From Oscar-winning anime to action thrillers, this week we have an exciting array of movies and series to watch.
THEATRE RELEASES
1. Srikanth
Release date: May 10
'Srikanth' is an upcoming Hindi biographical film based on the life of Srikanth Bolla, a visually impaired Indian industrialist and the founder of Bollant Industries. Directed by Tushar Hiranandani, the movie stars Rajkumar Rao in the eponymous role, alongside Jyothika, Alaya F., and Sharad Kelkar. The movie chronicles the struggles of Srikanth, who was born visually impaired in 1992 in Seetharamapuram village in Machilipatnam, in the then-undivided Andhra Pradesh, India.
2. Kingdom of the Planets of the Apes
Release date: May 10
Directed by Wes Ball and written by Joseph Friedman, the upcoming American science fiction action film stars Owen Teague, along with Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, and William H Macy. 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' is the fourth instalment in the Planet of the Apes franchise. The film takes the audience on a new journey into a world where apes rule and humans struggle to survive. Many years after the reign of Caesar, a young ape named Noa embarks on a journey that leads him to question everything he has been taught in the past and make choices that will define the future for both apes and humans.
3. Marivillin Gopurangal
Release date: May 10
Directed by Arun Bose, the movie stars Indrajith Sukumaran, Sruthi Ramachandran, Sarjano Khalid, and Vincy Aloshious (Win C.) in lead roles. The romantic comedy explores the dynamics of marriage and parenthood, offering a fresh perspective on social norms while delving into the complexities and challenges of different life choices.
4. The Boy and the Heron
Release date: May 10
The highly anticipated, Hayao Miyazaki's Oscar-winning anime 'The Boy and the Heron' is set for its theatrical release in India. The anime won the Best Animated Feature award at the 96th Academy Awards in 2024. The Studio Ghibli film, released in Japan in theatres on July 14th last year, revolves around a young 12-year-old boy named Mahito and his struggles to settle in a new town after his mother's death. However, when a talking heron informs Mahito that his mother is still alive, he enters an abandoned tower in search of her, leading him to another world.
OTT RELEASES
1. Aavesham
Release date: May 9
Streaming platform: Amazon Prime Video
Fahadh Faasil's blockbuster Malayalam movie 'Aavesham' will stream on Amazon Prime Video from May 9. Directed by Jithu Madhavan, the movie is an action-comedy that revolves around a group of college students who get into trouble and how a quirky goon, played by Fahadh Faasil, comes to their aid. Alongside Fahadh, Manzoor Ali Khan, Ashish Vidyarthi, and Sajin Gopu play pivotal roles. The movie is currently the fifth highest-grossing film of all time and the third highest-grossing film of 2024.
2. All of Us Strangers
Release date: May 8
Streaming platform: Disney plus Hotstar
'All of Us Strangers' is an enchanting 2023 British romantic fantasy. The movie revolves around Adam essayed by Andrew Scot, a solitary screenwriter who retreats to his childhood home for comfort from echoes of his past. There, he forms a romantic bond with Harry (Paul Mescal), the mysterious neighbour living downstairs. A vision of his late parents pervades his thoughts, and Adam uncovers a remarkable journey toward healing, revealing the secrets of their demise. The movie, directed by Andrew Haigh, promises to be a beautiful watch.
3. Dark Matter
Release date: May 8
Streaming platform: Apple TV+
A riveting science fiction series adapted from Blake Crouch's acclaimed novel of the same name. 'Dark Matter' stars Joel Edgerton as Jason Dessen, a physicist whose mundane existence is dramatically transformed following his abduction into a parallel universe. Confronting different incarnations of himself, his journey turns into a profound exploration of identity, decision-making, and the roads not travelled, ultimately pitting him against himself.
4. Undekhi season 3
Release date: May 10
Streaming platform: Sony LIV
The gripping crime drama is back for another season. The series looks into how the Atwal family regains power after the death of the dancer at Daman Atwal's wedding and who will be the next successor. The first two seasons were filled with suspense and twists, and fans are expecting the same in the coming season. Directed by Siddarth Sengupta, the series stars Harsh Chhaya, Surya Sharma, and Anchal Singh, among others.
5. Doctor Who season 14
Release date: May 11
Streaming platform: Disney plus Hotstar
The British science fiction television series has captivated audiences worldwide since its inception in 1963. With its iconic time-travelling premise, inventive storytelling, and the enigmatic character of the doctor, the show has become a cultural phenomenon spanning generations. Ncuti Gatwa steps into the role of the fifteenth doctor, infusing the beloved character with fresh emotional nuance and wit. He is joined by Millie Gibson, who makes her debut as Ruby Sunday, the doctor's new vibrant sidekick. This season, the duo embarks on a journey through time and space, exploring settings from England's Regency era to dystopian future battlefields, while encountering remarkable allies and the doctor's most formidable nemesis to date.
