If you’re looking for something fresh to stream this weekend, OTT platforms have lined up a diverse selection of films across Hindi, Telugu and Malayalam. From the romantic chaos of Cocktail 2 and Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s action drama Maa Inti Bangaaram to the intense real-life-inspired Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, supernatural thriller Aroopi and the romantic mini-film Nijame Rujuvainadhi, here are five titles worth adding to your watchlist.
1. Cocktail 2 — Netflix
Directed by Homi Adajania, Cocktail 2 brings together Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna in a fresh romantic drama that explores love, loyalty and relationship complications. Shahid plays Kunal, a chef who has been in a long-term relationship with Diya (Rashmika), while Kriti plays Ally, Diya’s old friend. When Diya asks Ally to test Kunal’s loyalty by flirting with him, the seemingly harmless experiment takes an unexpected turn as genuine feelings enter the equation. The film, written by Luv Ranjan and Tarun Jain, received mixed reviews, with critics particularly divided over its screenplay and emotional depth, although Shahid and Kriti’s performances were widely appreciated.
2. Maa Inti Bangaaram — SonyLIV
Samantha Ruth Prabhu headlines Maa Inti Bangaaram, an action drama directed by Nandini Reddy. Samantha plays Swarna, a woman who enters a traditional household after marriage while hiding a dangerous past. When threats from her previous life resurface, she is forced to protect the very family that initially struggles to accept her. The film also stars Diganth Manchale, Gulshan Devaiah, Gautami, Sreemukhi and Anand, with Raj Nidimoru and Vasanth Maringanti among the writers and Santhosh Narayanan composing the music. The film emerged as a major commercial success, with the makers announcing that it crossed the ₹100-crore worldwide mark, making it a landmark for female-led Telugu cinema. The Hindi version is now available on SonyLIV.
3. Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata — ZEE5
Starring Kangana Ranaut, Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata revisits the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks from the perspective of the medical workers at Cama Hospital, focusing on the people who continued treating patients while the city was under attack. Kangana plays nurse Geeta, with Girija Oak, Smita Tambe, Prasad Oak and Priya Arun Berde among the supporting cast. Written and directed by Manoj Tapadia, the medical drama attempts to highlight a lesser-explored side of the tragedy rather than concentrating solely on the terrorists and security forces. The film had a lukewarm theatrical run, but critics praised its compelling subject and Kangana’s performance. The Indian Express gave it 3/5 and called it a gripping film led by a resurgent Kangana.
4. Aroopi — Prime Video
For horror fans, Aroopi offers a supernatural thriller rooted in folklore. Directed and written by Abhilash Warrier, the film stars Vysakh Ravi, Neha Chawla, Sakshi Badala and Joy Mathew, with Sindhu Varma, Kannan Sagar and others in supporting roles. The story revolves around a vengeful Yakshini who has been sealed inside a doll at the Aryanattu estate. When two thieves accidentally unleash the entity, a violent incident brings Niranjan, the last surviving heir of the family, back to his ancestral home, where he must confront an ancient curse and the dark secrets surrounding his lineage. Gopi Sundar composed the music, while Aman handled cinematography and Vineeth VT edited the film. The movie has drawn attention for its supernatural premise, folklore elements, atmosphere and technical presentation.
5. Nijame Rujuvainadhi — ETV Win
Nijame Rujuvainadhi is a Telugu romantic mini-film that revolves around two people whose love is tested when an unexpected turn of events separates them. The story follows their emotional journey as they deal with hardship, separation and the hope of finding their way back to each other. Kalyan Padala and Viyana headline the project, with K. Prakash Reddy serving as the writer, director and cinematographer. Produced by Jayamma Reddy, the film is part of ETV Win’s mini-film lineup and marks Kalyan Padala’s acting debut following his stint on Bigg Boss Telugu. Streaming from August 14, the compact romantic drama could be an easy pick for viewers looking for a short, emotionally driven watch rather than a conventional feature film.
