What to watch this weekend: OTT & theatrical releases from 'Mandala Murders' to 'Sarzameen' & more

The Fantastic Four: First Steps (In Theatres)

Genre: Superhero, Sci-Fi

Language: English

Why Watch: MCU Reboot with a Retro Twist

Marvel fans, rejoice! The Fantastic Four have finally stepped into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Directed by Matt Shakman, this reboot breathes new life into the legendary superhero team with an exciting 1960s retro-futuristic vibe.

Featuring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, the film pits the iconic team against the colossal cosmic threat, Galactus, voiced by Ralph Ineson. The stunning production design, combined with time-warp aesthetics and emotional depth, gives this entry a unique flavor. Whether you're an MCU loyalist or a first-timer, this is a cinematic event worth watching on the big screen.

Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1 – Sword vs Spirit (In Theatres)

Genre: Historical Action-Adventure

Language: Telugu (with dubs available)

Why Watch: Epic Mughal-era Heist Story with Action & Grandeur

For fans of grand Indian period dramas, Hari Hara Veera Mallu is an action-packed ride into the 17th-century Mughal Empire. With Pawan Kalyan in the lead, the story follows Veera Mallu, a legendary outlaw on a daring mission to steal the Koh-i-Noor diamond from the Mughals to save an oppressed city.

Directed by Krish Jagarlamudi, the film features Bobby Deol, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Nora Fatehi in crucial roles. Though it has received mixed reviews, praised for its high-octane action and criticized for uneven VFX, the film promises a lavish theatrical experience. Historical fiction lovers and fans of larger-than-life storytelling shouldn’t miss this one.

Mahavatar Narsimha (In Theatres)

Genre: Mythological, Animated

Language: Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam

Why Watch: India's First 3D Animated Vishnu Avatar Series

For families and mythology lovers, Mahavatar Narsimha offers a spiritual journey wrapped in cutting-edge animation. This 3D film chronicles the iconic story of Narasimha, the half-lion, half-man avatar of Lord Vishnu, and his epic battle with the demon Hiranyakashipu.

Produced by Kleem Productions and Hombale Films, this is the first installment in a new mythological series and sets the tone with dazzling visuals and devotion-driven storytelling. A great pick for a family outing, especially with kids.

So Long Valley (In Theatres)

Genre: Crime Thriller

Language: Hindi

Why Watch: Chilling Mystery Set in the Scenic Hills of Manali

If you enjoy layered thrillers with dark secrets, So Long Valley is your next watch. Set against the misty backdrop of Himachal Pradesh, the film follows Inspector Suman Negi (Tridha Choudhury) and Dev (Man Singh) as they investigate a disturbing kidnapping case that quickly spirals into something far more sinister.

The film teases you with multiple twists, keeping the line between perpetrator and victim blurred. It’s a grounded, atmospheric crime drama, perfect for those who enjoy slow-burn mysteries.

Rangeen (Streaming on Amazon Prime Video)

Genre: Adult Comedy-Drama

Language: Hindi

Why Watch: Bold, Funny, and Unpredictable Revenge Tale

In a world of predictable love stories, Rangeen is refreshingly different. Viineet Kumar Singh stars as Adarsh, a small-town newspaper editor whose life takes a bizarre turn after discovering his wife's affair—with a gigolo. His solution? Become one himself.

This dark comedy is both hilarious and heartbreaking, exploring masculinity, betrayal, and self-worth. With strong performances by Rajshri Deshpande and Taruk Raina, Rangeen is provocative but honest. Stream it if you're looking for something unconventional with bite and brains.

Mandala Murders (Streaming on Netflix)

Genre: Mystery Thriller

Language: Hindi

Why Watch: Vaani Kapoor’s OTT Debut in a Chilling Murder Series

Vaani Kapoor makes her streaming debut with Mandala Murders, a gripping thriller set in the fictional town of Charandaspur. Co-starring Vaibhav Raj Gupta and Surveen Chawla, this atmospheric series follows two detectives investigating a string of eerie, ritualistic killings linked to an underground secret society.

Directed by Gopi Puthran and Manan Rawat, the series adds spiritual symbolism and mythology to its murder mystery template. If you're into shows like Sacred Games or Paatal Lok, this one might just be your next obsession.

An excerpt from the India Forums review read, "Some shows whisper mystery into your ears. Mandala Murders screams it while throwing yantras, cult chants, ritualistic corpses, and dramatic monologues at you with wild theatrical flair. It wants to be the next obsession on your streaming list, the kind you binge and then discuss in conspiratorial whispers at dinner parties."

Sarzameen (Streaming on JioHotstar)

Genre: Emotional Action Thriller

Language: Hindi

Why Watch: Family, Patriotism, and Pain in a Taut Kashmir Tale

Directed by debutant Kayoze Irani and produced by Dharma Productions, Sarzameen stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Kajol, and Ibrahim Ali Khan in a soul-stirring tale of divided loyalties. The plot follows Colonel Vijay Menon (Prithviraj) as he discovers that his estranged son has joined a militant group in Kashmir, plunging the family into turmoil.

Packed with emotion, action, and conflict, Sarzameen is not your typical war movie. It’s a heart-wrenching exploration of what happens when personal and national duties collide. Worth watching for both its message and performances.

An excerpt of the India Forums review read, "Produced under the banner of Dharma Productions, Sarzameen attempts to address an emotional and nationalistic conundrum without succumbing entirely to sentiment or spectacle. It is an earnest debut that deals with weighty themes through a familial lens. Its measured tone and strong performances allow for quiet reflection, even if the narrative could have ventured further into complexity."

Hunter Season 2 (Streaming on Amazon MX Player)

Genre: Action-Thriller Series

Language: Hindi

Why Watch: Suniel Shetty vs Jackie Shroff in a Battle of Wits and Bullets

Hunter returns with a bigger, bolder Season 2. Vikram (Suniel Shetty) believes his daughter is dead, until a mysterious call reveals she’s alive and in the hands of a dangerous man known as “The Salesman” (Jackie Shroff).

High on action, espionage, and emotional stakes, this season promises double the drama. With sleek production and high-energy performances, Hunter is a satisfying watch for lovers of gritty thrillers and edge-of-the-seat suspense.

Happy Gilmore 2 (Streaming on Netflix)

Genre: Sports Comedy

Language: English

Why Watch: 90s Nostalgia Meets Golf Madness with Adam Sandler

Adam Sandler returns in Happy Gilmore 2, the long-awaited sequel to his 1996 comedy classic. This time, Happy is older, grumpier, and back on the green, not for glory, but to fund his daughter's ballet school.

With Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller, and Christopher McDonald reprising their roles and new faces like Bad Bunny and Benny Safdie—the film is packed with laugh-out-loud moments, heart, and goofy sportsmanship. A perfect family-friendly comedy to end your weekend on a high note.

Kannappa (Streaming on Amazon Prime Video)

Genre: Devotional Drama

Language: Telugu (with subtitles/dubs)

Why Watch: Myth, Devotion & Visual Grandeur, Now at Home

Previously released in theatres, Kannappa is now streaming on Prime Video. The film tells the legend of Thinnadu, a tribal warrior who transforms into a devout follower of Lord Shiva after a life-altering spiritual awakening.

Featuring a massive ensemble cast including Vishnu Manchu, Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar, and Prabhas, Kannappa is visually rich and spiritually moving. While its theatrical run was underwhelming in terms of box office numbers, its second life on streaming could find the audience it deserves.