Dhurandhar to Thamma and more: OTT & theatrical releases for what to watch this weekend

Dies Irae (JioCinema / Disney+ Hotstar)

Rahul Sadasivan returns with another unsettling horror narrative, and this time he builds a bridge between multiple films. Dies Irae stars Pranav Mohanlal and continues the grim world first seen in Bhoothakaalam. The film earned love during its theatrical run for sharp scares, immersive visuals, and a suffocating sense of dread. The tension doesn’t rely on basic jump scares but slowly creeps under the skin. Fans of the earlier film will especially enjoy spotting universe connections, though newcomers can jump in without confusion. If your idea of horror is slow-burn, haunting, atmospheric storytelling, this becomes an ideal pick.

Jay Kelly (Netflix)

Noah Baumbach brings another film wrapped in emotional realism, humour, and soft chaos. Jay Kelly features George Clooney and Adam Sandler, and the chemistry between them becomes one of the biggest highlights. The story follows a fading movie star and his longtime manager as they travel across Europe, confronting aging, regrets, love, and the strange idea of a public legacy. Clooney’s effortless charm blends beautifully with Sandler’s grounded acting style. With Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, and a handful of surprise cameos, this film feels like a warm, bittersweet hug. If you want something thoughtful yet comforting, add this to your queue.

A part of India Forum's review for the film reads, 'Jay Kelly is neither a pure satire nor a glossy celebration of fame. It sits somewhere in the space between melancholy and reflection, where glamour and exhaustion coexist. The film offers scattered brilliance, anchored performances, and a rich emotional undercurrent.'

Thamma (Prime Video – Rent / Free from December 16)

Craving something wacky, supernatural, and entertaining? Thamma dives into vampire folklore with humour and romance. Ayushmann Khurrana plays Alok, who falls in love with Tadaka, played by Rashmika Mandanna, only to discover that she has a centuries-old dark history attached to her. Nawazuddin Siddiqui brings mischief and mystery to the chaos. The film blends mythology, comedy, adventure, and romance without taking itself too seriously. It’s quirky, unusual, and perfect for viewers who want something imaginative and fun without heavy emotional investment.

Stephen (Netflix)

Stephen takes a darker shape, leaning into the psyche of a serial killer. What makes it stand out is the narrative structure: the story begins with a confession and then unravels the past in reverse. Gomathi Shankar, Smruti Venkat, and Michael lead the story with gritty performances. The film raises questions about upbringing, trauma, morality, and how violence is created, not just committed. The ending may divide viewers, but the journey stays gripping. If you enjoy tense psychological thrillers that make you think instead of just scare you, this fits the mood.

The Girlfriend (Netflix)

Rashmika Mandanna leads this emotional Telugu romantic drama centred around love that turns painful. The Girlfriend follows Bhooma, a woman who realises the relationship she believed was loving is slowly turning toxic and controlling. The storytelling feels real, and the emotional beats echo situations many may recognise or relate to. It’s raw, heartfelt, and offers a meaningful portrayal of self-worth and breaking away from emotional harm. A strong pick if you want something intense and relatable.

Kuttram Purindhavan: The Guilty One (Sony LIV)

This Tamil crime thriller series follows Bhaskar, a former government pharmacist whose attempt to help leads to a frightening investigation when a child disappears. Pasupathy delivers a striking performance, Vidaarth brings depth as the investigating officer, and Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli portrays a grieving mother fighting against helplessness. The series explores guilt, morality, and the consequences of well-intended mistakes. Ideal for viewers who enjoy investigative tension and layered drama.

Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (In Theatres)

The eerie animatronic world returns with more mystery and more emotional stakes. This sequel takes Abby Schmidt deeper into the secrets of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. Some call it heartfelt and surprisingly emotional, others view it as fun, chaotic horror. Either way, it continues the legacy that fans of the game adore. If you're looking for creepy entertainment in a theatre setting, this one works well.

Dhurandhar (In Theatres)

Ranveer Singh leads this high-octane spy thriller set during major real-world political incidents. Dhurandhar follows a prisoner recruited by RAW to infiltrate a mafia network operating out of Karachi. With Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal adding weight and intensity, this one leans heavily into geopolitics, covert missions, and emotional sacrifice. A must-watch for action lovers.

A part of India Forum's review for Dhurandhar reads, 'Dhurandhar is a rare contemporary commercial film that marries scale with craft and control with imagination. It does not behave like the action showpiece it was marketed as, and that becomes its biggest triumph. The film experiments without apology and trusts its audience enough to follow its unusual rhythm. It respects its own world and expects you to do the same. The length, the structure, the performances, the political undercurrent, the quiet pockets of emotion, and the bursts of merciless action all blend into something that feels satisfyingly different. If this is only the first chapter of Hamza's story, then the journey ahead is going to be one wild ride.'

Kalamkaval (In Theatres)

Mammootty headlines this Malayalam thriller set in the early 2000s. What seems like a case of communal violence slowly unravels into something far more disturbing as a pattern of missing women comes to light. Vinayakan adds raw tension to the narrative. It’s gritty, realistic, and emotionally sharp. If investigative dramas with social depth appeal to you, this makes a strong choice.