After a long hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Maharashtra government announced earlier this week that theatres in the state could reopen on October 22 in time for Diwali. Soon after, several filmmakers began announcing the theatrical release dates of their upcoming films, such as Rohit Shetty‘s Sooryavanshi, Bunty Aur Babli 2, Satyameva Jayate 2, and Laal Singh Chaddha, among many others.
The release announcements continued with Alia Bhatt-starrer Gangubai Kathiawadi and Ajay Devgn’s Maidaan and shares of PVR and Inox Leisure also surged.
It remains to be seen how Indian cinema will use OTT platforms with theatres across the country poised to resume functioning soon.
Meanwhile, here are seven new films and shows releasing on OTT platforms this week:
1. Bhramam – Amazon Prime Video (October 7)
Bhramam, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, is the Malayalam remake of the 2018 Hindi black-comedy crime thriller Andhadhun. According to the official synopsis, the film revolves around the life of Ray Mathews, a pretentious blind pianist who finds solace in his music. His musical escapades, however, get laced with mystery as he gets involved in the murder of a yesteryear actor. As lies and deceit envelop Ray, he must turn the tables to save his life.
2. Lift – Disney+ Hotstar (October 1)
Lift, starring actors Kavin and Amritha Aiyer, is an upcoming Tamil horror film that revolves around a series of mysterious incidents that take place in an elevator.
3. Shiddat – Disney+ Hotstar (October 1)
Starring Sunny Kaushal, Radhika Madan, Mohit Raina and Diana Penty, Shiddat is a Hindi film that tells the story of two star-crossed souls engulfed in a web of passionate romance.
4. Break Point – ZEE5 (October 1)
The web series traces the journey of Indian tennis legends Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi. From their meteoric rise to their shocking split, Break Point narrates their story of hard work, conflict, and hope.
5. The Guilty – Netflix (October 1)
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, this film takes place over the course of a single morning at a 911 dispatch call centre. Call operator Joe Bayler tries to save a caller in grave danger but he soon discovers that nothing is as it seems, and facing the truth is the only way out.
6. Maid – Netflix (October 1)
Maid is a limited series that is inspired by the New York Times best-selling memoir Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive by Stephanie Land. It will chronicle the story of a single mother who turns to housekeeping to make ends meet as she battles against poverty, homelessness, and bureaucracy. Told primarily through her point of view, Maid is said to be a gritty and inspiring exploration of poverty in America.
7. Bingo Hell – Amazon Prime Video (October 1)
In the horror thriller Bingo Hell, a senior citizen must fight to protect her neighbourhood from an evil force that has taken over the local bingo hall and is killing the residents. The film is directed by Gigi Saul Guerrero from a screenplay co-written with Shane McKenzie and Perry Blackshear. It is the fifth instalment in the Welcome to the Blumhouse film series.
