6 OTT picks to binge-watch this weekend 

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. 

Frankenstein (Netflix) 

Del Toro reimagines a Gothic Classic 

Guillermo del Toro, the master of gothic horror and visual spectacle, returns with his long-awaited adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic, Frankenstein.  

Streaming exclusively on Netflix this weekend, this film promises a visually stunning and emotionally resonant take on the tale of an obsessive scientist who defies nature. The story follows Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac) and the sentient, grotesque creature (Jacob Elordi) he brings to life. Horrified by his own creation, the scientist abandons it, setting the stage for a tragic narrative of a being’s desperate search for belonging and the creator’s moral confrontation with his consequences.  

Del Toro’s version is expected to delve deep into the philosophical and moral heft of the novel, focusing on the pathos of the creature and the moral recklessness of its creator. The all-star cast elevates this to an essential watch for fans of prestige, character-driven horror and cinematic craftsmanship. This is a profound commentary on ethics, humanity, and abandonment, dressed in exquisite gothic detail. 

Baramulla (Netflix) 

Supernatural mystery in Kashmir 

Netflix adds a layer of regional depth to the weekend lineup with the release of Baramulla, a Hindi horror-social thriller set in the picturesque yet troubled valley of Kashmir.  

The series follows DSP Ridwaan Shafi Sayyid (Manav Kaul), who is dispatched to the region to investigate a puzzling series of missing children cases. As Ridwaan navigates the sociopolitical complexities of the valley, he finds himself increasingly entangled in a web of local conspiracy and personal struggles. The plot thickens with the introduction of a supernatural element that begins to haunt Ridwaan’s professional and personal life, impacting his relationships at home.  

Baramulla promises to be an intelligent blend of mystery, family drama, and local politics, with the chilling supernatural thread tying it all together. With its strong focus on a realistic setting and a compelling lead character wrestling with his own past, this series offers an edge-of-your-seat experience that goes beyond typical genre fare. 

The Fantastic Four: First Steps (JioHotstar) 

Marvel’s first family finally hits OTT 

For fans of the superhero genre, the latest MCU offering, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, is a must-stream on JioHotstar.  

This film reintroduces Marvel’s foundational family—Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm—as they gain their extraordinary powers. The story focuses on science-driven heroics and team dynamics, presenting a lighter, more exploratory tone compared to some of the MCU’s darker recent ventures. The team finds themselves up against a reality-warping threat that forces them to quickly embrace their new abilities: Reed’s elasticity, Sue’s invisibility and force fields, Johnny’s fiery control, and Ben’s rock-hard strength.  

The film is designed as an all-ages superhero viewing experience, balancing high-stakes action with character development and the humor inherent in a dysfunctional but loving family of scientists turned heroes. 

Maharani Season 4 (SonyLIV)  

The political Queen fights on in Delhi 

The highly acclaimed political drama Maharani returns for its fourth season on SonyLIV, continuing the tumultuous journey of Rani Bharti, played by the formidable Huma Qureshi.  

Moving beyond Bihar, the new season sees Rani Bharti strategically expanding her political reach to Delhi, challenging the Prime Minister himself. The show picks up the thread of Rani’s evolution from an uneducated homemaker to a sharp, influential political force who takes on the establishment. Season 4 dives deeper into the fierce confrontations and high-stakes strategy that define the capital’s power corridors. Rani Bharti makes it clear that she is there to change the game, facing new scandals and enemies with greater ambition than ever before.  

For fans of compelling political narratives, complex characters, and sharp dialogue, Maharani Season 4 is a necessary binge-watch that showcases the dark underbelly of power struggles and one woman’s relentless fight for dominance in national politics. 

Maxton Hall – The World Between Us (Prime Video) 

German romanticism returns to the small screen 

The successful German romantic drama, Maxton Hall – The World Between Us, returns for its second season on Prime Video this weekend.  

Based on the novel Save Me by Mona Kasten, the series follows the complicated, intense, and forbidden relationship between Ruby Bell and James Beaufort. Ruby, a scholarship student from a modest background, and James, a privileged, arrogant heir from a powerful family, find their worlds colliding at the elite Maxton Hall private school.  

Season 2 picks up as they navigate the aftermath of their explosive first-season romance, dealing with family expectations, social class differences, and the constant threat of their relationship being exposed. It is a perfect binge for those who enjoy angsty, high-stakes young adult romance with a luxurious European backdrop. 

Kiss (Zee 5) 

For fans of edgy modern romance and betrayal 

Rounding out the list is the Tamil relationship drama, Kiss, which is available to stream on ZEE5. This film is an edgy modern morality tale about attraction, ambition, and the harsh consequences of choices in adult relationships.  

Kiss explores the volatile dynamic between two young people whose magnetic chemistry is complicated by their differing life goals and inherent flaws. The story is a contemporary exploration of love, career, and betrayal, providing a raw and realistic look at the pressures and complexities of modern dating. Starring Kavin and Preethi Asrani, the film offers a change of pace from the weekend’s thrillers and superhero fare, focusing instead on intimate, high-tension personal drama.