Weekend watchlist: 4 new releases you can’t miss 

With the weekend rolling around, a familiar conundrum raises its head. What, oh what, will I watch on the telly?  

After all, we all have a subscription to a billion and one streaming services, but somehow, there’s nothing to watch. 

Or is there? Here are our 4 picks for you to dig into. You’re welcome/ 

The Raja Saab: A super-powered supernatural comedy (JioHotstar) 

Leading the pack this weekend is the Pan-India blockbuster The Raja Saab, now streaming on JioHotstar.  

After a massive theatrical run, Prabhas returns to the small screen in a genre-bending role that balances horror, comedy, and high-octane romance. The film follows a young man who journeys to an ancestral mansion in search of his lost grandfather, only to inadvertently awaken a powerful family curse that threatens to upend reality itself.  

Directed by Maruthi Dasari and featuring an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Malavika Mohanan, and Nidhhi Agerwal, the film is a visual spectacle that leans into its “Masala” roots. 

The narrative effectively shifts between spine-chilling ghostly encounters and rib-tickling humor, primarily driven by the chemistry between the leads and the eccentric spirits inhabiting the mansion.  

While the CGI-heavy climax received mixed reviews from purists, the film’s sheer scale and Prabhas’ charisma makes it a top-tier choice for a relaxed weekend binge. Whether you are a fan of supernatural thrillers or looking for a light-hearted comedy with a twist, this film offers a bit of everything for every type of viewer. 

The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4: Mickey Haller goes on trial (Netflix) 

Netflix brings back the beloved legal drama The Lincoln Lawyer for its high-stakes fourth season.  

Based on Michael Connelly’s The Law of Innocence, the new season places defense attorney Mickey Haller (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) in the most dangerous position of his career: the defendant’s seat. After a dead body is discovered in the trunk of his iconic Lincoln, Mickey must defend himself in a courtroom battle that tests his legal brilliance and his personal ethics. 

The ten-episode season returns with its signature blend of sharp wit, legal technicalities, and California sun. The stakes are personal this time, as Mickey’s freedom depends on outsmarting a system he knows all too well. With the return of fan favourites like Becki Newton and Angus Sampson, the series maintains its status as one of the smartest procedurals on television. For those who enjoy a cerebral, character-driven mystery with plenty of courtroom pyrotechnics and a touch of drama, this season is a mandatory watch. 

Parasakthi: A powerful period political drama (Zee5) 

Premiering this Saturday on ZEE5, Parasakthi is a gripping period piece that takes viewers back to the 1960s anti-Hindi imposition agitations in Tamil Nadu.  

Starring Sivakarthikeyan and Sreeleela, the film is inspired by real-life events and focuses on the student-led protests that reshaped the state’s political landscape. The narrative follows two brothers caught in the middle of a cultural and political firestorm, exploring themes of identity, activism, and the high price of resistance. 

The film is a significant shift for Sivakarthikeyan, who delivers a grounded and intense performance as a student leader. The production design meticulously recreates the 60s era, providing an immersive backdrop for a story that feels both historical and urgently relevant. Unlike typical political dramas that focus solely on leaders, Parasakthi centers on the common people and students who fueled the movement. It is a poignant, well-researched watch for those who appreciate regional cinema with deep social roots. 

Shabad: Reet Aur Riwaaz: A heartfelt generational clash (Zee5) 

For those seeking a more intimate and emotional story, ZEE5’s Shabad: Reet aur Riwaaz offers a touching look at the conflict between tradition and individual dreams.  

Set in Punjab, the six-episode series follows 16-year-old Ghuppi, a young boy with a stammer who dreams of becoming a professional footballer. However, his life is complicated by his father, a traditional Ragi singer, who expects him to carry on the family’s musical legacy. 

Starring the talented Suvinder Vicky and Mihir Ahuja, the series is a nuanced exploration of the father-son dynamic. It avoids melodrama, focusing instead on the quiet struggles of a boy trying to find his voice—both literally and figuratively—in a world defined by rigid expectations. It is an uplifting, realistic drama that captures the raw beauty of rural Punjab while delivering a universal message about following one’s passion.