In times when theatres across the country are shut down and the releases of several films stand postponed indefinitely due to the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, streaming platforms provide a welcome avenue for the premieres of new films and series.
Here is a list of eight films and series, including the American-Chinese animated fantasy Wish Dragon, Manjari Makijany’s Skater Girl, and the docuseries Penguin Town, among others, that are releasing on OTT platforms this week.
1. Wish Dragon – Netflix (June 11)
The American-Chinese animated fantasy-comedy Wish Dragon follows the story of a determined teen named Din who is longing to reconnect with his childhood best friend. The synopsis from Sony Pictures Animation reads: “Din, a working-class college student with big dreams but small means, and Long, a cynical but all-powerful dragon capable of granting wishes, set off on a hilarious adventure through modern-day Shanghai in pursuit of Din’s long-lost childhood friend, Lina. Their journey forces them to answer some of life’s biggest questions – because when you can wish for anything, you have to decide what really matters.”
2. Sunflower – ZEE5 (June 11)
This ZEE5 original comedy-thriller series is set in a middle-class housing society in Mumbai called ‘Sunflower’. The story follows a murder mystery that unfolds in the housing society. Directed by Vikas Bahl, Sunflower stars Sunil Grover in the lead role and also features actors Ranvir Shorey, Girish Kulkarni, Shonali Nagrani, Sonal Jha and Ashish Vidyarthi.
3. Skater Girl – Netflix (June 11)
Directed by Manjari Makijany, Skater Girl follows a rural teenager named Prerna who is introduced to skateboarding. Prerna has to fight the odds to follow her dreams and compete in the national championship. Set in a remote cluster of villages in Rajasthan, a skatepark was constructed for the film with the support of Indian and international skate volunteers. Desert Dolphin Skatepark is one of India’s largest and Rajasthan’s first skatepark. It remains free for public use and is available as a training ground for skaters competing in national and international championships.
4. Lupin Season 2 – Netflix (June 11)
This French mystery thriller series follows professional thief Assane Diop who is out to get revenge on the Pellegrini family. Twenty-five years earlier, business tycoon Hubert Pellegrini had falsely accused Diop’s father, Babakar of having stolen a diamond necklace, leading to Babakar’s death by suicide. Diop is inspired in his quest for revenge by a book about gentleman thief Arsène Lupin given to him by his father. The first season consisting of five episodes premiered on Netflix on January 8, 2021. It ended with a cliffhanger from which season 2 will pick up.
5. Flack Season 2 – Amazon Prime Video (June 11)
The British dramedy series Flack follows four quick-witted “flackers” led by Robyn, an American PR executive living in London, who are tasked with making the best of their celebrity clients’ terrible decisions. The flackers must figure out how to clear up the mess and somehow manage to get out unscarred. The first season consisting of six episodes premiered on Pop TV on February 21, 2019. After the show was dropped by that network, it was picked up by Amazon, where the second season will now premiere.
6. Rang De – ZEE5 (June 12)
The Telugu romantic comedy film follows Arjun (Nithiin) and his issues with his childhood friend, Anupama (Keerthy Suresh). As a kid, Arjun enjoyed being pampered by his family and loved the attention he received from his neighbours. However, as Anupama moves into the colony, Arjun’s family becomes fond of Anu which makes him jealous. Written and directed by Venky Atluri, Rang De was released in theatres earlier this year on March 26.
7. Khwabon Ke Parindey – Voot (June 14)
Set in Australia, the six-episode series explores friendship, hope and dreams. The series follows three friends Bindiya, Dixit and Megha, and a stranger named Aakash, who go on an adventurous road trip from Melbourne to Perth. The trailer of this Voot original series can be viewed here.
8. Penguin Town – Netflix (June 16)
Penguin Town is an eight-part docuseries narrated by Patton Oswalt and set in Cape Town, South Africa. The nature documentary series will follow the lives of endangered African penguins. The description on Netflix reads: “In a picturesque South African town, an eclectic group of endangered penguins flock together to find mates, raise families and mix with the locals.”
