OTT & theatrical releases from 'War 2', to 'Coolie' and more: What to watch this weekend?

This Independence Day weekend, your watchlist is set to explode with variety. Whether you’re booking a seat for a big-screen spectacle or staying home for a streaming marathon, the choices are as diverse as they are exciting. Stories of courage, justice, survival, and mystery are ready to unfold, from the adrenaline of spy missions to the haunting shadows of supernatural horror. Here’s the complete line-up of releases between August 13 and 15, and why they might just be the perfect pick for your long weekend.

War 2 (In Theatres)

Ayan Mukerji steps into the spy universe with War 2, bringing Hrithik Roshan back as the razor-sharp Special Units Officer Vikram, this time pitted against N. T. Rama Rao Jr., who joins the YRF Spy Universe as a formidable new presence. Kiara Advani adds an emotional edge to the drama, while Ashutosh Rana and Anil Kapoor lend weight with their seasoned performances. The story follows Vikram’s hunt for Kabir Dhaliwal, a former Indian intelligence agent turned deadly adversary, unfolding in a whirlwind of tactical warfare, personal vendettas, and globe-spanning intrigue. With Mukerji’s eye for scale and style, expect stunts that defy gravity, set pieces that blur the line between realism and spectacle, and a continuation of the spy saga that redefined Bollywood action.

Coolie (In Theatres)

Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for his gritty cinematic worlds, teams up with the one and only Rajinikanth for Coolie, set in a coastal port town where workers are crushed under the thumb of a corrupt syndicate. Rajinikanth plays a mysterious figure who rises against the exploitation, igniting a war for dignity and justice. The ensemble is a powerhouse, Nagarjuna brings his trademark intensity, Aamir Khan makes a rare and intriguing Tamil appearance, and Shruti Haasan delivers a performance that balances strength and vulnerability.

With supporting turns from Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Sathyaraj, and others, the film is as much about community resilience as it is about explosive action. Kanagaraj’s signature blend of emotional storytelling and bone-rattling set pieces ensures that Coolie will feel both intimate and epic.

Court Kacheri – Sony LIV | August 13

Directed with warmth and wit, Court Kacheri stars Pawan Malhotra as a seasoned lawyer whose son, played by Ashish Verma, is trying to carve out his own path in the chaotic world of rural district courtrooms. Puneet Batra adds charm as a fellow legal hopeful. The show captures the quirks of small-town India while delivering tense courtroom exchanges, mixing humour with hard truths about ambition, family legacy, and the justice system. It’s a series that swings easily between laughter and lump-in-the-throat moments, with performances that feel grounded and instantly familiar. Our review for the show reads, "For viewers expecting a high-stakes, twist-heavy legal drama, this might feel understated. But for those open to a smaller, character-driven story, it offers a few rewarding moments. The lack of a neatly tied-up ending might frustrate some, but it stays true to the idea that not all conflicts legal or personal end with a clear verdict."

Tehran – ZEE5 | August 14

John Abraham takes centre stage as ACP Rajeev Kumar in Tehran, directed by Arun Gopalan and produced by Dinesh Vijan. The film dives into the shadowy corridors of geopolitics, drawing from the 2012 attacks on Israeli diplomats and broader tensions between Iran and Israel. Neeru Bajwa plays Sheilaja, a woman whose loyalty and bravery shape the mission, while Manushi Chhillar impresses as SI Divya Rana. Madhurima Tuli rounds out the cast, each character adding to the web of alliances and betrayals. The result is a taut, high-stakes political thriller where every revelation feels like pulling a thread that could unravel the entire operation.

Saare Jahan Se Achha – Netflix | August 13

In this Netflix original series, Pratik Gandhi transforms into a sharp, determined Indian spy operating in the turbulent 1970s. Directed with a meticulous sense of period detail, the show follows his dangerous mission across enemy lines to sabotage a nuclear programme. Alongside him are Sunny Hinduja, Suhail Nayyar, and Kritika Kamra, while Tillotama Shome and Rajat Kapoor lend gravitas to the espionage drama. The series balances the grit of covert operations with moments of quiet patriotism, creating a spy thriller that’s as emotionally resonant as it is suspenseful.

Andhera – Amazon Prime Video | August 14

Produced by Farhan Akhtar and directed by Raghav Dar, Andhera is a chilling eight-episode horror series that follows Inspector Kalpana Kadam, played with steely resolve by Surveen Chawla, and Jay, a medical student portrayed by Karanvir Malhotra. The duo’s search for a missing girl takes unexpected turns as eerie, inexplicable events start to creep into their investigation. Prajakta Koli and Priya Bapat add layers to the unfolding mystery, and the show’s slow-burn dread builds until it’s almost suffocating. This is horror rooted in atmosphere and tension rather than cheap scares, making it perfect for those who like their fear to linger.

Night Always Comes – Netflix | August 15

Adapted from the acclaimed novel, this tense American crime thriller drops you into the life of a young woman whose fight to save her home leads her deep into the criminal underworld. The performances are raw, the stakes are crushingly real, and the pacing ensures you’re never more than a heartbeat away from the next bad decision. It’s not a story of neat resolutions—it’s survival stripped to its bones, making for a compelling and nerve-jangling watch.

Limitless: Live Better Now – JioHotstar | Coming Soon

Chris Hemsworth trades the hammer for high-stakes real-world challenges in this follow-up to 2022’s Limitless. National Geographic takes him from scaling a frozen 600-foot wall in the Swiss Alps to intense drills with South Korean Special Forces, even putting him on stage to play drums at an Ed Sheeran concert. Each segment is grounded in science-backed research on how to extend both the quality and quantity of life. With Hemsworth’s mix of charm and grit, it’s as much a travel adventure as it is a personal growth journey.

JSK – Janaki V v/s State of Kerala – ZEE5 | August 14

Written and directed by Pravin Narayanan, this Malayalam legal drama tells the story of Janaki Vidhyadharan, portrayed with heartbreaking honesty by the lead actress, whose visit to her hometown spirals into a nightmare when she’s sexually assaulted. The courtroom battle that follows becomes even more complex when a highly experienced lawyer steps in to defend the accused, blurring the lines between truth, strategy, and justice. With its unflinching portrayal of a survivor’s fight, the film refuses easy answers, instead offering a layered, thought-provoking experience.

If your idea of the perfect weekend involves the big-screen thrill of action spectacles, War 2 delivers with star power and scale, while Coolie offers a gritty, socially charged ride. For patriotic chills, Saare Jahan Se Achha and Tehran keep the Independence Day mood alive with stories of espionage and national grit. Horror lovers can dive into the unsettling world of Andhera, while those craving grounded human drama should check out Night Always Comes. If courtroom stories intrigue you, you’ll find both lighthearted charm in Court Kacheri and unflinching intensity in JSK. And if you’re after inspiration, Limitless: Live Better Now brings adventure and life lessons in equal measure.

This Independence Day weekend offers a cinematic buffet where every dish tells a different story, of resilience, rebellion, justice, or survival. Whether you’re watching Hrithik Roshan and N. T. Rama Rao Jr. face off in War 2, joining Rajinikanth’s fight in Coolie, uncovering political intrigue in Tehran, feeling the patriotic pulse of Saare Jahan Se Achha, or braving the chills of Andhera, there’s no shortage of worlds to get lost in. So book those tickets, set up your streaming queue, and let the long weekend be a celebration of stories as much as of the nation.