
6. Queen of Tears
Platform | Netflix |
Release Date | 9th March |
Director | Jang Young-woo, Kim Hee-won |
Cast | Kim Soo Hyun, Kim Ji Won, Na Young Hee, Jung Jin Young, Sebastian Roché, Song Joong Ki, Kwak Dong Yeon, Kim Jung Nan, Kim Joo Ryung, Park Sung Hoon, Lee Joo Bin, Natallia Bulynia |
Language | Korean |
Genre | Drama |
IMDB Rating | 9.2/10 |
Anticipated in the world of K-drama is the upcoming series “Queen of Tears,” featuring the enchanting pairing of Kim Ji Won and Baek Hyun Woo as the central romantic duo. Kim Ji Won takes on the role of Hong Hae In, a chaebol heiress who ties the knot with Baek Hyun Woo, portrayed by Kim Soo Hyun, following a blossoming love story.
However, the initial bliss in their marital journey takes a tumultuous turn after three years. The once-idyllic relationship encounters complications, adding layers of complexity for the couple. Undeterred by the challenges, they embark on a journey to mend their fractured connection and decide to give love a second chance.
Despite the disparities that have emerged, the couple valiantly attempts to reconcile their differences and navigate through the storm of marital discord. “Queen of Tears” unfolds the poignant narrative of whether this once deeply in love couple can surmount their issues and rediscover the passion that initially brought them together.
As the story delves into the intricacies of love and relationships, viewers are left to ponder whether the protagonists will successfully rekindle their romance or succumb to the challenges that threaten to tear them apart.
7. Yatra 2
Platform | Amazon Prime Video |
Release Date | 8th March |
Director | Mahi V Raghav |
Cast | Mammootty, Jiiva, Ketaki Narayan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Suzanne Bernert, Subhalekha sudhakar, Sachin Khedekar |
Language | Telugu |
Genre | Political Drama, Biography |
IMDB Rating | 6/10 |
In 2019, the biographical film “Yatra” debuted, chronicling the remarkable life of the esteemed Telugu politician, the Late YS Rajasekhara Reddy. The film received acclaim from audiences and critics alike, achieving notable success at the box office.
Following the triumph of its predecessor, “Yatra 2” emerged as a sequel to the cinematic portrayal of YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s illustrious journey. Picking up from where the first installment concluded, the sequel delves deeper into the political legacy of the protagonist, shedding light on his significant accomplishments. Additionally, “Yatra 2” shifts its focus towards the ascension of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the current Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, and his journey to prominence in the political landscape.
As the narrative unfolds, viewers are immersed in the dynamic world of politics, witnessing the remarkable evolution of both YS Rajasekhara Reddy and his son, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, as they navigate the complexities of power and leadership in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
8. The Reluctant Traveler Season 2
Platform | Apple TV+ |
Release Date | 8th March |
Cast | Eugene Levy |
Language | English |
Genre | Reality |
IMDB Rating | 7.5/10 |
Emmy Award-winning actor Eugene Levy is back with a thrilling new season of his travel series, this time taking viewers on an unforgettable journey across Europe. In this seven-part adventure, Levy steps out of his comfort zone once again to explore the diverse cultures and hidden treasures of the continent.
From the northernmost reaches to the southernmost corners, Levy immerses himself in the rich tapestry of European life. Along the way, he uncovers local gems, traces his family heritage, and embraces new culinary experiences that challenge his taste buds.
This season promises even more excitement as Levy ventures off the beaten path, accompanied by both old friends and new companions. Highlights include tracking moose in Sweden, exploring his mother’s homeland of Scotland, indulging in French cuisine in Saint-Tropez, experiencing wellness rituals in Germany, embarking on a fishing expedition in Greece, participating in medieval customs in Italy, and even playing soccer with a legendary Spanish athlete in Seville.
Join Levy on this once-in-a-lifetime journey as he discovers the beauty and diversity of Europe, one captivating destination at a time.