This Friday, November 13, brings one of the busiest OTT weekends of the month. A Hindi crime thriller lands on Netflix after its theatrical run, and a strong set of Telugu and Malayalam films arrives on four other platforms. Here is what is new and where to watch it.
Daayra (Netflix)
Meghna Gulzar’s Daayra starts streaming on Netflix on November 13. The crime thriller stars Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran as two police officers who face off while dealing with juvenile crime. Kareena plays Ajooni and Prithviraj plays Raman.
The film released in theatres on September 18. Reviews were decent, but it did not make much noise at the box office, which makes the streaming release a second chance to find its audience. The makers describe it as “inspired by true events,” and Netflix’s tagline for it reads: “Sach. Saza. System.”
Kareena has said the film sits in a morally grey space. Her character, she explained, follows law and procedure rather than the usual action-hero style of screen cops. If you liked Meghna Gulzar’s earlier work like Talvar and Raazi, this one is worth a look.
Bandra (ZEE5)
Arun Gopy’s Bandra streams on ZEE5. Tamannaah Bhatia, Dileep and Dino Morea star in this romantic thriller about an aspiring filmmaker who starts digging into the life of a famous 1990s actress. Along the way, he uncovers her links to a powerful businessman and some old secrets.
The Third Murder (ManoramaMAX)
For fans of investigation stories, Sunil Ibrahim’s The Third Murder is on ManoramaMAX. Saiju Kurup, Indrans and Vinay Forrt star. Two killings that seem unrelated follow the same pattern, and the investigation, led by a police officer and a former specialist in serial cases, leads to a troubled teenager and his eccentric father.
Crazy Kalyanam (Aha Video)
If you want something lighter, Crazy Kalyanam is a family comedy on Aha Video, directed by Badrappa Gajula. Anupama Parameswaran and Tharun Bhascker Dhaassyam lead the cast. A father fixes his younger daughter’s wedding with a rich groom, but she secretly loves a handloom weaver, and her confession just before the big day turns everything upside down.
Happy Journey (SunNXT)
Abhiramm Naidu’s Happy Journey on SunNXT follows seven women from different generations who win a free trip to Europe. What follows is a chaotic holiday that turns into a story about friendship and laughter. Vamshidhar Goud, Payal Radhakrishna Shenoy, Sunaina Badam and Aamani star.
Also streaming this week
Vijay Deverakonda’s period action drama Ranabaali, with Rashmika Mandanna, also arrives on Netflix on November 13. Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 started streaming on Prime Video earlier this week.
Which one should you watch first?
If you only have time for one film this weekend, the choice depends on your mood. Daayra is the pick for anyone who enjoys a slow-burn, issue-driven police story with strong performances. Kareena and Prithviraj are both actors who do well in restrained roles, and Meghna Gulzar is known for handling real-life subjects with care.
For a family movie night, Crazy Kalyanam and Happy Journey are the safer bets. Both are light, easy to follow and suited to watching with parents or older relatives. Thriller fans have two good options in Bandra and The Third Murder, and Malayalam cinema’s recent run of tight investigation dramas makes the second one especially tempting.
Quick guide
- Daayra: Netflix, Hindi crime thriller
- Bandra: ZEE5, romantic thriller
- The Third Murder: ManoramaMAX, investigative suspense
- Crazy Kalyanam: Aha Video, family comedy
- Happy Journey: SunNXT, comedy-drama
Whether you are in the mood for a serious police drama or an easy family comedy, there is enough here to fill the weekend. Check each app for language and subtitle options, as most platforms offer dubbed versions of their regional titles.
Reporting based on ANI and Esquire India.
Featured image: AnonymousUnknown author, via Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
