Key Points
- F1 The Movie (Apple TV+): Brad Pitt stars as a race driver returning after a fatal accident, featuring Javier Bardem and Kerry Condon
- Kantha (Netflix): Tamil period drama set in 1950s Madras with Dulquer Salmaan, Samuthirakani, and Rana Daggubati exploring guru-disciple rivalry and murder
- Three Roses Season 2 (Aha): Three friends’ business journey entangles with a dangerous gangster returning from France
- Saali Mohabbat (ZEE5): Radhika Apte plays a housewife turned prime suspect in a double murder investigation
- Single Papa (Netflix): Kunal Kemmu stars as a divorced father navigating solo parenting after adopting a child
- Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (Netflix) and Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour: The Final Show also debut this weekend
Apple TV+ kicks off the weekend with one of Hollywood’s most ambitious sports dramas, F1 The Movie, starring Brad Pitt as a veteran race driver whose life unravels after a fatal accident on the track. The film, directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), follows Pitt’s character as he gets a second chance to return to professional racing years later, facing physical limitations, psychological trauma, and a sport that has moved on without him.
The presence of Oscar-winner Javier Bardem as his team owner and Kerry Condon as his engineer adds dramatic weight to the high-speed narrative. Early buzz suggests the film features unprecedented real racing footage, with Pitt actually driving Formula 1 cars during filming at Silverstone and other iconic circuits. The production team worked closely with F1 officials to ensure authenticity, making this a must-watch for racing enthusiasts and drama lovers alike.
Tamil Epic and Telugu Thriller Dominate Regional Streaming
Netflix delivers one of its biggest Tamil releases of the year with Kantha, a period drama set in 1950s Madras that explores the complex dynamics of guru-disciple rivalry, ego clashes, and a gripping murder mystery. Dulquer Salmaan leads the cast as a devoted disciple whose loyalty is tested when his mentor, played by Samuthirakani, becomes embroiled in a scandalous crime. Rana Daggubati’s character, a British-influenced police officer, adds layers of tension as he investigates the murder while navigating post-colonial cultural complexities.
The series, spanning eight episodes, recreates the atmospheric charm of 1950s Madras through meticulous production design, from the costumes to the architecture. Critics who attended early screenings praise the show’s nuanced performances and its exploration of how traditional values collide with modern aspirations.
Meanwhile, Aha platform returns with Three Roses Season 2, promising even more thrills as the business journey of three close friends becomes dangerously entangled with a gangster returning from France. The new season raises the stakes, with the friends’ startup success attracting unwanted attention from international crime syndicates. The cat-and-mouse game between entrepreneurs and criminals creates a tense narrative that explores loyalty, betrayal, and survival in India’s competitive business landscape.
ZEE5 and Netflix Deliver Suspense and Heartfelt Drama
ZEE5 enters the weekend with Saali Mohabbat, a gripping suspense thriller that puts Radhika Apte in the spotlight as a seemingly ordinary housewife who suddenly becomes the prime suspect in a brutal double murder. The plot thickens as police officer Ratan Pandit, played by Divyenndu, delves deeper into the case, uncovering layers of deception that challenge his initial assumptions.
The series, set in contemporary Lucknow, uses its atmospheric old-city locations to create a claustrophobic tension. Apte’s performance has already generated Oscar buzz in early reviews, with critics highlighting her ability to convey vulnerability and menace simultaneously. The narrative structure, which reveals clues through multiple perspectives, keeps viewers guessing until the final episode.
Netflix counters with Single Papa, a light-hearted yet emotionally resonant series starring Kunal Kemmu as a divorced father who adopts a child and embarks on the challenging journey of solo parenting. The series balances humor with heartfelt moments, exploring modern family dynamics, societal judgment, and the unconditional love between a father and his adopted child. Kemmu’s natural comedic timing and dramatic depth make this a perfect weekend binge for those who enjoy family-centered storytelling with progressive themes.
Crime Mysteries and Musical Spectacles Round Out the Lineup
Netflix continues its crime thriller offerings with Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the latest installment in Rian Johnson’s acclaimed whodunit franchise. While details remain under wraps, early teasers suggest a new ensemble cast and a murder mystery set in a remote European location, promising the clever plotting and sharp dialogue that made the previous films critical and commercial successes.
Music fans can rejoice as Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour: The Final Show lands on streaming platforms, capturing the last performance of her record-breaking tour. The concert film includes exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, extended versions of her most popular songs, and emotional moments from the finale that had fans worldwide reaching for tissues.
For those seeking international content, the Spanish crime thriller City of Shadows arrives with its dark, atmospheric storytelling about corruption in Barcelona’s political elite. The series, which has already topped charts in Europe, combines elements of Nordic noir with Mediterranean passion, creating a compelling watch for fans of slow-burn investigative dramas.
Star Geo enters the fray with The Great Shamsuddin Family, a light-hearted series filled with humor, emotions, and relationships that offers a refreshing contrast to the weekend’s heavier thrillers. The show follows a quirky Muslim family navigating modern challenges while staying true to their traditions, providing both laughs and thoughtful commentary on contemporary Indian society.
A Festival for OTT Enthusiasts
Overall, this weekend promises to be a celebration for OTT enthusiasts, with platforms offering something for every taste. From the high-octane action of F1 to the historical depth of Kantha, from the suspense of Saali Mohabbat to the emotional journey of Single Papa, viewers face the delightful dilemma of choosing what to watch first. The diversity of content, spanning languages, genres, and formats, demonstrates how streaming platforms have transformed entertainment consumption, making quality content accessible to audiences across India and beyond.
