From action thrillers to fun comedies, this week we have an exciting array of movies and series to watch.
THEATRE RELEASES
1. Mr. and Mrs. Mahi
Release date: May 31
Rajkumar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor team up to play Mr and Mrs Mahi in the Sharan Sharma outing. The movie revolves around a newly married couple who share a common passion for cricket, and how the husband (a failed cricketer) trains his wife to become a professional cricketer. The movie is Sharan Sharma's second directorial after 'Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl' and is penned by Nikhil Mehrotra and Sharan Sharma. Along with Jahnvi and Rajkumar Rao, Zarina Wahab and Yamini Das portray pivotal roles.
2. Hit List
Release date: May 31
Directed by Surya Kathir and Karthikeyan 'Hit List' is an action-packed thriller. Much of the plot has been kept under wraps but the movie features a stellar cast including Sarathkumar, Vijay Kanishka, Gautham Vasudev, Sithara and Redin Kingsley among others. The Tamil film is produced by actor–director K.S Ravikumar.
3. Chhota Bheem and the Curse of Damyaan
Release date: May 31
After the release of the animated movie 'Chhota Bheem and the Curse of Damyaan' in 2012, the team is back with a live-action movie of the same. The plot revolves around the brave, laddoo-loving Bheem and his friends who embark on a journey to defeat the evil demon Damyaan and restore peace to their kingdom. Chhota Bheem is played by Yagya Bhasin along with Anupam Kher, Makarand Deshpande, and Sanjay Bishnol among others. The live-action movie is directed by Rajiv Chilaka and produced by Megha Chilaka.
4. The Strangers: Chapter 1
Release date: May 31
'The Strangers: Chapter 1' is the third instalment of 'The Strangers' franchise. Madelaine Petsch and Froy Gutierrez essay the role of a couple whose car breaks down in an eerie town and is forced to stay in a cabin. Things take a turn when they encounter three masked strangers and are forced to fight for their survival. Directed by Renny Harlin, the psychological horror movie promises to be a spine-chilling experience. The fourth instalment of 'The Stranger' series is expected to be released this year.
5. Garudan
Release date: May 31
The highly anticipated, Vetrimaran-penned 'Garudan' features a star-studded cast. Soori takes the lead role along with Sasikumar and Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan. According to the trailer, Sasikumar and Unni Mukundan are childhood friends and Soori is a loyalist who works under Unni. The two friends face problems from their enemies and Soori steps in to protect his master. The movie focuses on themes of loyalty, trust and friendship. Directed by Durai Senthilkumar, the movie features Samuthirakani, Mottai Rajendran, and Mime Gopi in pivotal roles.
OTT RELEASES
1. Panchayat: Season 3
Release date: May 28
Streaming platform: Amazon Prime Video
The much-praised 'Panchayat' series is all set for another season. Season 2 ended at a cliffhanger where Abhishek the Phulera Panchayat secretary gets transferred and Rahul, the son of the Deputy Pachayat chief dies. Season 3 looks into how Abhishek struggles between his aspirations and Panchayat Pradhan Manju Devi's challenges in bringing developments to the village. Early fan reviews suggest that season 3 has already lived up to the previous season's expectations. Fans praise the series makers for balancing humour and social issues without going overboard. Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Durgesh Kumar, and Raghubir Yadav play pivotal roles.
2. Die Hart 2: Die Harter
Release date: May 30
Streaming platform: Amazon Prime Video
'Die Hart 2: Die Harter' is a play on 'Die Hard 2: Die Harder', the movie is a sequel to the comedy series 'Die Hart'. The plot revolves around Kevin Hart who plays a fictionalised version of himself where he is determined to play the lead role of a fictional movie 'Die Hart 3'. Nathalie Emmanuel and John Cena play pivotal roles in the movie. The one-and-a-half-hour-long movie promises to be a fun and action-packed comedy along with a blend of action sequences and Kevin Hart's signature comedic style.
3. Eric
Release date: May 30
Streaming platform: Netflix
Oscar nominee Benedict Cumberbatch is all set to play Vincent in this Netflix series. The thriller looks into the life of a renowned puppeteer essayed by Cumberbatch who is on a quest for his missing nine-year-old son. In a Netflix interview, series creator Abi Morgan says “Eric is a dark and crazy journey into the heart of ’80s New York — and the good, bad, and ugly world of Vincent”.
4. The First Omen
Release date: May 30
Streaming platform: Disney plus Hotstar
The sixth instalment of the Omen franchise and a prequel to the 1976 classic, 'The First Omen' looks into the life of a young woman who wants to devote her life to the church. On her journey, she encounters darkness which later brings about the antichrist. While facing her deadliest fears, she is forced to question her faith. Nell Tiger essays the role of Margaret along with Maria Caballero and Ralph Ineson. When asked about her experience, Nell Tiger responded by saying, "I love horror, so getting to do this movie has been a real dream for me, honestly."
5. Swatantrya Veer Savarkar
Release date: May 28
Streaming platform: Zee5
Randeep Hooda's 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar' is a biopic of politician and activist Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The movie, directed by Randeep Hooda himself, delves into the life of the unsung hero V.D. Savarkar, exploring his views, ideologies, and efforts to throw out the British from India. Hooda claims he attempts to dissect the life of one of "the most misunderstood, debated, and influential among unsung heroes" through this biopic.
