May Watchlist: 21 Movies and Shows You Cannot Miss on OTT and in Theaters

Raja Shivaji (May 1, Theatres)

Led by and directed by Riteish Deshmukh, Raja Shivaji positions itself as one of the most ambitious Indian historical films in recent times. The film explores the life, legacy, and military brilliance of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, focusing not just on battles but also on the strategy, governance, and emotional depth behind his rise.

With a massive ensemble cast which includes Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan and Sanjay Dutt among others, and a bilingual Marathi and Hindi release, the film clearly aims to balance authenticity with accessibility. The storytelling is expected to lean heavily into grandeur, with large-scale battle sequences, period detailing, and emotionally charged moments rooted in pride and identity.

Why it matters: This is not just a film, it is positioned as an event. Whether it fully lands or not, it will dominate conversations.

Ek Din (May 1, Theatres)

Produced by Aamir Khan and starring Junaid Khan alongside Sai Pallavi, Ek Din is the official remake of the Thai film One Day. The story revolves around fleeting connections, emotional timing, and a love that exists within a very specific window of time.

Sai Pallavi’s presence suggests a performance-driven narrative, likely grounded in subtlety rather than spectacle. The film is expected to lean into emotional vulnerability, exploring how relationships can be shaped by circumstances beyond control.

Why it matters: This is the counter-programming to big-scale cinema, offering a quieter but potentially more affecting experience.

Glory (May 1, Netflix)

Headlined by Pulkit Samrat, Divyenndu, Suvinder Vicky alongside Jannat Zubair, Kashmira Pardeshi and many more, Glory unfolds as a dysfunctional family drama wrapped inside a murder mystery, all set against the high-intensity world of boxing. The narrative thrives on interpersonal conflicts, hidden motives, and escalating tension.

The boxing backdrop adds a physical and metaphorical layer, where characters are constantly in combat, both inside and outside the ring. The ensemble cast suggests multiple narrative threads that slowly intersect.

Why it matters: This has the ingredients of a binge-heavy thriller that could build strong word-of-mouth if executed well.

Sapne vs Everyone Season 2 (May 1, Prime Video)

Created by and starring Ambrish Verma alongside Paramvir Cheema, the second season continues to follow two sharply contrasting journeys. One character navigates the unpredictable world of the film industry, while the other operates in the murky intersection of real estate and politics.

The storytelling remains grounded, focusing on ambition, compromise, and the cost of chasing success in systems that are inherently stacked.

Why it matters: It offers realism and relatability without losing narrative tension.

Undekhi The Final Battle (May 1, SonyLIV)

The final chapter of Undekhi builds toward a high-stakes confrontation between Papaji, played by Harsh Chhaya, and Rinku, played by Surya Sharma. The narrative is shaped by betrayal, loss, and shifting power dynamics within a criminal empire.

As Rinku breaks away from his mentor and charts his own path, the series dives deeper into the psychological and emotional consequences of crime and loyalty.

Why it matters: Long-running arcs finally pay off here, and the stakes are personal.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 (May 1, Netflix)

Nearly two decades after the original, Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci return to revisit the world of high fashion and media.

The sequel is expected to explore how the industry has evolved, while revisiting the dynamics that made the original so memorable.

Why it matters: Nostalgia meets contemporary relevance, which is a tricky but compelling combination.

Citadel Season 2 (May 6, Prime Video)

The global spy series returns with Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden continuing their high-stakes missions. The show expands its world-building, bringing in new threats, alliances, and geopolitical intrigue.

Known for its slick production and action-heavy storytelling, the second season is expected to raise the scale.

Why it matters: This is one of Prime Video’s flagship franchises with international appeal.

Krishnavataram Part 1 The Heart (May 7, Theatres)

The first chapter in a planned trilogy, this film reimagines the mythological journey of Lord Krishna. Starring Siddharth Gupta and Sushmitha Bhat, it aims to blend devotion with cinematic storytelling.

The ambition lies in building a long-form mythological universe, which is still relatively rare at this scale in Indian cinema.

Why it matters: It is attempting something structurally ambitious, not just visually.

Daadi Ki Shaadi (May 8, Theatres)

Featuring Neetu Kapoor, Kapil Sharma, Sadia Khateeb, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, this film revolves around a grandmother deciding to get married, turning family dynamics upside down.

The tone is light, humorous, and rooted in a novel premise that flips expectations around age and relationships.

Why it matters: It offers a rare concept-driven comedy in a crowded space.

Aakhri Sawal (May 8, theaters)

Starring Sanjay Dutt, Amit Sadh, and others, the film is set around the events of December 6, 1992, and explores politically and socially charged questions.

The narrative leans into intensity, with multiple perspectives shaping the central conflict.

Why it matters: This is a heavy, discussion-driven film.

Lukkhe (May 8, Prime Video)

Set in Chandigarh’s rap scene, the series stars Raashii Khanna and marks the acting debut of rapper King. It explores rivalry, ambition, and identity through music.

The show blends performance with storytelling, using music as both narrative device and emotional outlet.

Why it matters: It taps into a subculture rarely explored in mainstream Indian series.

Main Actor Nahin Hoon (May 8, Theatres)

A cross-cultural story connecting a struggling actor in Mumbai with a retired banker in Frankfurt through virtual acting lessons. The film explores loneliness, aspiration, and unexpected human connections and stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the lead role.

Why it matters: Smaller scale but potentially rich in emotional detail.

Mortal Kombat II (May 8, Theatres)

The sequel raises the stakes with Johnny Cage entering the arena, as Earthrealm faces a greater threat under Shao Kahn.

Known for its stylized violence and fan service, the film leans fully into spectacle.

Why it matters: Pure theatrical entertainment with franchise appeal.

The Punisher One Last Kill (May 12, JioHotstar)

Frank Castle attempts to leave behind his violent past but is pulled into another conflict. The narrative focuses on internal struggle as much as external action.

Why it matters: Character-driven storytelling with a darker tone.

Off Campus (May 13, Prime Video)

Adapted from Elle Kennedy’s work, the series stars Ella Bright and Belmont Cameli and explores a fake relationship between college students that slowly becomes real.

Why it matters: A familiar trope executed with youthful energy.

Moonwalk (May 14, Theatres)

Led by Prabhu Deva, this film blends dance, comedy, and narrative in a way that appeals across demographics.

Why it matters: Performance-driven entertainment with strong musical elements.

Pati Patni Aur Woh Do (May 15, Theatres)

Starring Ayushmann Khurrana with Wamiqa Gabbi, Rakul Preet Singh, and Sara Ali Khan, the film expands the chaos of relationships with multiple romantic complications.

Why it matters: A commercial entertainer built for wide appeal.

Berlin (May 15, Netflix)

The charismatic thief returns with a new heist involving a Da Vinci masterpiece, expanding the universe established earlier.

Why it matters: Stylish storytelling with global appeal.

Jack Ryan Ghost War (May 20, Prime Video)

John Krasinski returns as Jack Ryan, now dealing with a rogue black-ops unit and escalating geopolitical threats.

Why it matters: Consistent action storytelling with a strong lead.

Chand Mera Dil (May 22, Theatres)

Featuring Ananya Panday and Lakshya, this film revisits the classic Bollywood romance format, with a contemporary twist.

Why it matters: Romance remains a reliable crowd-puller.

Tera Yaar Hoon Main (May 22, Theatres)

Directed by Milap Milan Zaveri, the film is described as a modern love story with classic emotional beats.

Why it matters: It aims to blend nostalgia with current sensibilities.