5 Essential OTT Picks for Your Weekend Watchlist 

As you curl up at home for the weekend, snacks close at hand and TV remote at the ready, that perennial question looms large; what, oh what, do I waste my time on this weekend, with the previous little time I have on hand. Fear not, dear reader, for we have saved you the legwork of research. Dive in, and binge away. 

KANTARA: A LEGEND – CHAPTER 1 (HINDI) 

Roots of faith, forest, and folklore explored  

Rishab Shetty’s critically acclaimed cultural and mythological phenomenon, Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, is now available for the Hindi-speaking audience on Prime Video.  

This release is a prequel that delves deep into the origins of the Daiva and the Buta Kola ritual, a folk-art form central to the film’s success. The story is a visual and narrative spectacle set in the forest lands of coastal Karnataka, following the life of a chieftain and the promise his ancestors made to a divine spirit, a promise that now binds and protects the tribal community from the exploitation of the ruling class. 

The film is distinguished by its blend of cultural narrative, high-octane action, and stunning visuals, making it much more than a period drama. It explores the conflict between man and nature, tradition and modernity, and faith and logic. Shetty’s direction and powerful performance are a masterclass, inviting the northern audience to experience the visual scale and deep cultural roots that made the original Kannada version a record-breaking box office hit.  

The prequel promises to offer deeper insights into the deity’s presence and the cyclical nature of conflict over land and tradition, setting a high bar for regional cinema. This is a must-watch for those who appreciate cinema that is rooted in rich local folklore and tradition, offering a mesmerizing and unique theatrical experience from the comfort of the couch. 

SUNNY SANSKARI KI TULSI KUMARI 

Rom-com chaos reigns supreme 

Netflix brings a dose of lighthearted romantic comedy with the streaming premiere of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari.  

Starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor, this film is a vibrant and chaotic tale of two hopelessly romantic individuals who decide to gatecrash the weddings of their respective exes with the motive of winning them back. However, the film takes a classic rom-com turn as, amidst the elaborate charade of sabotaging weddings and trying to win back old flames, Sunny and Tulsi end up falling for each other. 

The movie is a blend of feel-good music, over-the-top family chaos, and humorous events. Directed by Shashank Khaitan, who is known for delivering successful Bollywood comedies, the film capitalizes on the chemistry between its lead pair and the comedic talent of the supporting cast, which includes Rohit Saraf and Sanya Malhotra. This post-theatrical streaming release offers viewers a dose of unadulterated, big-budget Bollywood entertainment. It is the perfect choice for viewers looking for a vibrant, fun, and easy-to-watch entertainer with a simple premise and guaranteed laughter this weekend, making it an ideal family watch. 

AARYAN 

A psychological crime thriller 

The Tamil crime and psychological thriller Aaryan is now streaming on Netflix in multiple languages, including Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada.  

The film features a disillusioned writer who publicly claims responsibility for a serial killing spree set to take place over five days. As his sinister claims begin to manifest in reality, a disciplined DCP (played by Shraddha Srinath) takes charge of the investigation, desperately trying to unravel the complex web of crime, conspiracy, and the writer’s twisted motives. 

Headlined by Vishnu Vishal as the protagonist, with director Selvaraghavan playing the antagonist, the film is an intense mind game that quickly escalates the stakes. It promises to keep the audience guessing as the line between fiction and reality, confession and manipulation, is constantly blurred, forcing the police and the public to question the very nature of the crime.  

Critics have praised its tight script and the thrilling cat-and-mouse dynamic between the writer and the investigating officer. The film is a solid recommendation for fans of taut, dark thrillers who enjoy a narrative that prioritises cerebral tension and psychological complexity over mere action. 

RAKTABEEJ 2 

High-stakes geopolitical action 

Zee5 presents the political action thriller Raktabeej 2, a high-stakes espionage drama set against a complex geopolitical backdrop involving international security.  

The story follows an elite counter-terrorism unit in a race against time and resources to stop a mysterious leader named Munir Alam from carrying out a chaotic mission between India and Bangladesh. The investigation takes the Intelligence Bureau officer and a West Bengal Police officer from New Delhi to Bangkok, as they work to prevent a deadly plot that is set to coincide with a major diplomatic event. 

This sequel to the popular 2023 film ramps up the tension and scale, blending contemporary political intrigue with explosive action sequences. The film is a compelling narrative about international security, intelligence betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of those who threaten national stability.  

Featuring strong performances from a talented ensemble cast, Raktabeej 2 is ideal for viewers who seek out fast-paced, contemporary thrillers with real-world political resonance, providing an adrenaline rush with its intricate plot and sharp execution. 

THE PET DETECTIVE:  

Of missing pets and international crime capers 

Rounding out the list is the Malayalam crime-comedy, The Pet Detective, now streaming on Zee5.  

The film follows Tony Jose Alula (Sharaf U Dheen), an underachieving but determined man who decides to take on a missing pet case to prove his worth. What starts as a simple, almost comical, search for a missing animal quickly escalates into a far more complex and dangerous investigation that uncovers a sophisticated international smuggling racket. 

The film manages to balance its lighthearted, character-driven comedy with the rising tension of a genuine crime thriller. Tony, with his unconventional methods and determined spirit, must navigate the world of organized crime while trying to solve the mystery of the missing pets.  

The movie is praised for its original concept, engaging screenplay, and the lead actor’s performance, offering a fresh take on the crime genre. The Pet Detective is a recommended weekend watch for those who enjoy mysteries that blend humor, heart, and high stakes, proving that sometimes, the smallest case can lead to the biggest conspiracy.