THEATRE RELEASES
1. Thankamani
Release date: March 7
After his last outing ‘Bandra’ failed to make an impact, Dileep is back with ‘Thankamani’, a movie based on real-life incidents. The film explores
an incident that rocked the rural hamlet of Thankamani in Kerala, which saw police baton charging and gunfire. Dileep portrays the character of Abel Joshua Mathan while Siddique, Neeta Pillai, Manoj K. Jayan, and Sudev Nair play significant characters.
2. Shaitaan
Release date: March 8
The highly-anticipated supernatural thriller ‘Shaitaan’, starring Ajay Devgn, Jyotika, and Madhavan, arrives in theatres this week. The filmmakers have kept the plot of the movie under wraps, but from the trailer, it appears to be a supernatural thriller. The movie also marks Jyotika’s comeback to Bollywood. Directed by Vikas Bahl and produced by Ajay Devgn, Jyoti Deshpande, Kumar Mangat Pathak, and Abhishek Pathak.
3. Karataka Damanaka
Release date: March 8
Dr Shiva Rajkumar and Prabhu Deva team up as two fraudsters who use their wit and disguises to lead a hedonistic life in this Kannada outing. Shiva Rajkumar plays the role of Karataka, and Prabhu Deva portrays Damanaka. Going by the trailer, this movie is going to be a fun ride.
The movie is directed by Yograj Bhat, known for directing ‘Mungaru Male’ and ‘Galipatta’. As for its quirky name, Yogiraj says, the title is inspired by the sly foxes from the Panchatantra tales.
OTT RELEASES
1. Anweshippin Kandethum
Release date March 8
Streaming platform: Netflix
Tovino’s 13-crore hit ‘Anweshippin Kandethum’ is one of the top Malayalam blockbuster movies releasing this week. In this investigative thriller, Tovino plays the role of cop Anand Narayan. The movie is based on true events and revolves around two murders that occurred in two villages in Kottayam. Tovino’s father, Adv. Thomas Ellikkal, portrays Anand’s father, Retd Head Constable Narayana Pilla. Directed by Darwin Kuriakose, the film is a slow-burner thriller that gradually builds up tension, making it an intense watch.
2. Damsel
Release date: 8 March
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Millie Bobby Brown stars in Oscar-nominated Juan Carlos Fresnadillo’s upcoming movie ‘Damsel’. The plot deviates from the traditional fairytale, as a young woman agrees to marry a prince but falls into a trap where he sacrifices her to a hungry dragon. The Stranger Things star described her character as “a damsel who doesn’t need to be saved”. The fantasy movie features an ensemble cast including Ray Winstone, Nick Robinson, Brooke Carter, Shohreh Aghdashloo, and a dragon.
3. Maharani – Season 3
Release date: March 7
Streaming platform: Sony LIV
Following the success of the first two seasons, Rani Bharti returns for another season. Season 2 concludes with Huma Qureshi, who portrays Rani Bharti, going to jail. In Season 3, she struggles to return as a politician. Directed by Saurabh Bhave and produced by Naren Kumar and Dimple Kharbanda, the third season features Amit Sial, Vineet Kumar, Pramod Pathak, Kani Kusruti, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya in pivotal roles.
4. Hanu Man
Release date: March 8
Streaming platform: Zee5
The Telugu Hindu mythological superhero film received positive responses after its theatrical release. Set in the village of Anjanadri, Hanumanthu, portrayed by Teja Sajja, gains powers from Hanuman and fights for Anjanadri. The movie features a stellar cast, including Varalakshmi Sarathkumar, Amritha Aiyer, and Vinay Rai, among others. The sequel, ‘Jai Hanuman’, is due for release in 2025.
5. Lal Salaam
Release date: 8 March
Streaming platform: Netflix
Rajinikanth makes an extended cameo appearance in Aishwarya Rajinikanth’s ‘Lal Salaam’. The movie tackles socio-political issues revolving around a cricket game. Thiru and Shamsuddin, portrayed by Vishnu Vishal and Vikranth respectively, have been rivals since childhood. Cricketing legend Kapil Dev also makes a cameo appearance in the film. However, the movie failed to impress at the box office.
6. Merry Christmas
Release date: March 8
Streaming platform: Netflix
Following the success of the black comedy film ‘Andhadhun’, Director Sriram Raghavan attempts to blend romance, suspense, drama, and murder in ‘Merry Christmas’. The movie is an adaptation of French writer Frederic Dard’s novel ‘Bird In A Cage’. The plot revolves around two strangers who meet on Christmas Eve and develop feelings for each other, but the romantic evening takes a dark turn. Vijay Sethupathi portrays Albert, and Katrina Kaif plays Maria.
7. Showtime
Release date: March 8
Streaming platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Dharma Productions’ much-awaited series ‘Showtime’ is set to debut in the OTT space. The series delves into the secrets, glitz, and glam of Bollywood. Featuring a stellar cast including Emraan Hashmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Verma, Shriya Saran, Mouni Roy, and Neeraj Madhavan, the series promises an insider’s look into the industry. Emraan Hashmi, during the promotions of his latest release ‘Tiger 3’, expressed his
excitement about the show, stating he “seized the opportunity”.
8. Yatra 2
Release date: March 8
Streaming platform: Amazon Prime Video
In 2019, South star Mammootty portrayed former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, the late YSR Reddy, in the political drama ‘Yatra’. While ‘Yatra 2’ aimed to recreate the fervour, it fell short of expectations at the box office. Directed by Mahi V Raghav, the sequel delves into YSR’s electoral campaign, untimely death, Jagan’s contest as an MP, and the challenges he faces. The film, though missing out on major real-life incidents, showcases Mammootty’s remarkable performance, while Jiva, portraying the Chief Minister.
