What to watch this weekend: OTT & theatrical releases from 'Son of Sardaar 2' to 'Housefull 5' & more

Binge-worthy picks, big-screen blockbusters, and hidden gems you don’t want to miss! As the weekend rolls in, it’s time to set aside the stress, grab your popcorn, and dive into a world of gripping dramas, laugh-out-loud comedies, and heartwarming romances.

Whether you're lounging at home or heading to the theatres, this week’s entertainment roster offers something for every mood and taste. From Bollywood’s latest sequels and emotional sports tales to animated adventures and cult classics, we’ve rounded up the must-watch titles you should check out this weekend on streaming platforms or the big screen. Let’s dive in!

Housefull 5 (Streaming on Amazon Prime Video)

Genre: Comedy Thriller | Language: Hindi

After a star-studded theatrical run, Housefull 5 has finally dropped on Amazon Prime Video—and with not one but two alternate endings! Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, the fifth installment in the wildly popular Housefull franchise amps up the madness with a murder mystery twist aboard a luxurious cruise ship.

Starring Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, and a host of Bollywood biggies like Nana Patekar, Jackie Shroff, and Jacqueline Fernandez, the film is a chaotic ride filled with mistaken identities, flamboyant imposters, and over-the-top comic drama.

Why Watch: The film is a nostalgia-packed entertainer, ideal for fans of ensemble comedy and zany plots. Plus, the dual climax versions (Housefull 5A and 5B) make it worth rewatching.

Sitaare Zameen Par (Streaming on YouTube for Rs 100)

Genre: Sports Comedy Drama | Language: Hindi

Aamir Khan returns not just as an actor but also as a producer in Sitaare Zameen Par, a spiritual successor to his 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par. This time, he plays a suspended basketball coach forced to mentor a team of athletes with disabilities. Directed by R.S. Prasanna and also starring Genelia Deshmukh, this heartening tale is an official remake of the Spanish hit Champions.

Why Watch: A feel-good story with emotional depth, Sitaare Zameen Par is perfect for families and anyone who loves underdog stories. Aamir's nuanced performance adds extra weight to this inspirational journey.

Thammudu (Streaming on Netflix)

Genre: Sports Action | Language: Telugu

Here’s a blast from the past you don’t want to miss. The 1999 Pawan Kalyan starrer Thammudu has now landed on Netflix, giving younger viewers a chance to catch this cult classic and older fans a reason to rewatch it.

Directed by P. A. Arun Prasad, this high-energy film follows a carefree college guy who transforms into a kickboxer to avenge his brother’s defeat. Inspired by the American film Breaking Away, it became a blockbuster with its soundtrack turning into a sensation of its time.

Why Watch: For fans of sports films, sibling bonding, and vintage South Indian cinema. It’s also a cultural time capsule filled with 90s nostalgia.

My Oxford Year (Streaming on Netflix)

Genre: Romantic Comedy | Language: English

Looking for something cozy and romantic? My Oxford Year, starring Sofia Carson and Corey Mylchreest, is a sweet, slow-burn love story set against the dreamy backdrop of Oxford University. Based on Julia Whelan’s bestselling novel, the film follows an ambitious American student who ends up finding more than just academic success during her year abroad.

Why Watch: It’s a warm and thoughtful romance filled with poetic tension and grounded characters. If you're in the mood for an emotional yet feel-good watch, this is the one to cuddle up with.

Son of Sardaar 2 (In Theatres)

Genre: Comedy | Language: Hindi

Ajay Devgn is back in Son of Sardaar 2, a standalone sequel to his 2012 hit. Directed by Vijay Kumar Arora, this film follows a quirky plot where a man fakes being a war hero to help a young couple win over disapproving parents. Alongside Devgn, the cast includes Mrunal Thakur, Ravi Kishan, Sanjay Mishra, and the late Mukul Dev.

Why Watch: This desi comedy is full of eccentric characters, hilarious situations, and heartfelt moments. If you're in the mood for something light-hearted, this one's for you.

Dhadak 2 (In Theatres)

Genre: Romantic Drama | Language: Hindi

Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi star in Dhadak 2, a powerful love story that dares to talk about caste, privilege, and rebellion. A spiritual sequel to Dhadak (2018), this Shazia Iqbal directorial is also a remake of the critically acclaimed Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal.

Set in a law college, the film explores the consequences of an inter-caste friendship that blooms into love—and the violent opposition it faces.

Why Watch: It's a socially relevant, bold romance with strong performances and a raw, emotional core. If you’re drawn to layered storytelling and real-world themes, Dhadak 2 is essential viewing.

The Bad Guys 2 (In Theatres)

Genre: Animated Heist Comedy | Language: English

For the young and the young-at-heart, The Bad Guys 2 is a delightful sequel from DreamWorks Animation. The notorious criminal crew is back—this time teaming up with an all-female heist squad for one final job. Voices include Sam Rockwell, Awkwafina, Marc Maron, and Craig Robinson.

Why Watch: Hilarious, fast-paced, and brimming with visual flair, this film is a treat for families or animation lovers. There’s humor for adults too, so it makes a great weekend family outing.

The Naked Gun (In Theatres)

Genre: Action Comedy | Language: English

Liam Neeson leads The Naked Gun, a legacy sequel to the cult spoof franchise. This time, the focus shifts to the son of Lt. Frank Drebin as he fumbles his way through police work while trying to prevent the closure of the Police Squad.

The cast includes Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, and Danny Huston, and the film pays homage to the absurdist humor of its predecessors while giving it a fresh spin for new-age audiences.

Why Watch: If you're a fan of slapstick humor, over-the-top gags, and vintage-style parodies, this one's an absolute laugh riot. It’s a rare mix of action and absurdity done right.

Code of Silence (Streaming on Lionsgate Play)

Genre: Crime Drama | Language: English

This British series might be the most underrated pick of the week. Code of Silence follows a deaf civilian, played by Rose Ayling-Ellis, who uses her lip-reading skills to help the police. What begins as assistance soon turns into a deeper involvement in unraveling complex cases.

Created by Catherine Moulton, the show is a quiet yet powerful statement on inclusivity, ability, and intelligence, told without sensationalism.

Why Watch: For fans of smart, grounded crime dramas that respect their characters and challenge conventional storytelling. At just six episodes, it’s the perfect binge-watch for the weekend.

If you’re wondering where to start this weekend, here’s your ultimate viewing guide. For those looking to lighten up with some hearty laughs, Housefull 5 and Son of Sardaar 2 are your best bets. These comedy-packed films promise classic Bollywood madness, outrageous characters, and situations that will leave you in splits. But if your heart craves stories with emotional depth, then Sitaare Zameen Par, Dhadak 2, and My Oxford Year offer poignant, heartfelt journeys.

Whether it’s the triumph of underdogs, the complexities of caste and love, or a slow-burn romance set in Oxford, these films will tug at your emotions and leave a lasting impact. If thrill and originality are what excite you, look no further than Code of Silence, a nuanced British crime drama led by a deaf protagonist, or The Naked Gun, a witty action-comedy that revives the classic spoof genre with Liam Neeson at the helm.

Families and animation lovers should head straight to The Bad Guys 2, a high-energy heist caper that blends fun, chaos, and clever storytelling. And for those who want a nostalgic trip or are fans of sports dramas, Thammudu, the Telugu cult classic now on Netflix, is a total knockout. So, whether you’re planning a cozy movie night at home or a fun outing to the theatre, there’s a perfect pick waiting for you. Let the binge-fest begin and don’t forget to share your favourites. For more such updates, reviews, and recommendations, stay tuned to India Forums, your weekend, curated just right.