Ajith Kumar’s Vidaamuyarchi, inspired by the 1997 film Breakdown, will hit the big screens this weekend. Meanwhile, the Academy Award-nominated short film Anuja, chronicling the story of a gifted nine-year-old, will hit Netflix on February 5.
OTT RELEASES
Anuja
Streaming platform: Netflix
Release date: February 5
Anuja, an Oscar-nominated short film, follows the story of two poor sisters. Anuja is a gifted nine-year-old, who scraps for pennies working at a garment factory with her sister, Palak. When she gets an opportunity to go to school, she is worried about the fate of her sister. Directed by Adam J. Graves, the short film features Sajda Pathan, Ananya Shanbhag, Nagesh Bhonsle, Gulshan Walia, and Sushil Parwana.
Mrs.
Streaming platform: Zee5
Release date: February 7
Inspired by the Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen, Mrs. delves into the theme of patriarchy. The film revolves around newlywed Richa, who is confined to act as a servant to her new husband and in-laws. Despite her passion for dancing, no one is ready to take Richa seriously, putting a dent in her relationship with her husband. Directed by Arati Kadav, the film stars Sanya Malhotra, Nishant Dahiya, Siya Mahajan, and Kanwaljeet Singh.
The Mehta Boys
Streaming platform: Amazon Prime Video
Release date: February 7
After the loss of his mother, architect Amay is forced to spend two days with his stubborn father. The film delves into the complex relationship between father and son and how they navigate their emotions. Directed by and starring Boman Irani, the film also features Avinash Tiwary, Shreya Chaudhry, and Puja Sarup.
The Greatest Rivalry: India vs Pakistan
Streaming platform: Netflix
Release date: February 7
United by the love of the game but divided by borders, this documentary will highlight one of the fiercest cricket rivalries between India and Pakistan. Featuring interviews with legends like Virender Sehwag, Sourav Ganguly and Shoaib Akhtar paired with archival footage, the documentary will highlight the competition produced by the good game.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Streaming platform: Netflix
Release date: February 6
Belle Gibson desperately wants to be famous. In a bid to seek attention, she fakes a cancer diagnosis and shares it on social media along with health tips that her avid followers eat up. When her friend, who also supposedly suffers from the same, sees Belle as competition, she aims to expose her. Created by Samantha Strauss, the limited series stars Kaitlyn Dever, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Aisha Dee, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, and Mark Coles Smith.
Kinda Pregnant
Streaming platform: Netflix
Release date: February 5
After her friend announces her pregnancy, Lainy gets severe FOMO and begins wearing a fake pregnancy belly around the city to pretend she’s expecting. Everything seems to go well until she meets the man of her dreams, but continues with the lie. Directed by Tyler Spindel, the film features Amy Schumer, Jillian Bell, Will Forte, Damon Wayans Jr., and Brianne Howey.
Game Changer
Streaming platform: Amazon Prime Video
Release date: February 7
Short-tempered IAS officer Ram Nandan takes on the onus to fight against the corrupt political system. With an aim to bring his father’s vision to life, he must do what it takes to get Andhra Pradesh back to an uncorrupted state. Directed by S. Shankar, the film stars Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, S.J. Suryah, Sunil, and Jayaram.
THEATRE RELEASES
Vidaamuyarchi
Release date: February 6
Inspired by the 1997 Jonathan Mostow film Breakdown, Vidaamuyarchi follow the story of Arjun, and his wife Kayal. When Kayal is kidnapped by a dangerous gang in Azerbaijan, Arjun will stop at nothing to rescue her. Directed by Magizh Thirumeni, the film features Ajith Kumat, Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Sarja, Regina Cassandra, and Arav.
Thandel
Release date: February 7
Inspired by a real incident, Thandel follows the story of a fisherman from Srikakulam, who while on a routine fishing trip, accidentally drifts into Pakistani waters. The film explores Srikakulam’s bravery when he is caught by the Pakistani authorities. Directed by Chandoo Mondeti, the film stars Naga Chaitanya, Sai Pallavi, Prakash Belawadi, Karunakaran, and Kalpa Latha.
Narayaneente Moonnanmakkal
Release date: February 7
The film revolves around the three sons of Narayani Amma. When Baskhar, her youngest, returns to their ancestral home after many years, old family drama resurfaces, while new issues concerning the will and property are brought up. Directed by Sharan Venugopal, the film features Joju George, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Alencier Ley Lopez, Garggi Ananthan, and Sajitha Madathil.
Badass Ravi Kumar
Release date: February 7
A spin-off of the 2014 film The Xposé, Ravi Kumar returns to a retro 1980s setting. This masala thriller follows Ravi Kumar as he faces off against his 10 greatest foes. Directed by Keith Gomes, the features stars Himesh Reshammiya, Prabhu Deva, Kirti Kulhari, Simona J, and Saurabh Sachdeva.
Conclave
Release date: February 7
Based on Robert Harris’ 2016 novel of the same name, the story follows Cardinal Lawrence, dean of the College of Cardinals, who must oversee the election of the next pope. The task at hand is not easy as he tries to sift through the five preferred candidates but finds secrets hidden deep within. Directed by Edward Berger, the film stars Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini.
Loveyapa
Release date: February 7
Remake of Tamil film Love Today, the story follows lovers who are asked to swap their phones for 24 hours. Their lives unravel when they each uncover hidden secrets – from texting random girls on Tinder to one-sided affection shared by a friend. Directed by Advait Chandan, the film stars Khushi Kapoor, Junaid Khan, Ashutosh Rana, and Kiku Sharda.