Border 2, Tere Ishk Mein & more: OTT & theatrical releases for what to watch this weekend

Whether you prefer curling up at home with a gripping series or stepping out to the theatres for a big screen spectacle, the options are plenty and varied.

Published: Saturday,Jan 24, 2026 11:51 AM GMT+05:30

Divya Shah

Cheekatilo (Amazon Prime Video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JICVtGTDQqI

Telugu cinema steps into the true crime space with Cheekatilo, a dark and emotionally charged thriller led by Sobhita Dhulipala. She plays a true crime podcaster whose life takes a disturbing turn after the sudden and mysterious death of her close friend. What begins as personal grief soon becomes a dangerous investigation when she starts connecting the dots to a serial killer operating under the radar.

The film does more than chase suspense. It quietly examines silence, survival, and how women are often forced to endure violence without being heard. Director Sharan Koppisetty keeps the tone grounded and tense, letting the story unfold with restraint rather than shock value.

Gustaakh Ishq (JioHotstar)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWirjskTBqg

Set in the 1990s, Gustaakh Ishq is a period romance that leans heavily on poetry, longing, and moral conflict. Vijay Varma plays Nawabuddin Saifuddin Rahman, a young man determined to revive his late father’s old printing press. His journey takes him to Punjab in search of a celebrated but withdrawn poet, Aziz Beg, portrayed by Naseeruddin Shah.

As Nawabuddin tries to convince Aziz to publish his unreleased work, he finds himself falling for the poet’s daughter Minni, played by Fatima Sana Shaikh. The romance is tender but complicated, caught between ambition, loyalty, and love. Directed by Vibhu Puri and produced by Manish Malhotra, the film is slow, lyrical, and steeped in old world charm, making it ideal for viewers who enjoy emotional storytelling over fast paced drama.

Tere Ishk Mein (Netflix)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AJsFRNJGZ8

After a steady theatrical run, Tere Ishk Mein arrives on streaming this weekend. Starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon, the film explores a relationship shaped by anger, vulnerability, and unresolved history. Dhanush plays Shankar, a hot headed Flight Lieutenant, while Kriti essays Mukti, a psychologist who once shared a complicated romantic past with him.

Their lives collide unexpectedly, forcing them to confront old wounds and emotional truths they had buried. While the film received mixed reactions for its writing, performances were widely praised, especially Dhanush’s intense portrayal. For viewers who enjoy character driven romances with flawed people at the centre, this one is worth a watch.

Mark (JioHotstar)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzxmSofd5kk

Kannada action thriller Mark brings Kichcha Sudeepa back in a powerful lead role. Directed and written by Vijay Kartikeyaa, the film blends action with a layered narrative that slowly reveals its stakes. Released theatrically in December, it now makes its digital debut for a wider audience.

The story follows a man pulled into a dangerous web of violence and secrets, where every decision comes at a cost. With a strong central performance and slick action sequences, Mark caters to fans of intense, no nonsense thrillers who enjoy larger than life screen presence.

Mastiii 4 (ZEE5)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m43HC9T9YM8

The popular adult comedy franchise returns with Mastiii 4, bringing back its original trio, Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, and Aftab Shivdasani as Amar, Prem, and Meet. This time, the three men manage to convince their wives to give them a one-week “love visa” to live out their wild fantasies.

As expected, things spiral quickly when their wives decide to use the same freedom, leading to chaos, misunderstandings, and comic disasters. While the film did not impress critics during its theatrical release, it may still find an audience on streaming among fans of loud, unapologetic comedy that takes itself seriously.

Space Gen: Chandrayaan (JioHotstar)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eshqiwiA9sA

Based on real events, Space Gen: Chandrayaan is a five-episode dramatised series that traces India’s lunar journey from failure to triumph. The show focuses on the period between Chandrayaan 2 and the historic success of Chandrayaan 3, highlighting the emotional and professional resilience of ISRO scientists.

Starring Nakuul Mehta, Shriya Saran, and Gopal Datt, the series humanises science by showing the people behind the missions, their doubts, pressure, and quiet determination.

Border 2 (Theatres)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZGfCK1yTTI

The long-awaited sequel to the iconic war film arrives in cinemas this weekend. Border 2 expands its canvas beyond a single battleground, showcasing a multi-front conflict during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The ensemble cast includes Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty.

The film brings together the Army, Air Force, and Navy, aiming for scale, emotion, and patriotic fervour. While comparisons with the original are inevitable, this instalment attempts to tell a broader story of sacrifice and strategy. It is designed for the big screen and best experienced in theatres.

Mercy (Theatres)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSS4yqd0x6o

Set in a near future Los Angeles, Mercy blends science fiction with courtroom drama and high stakes suspense. Chris Pratt plays Detective Chris Raven, a man accused of murdering his wife. His fate rests in the hands of an advanced AI judge, portrayed by Rebecca Ferguson, which he once helped support.

With just ninety minutes to prove his innocence before execution, the film raises unsettling questions about justice, technology, and morality. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov, Mercy is fast paced, tense, and timely, appealing to viewers who enjoy futuristic thrillers with ethical dilemmas.

Marty Supreme (Theatres)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI6-qKhzTt8

Inspired by the life of American table tennis champion Marty Reisman, Marty Supreme is set in the 1950s and follows the journey of a fiercely ambitious young man chasing sporting greatness. The film captures the grit, obsession, and personal cost that often comes with competitive success.

Rather than focusing only on victories, the story explores the mindset of a man driven by hunger and defiance. It is a quieter theatrical release this weekend but one that sports drama enthusiasts may find rewarding.

Chatha Pacha (Theatres)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91DEU2N_dD8

Malayalam cinema brings an energetic mix of action and comedy with Chatha Pacha. Directed by Adhvaith Nayar, the film follows three brothers who start a locally run, underground wrestling promotion inspired by WWE in Fort Kochi.

Starring Arjun Ashokan, Roshan Mathew, Vishak Nair, and Ishan Shoukath, the film balances humour, chaos, and brotherhood. With music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy and positive early reception, it stands out as a fun theatrical option that does not take itself too seriously.

Primate (Theatres)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-09M173rT8

For horror lovers, Primate offers a survival story set against a tropical backdrop. The film follows a family vacation that turns terrifying after an adopted chimpanzee is bitten by a rabid animal and becomes violently unpredictable.

Directed by Johannes Roberts, the film mixes natural horror with emotional tension, making the threat feel disturbingly real. With strong performances and a contained setting, Primate has already made an impact at the box office and continues its run this weekend.

Baby Girl (Theatres)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrSnUQc8RHw

Nivin Pauly returns to the thriller genre with Baby Girl, a film that begins with the disappearance of a newborn from a hospital in Thiruvananthapuram on Christmas Eve. As police investigate, suspicion falls on several individuals, including Sanal Mathew, a hospital staff member who launches his own search for the truth.

The film slowly peels back layers of motive and guilt, keeping the focus on human behaviour rather than shock. Also starring Lijomol, Sangeeth Prathap, and Mythili, and directed by Arun Varma, it is a tense watch for viewers who enjoy grounded investigative dramas.

The History of Sound (Theatres)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=od0zqfDrDrY

Set in the early twentieth century, The History of Sound is a quiet, deeply emotional period romance. The film follows Lionel and David, two men who meet at a music conservatory in 1917 and later travel through rural Maine recording folk songs after World War I.

Starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, the film is about memory, love, and the way sound preserves human experience. Releasing in India this weekend, it is best suited for viewers who appreciate slow cinema and intimate storytelling.

Pick your screen, choose your story, and settle in for a packed weekend of entertainment.

TL;DR

This weekend brings a packed slate of new releases across theatres and OTT platforms. From Sobhita Dhulipala’s gripping Telugu crime thriller Cheekatilo and Vijay Varma’s poetic romance Gustaakh Ishq to big screen spectacles like Border 2 and sci-fi thriller Mercy, viewers can choose from romance, action, history, horror, and inspiring true stories, all releasing on January 23, this weekend promises entertainment for every audience everywhere.