After a three-month hiatus due to the second wave of Covid-19, theatres in Telangana reopened on July 30 to a lukewarm response from movie-goers. Satya Dev-starrer Thimmarusu and Ishq, starring Teja Sajja and Priya Prakash Varrier, were among the first lot of theatrical releases.
In Kerala, with 1,76,050 active Covid-19 cases (as of August 5), theatres continue to remain shut. Earlier, the makers of the Mohanlal-starrer Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham had announced that the film will release on August 12 in theatres worldwide and had also requested an exclusive three-week run for the film in over 600 theatres in Kerala. However, amidst the uncertainty over the reopening of theatres, an update on the film’s release is yet to come.
Meanwhile, OTT releases are still going strong. On Thursday, actor Suriya, who predominantly works in the Tamil film industry, announced that his production house 2D Entertainment has signed a four-film deal with Amazon Prime Video. The line-up includes the Suriya-starrer Jai Bhim, the Sasikumar and Jyotika-starrer Udanpirappe, the Arun Vijay and Arnav Vijay-starrer Oh My doG, and the Ramya Pandian-starrer Raame Aandalum Raavane Aandalum.
On that note, here are eight new films and shows releasing this week on streaming platforms, including Mani Ratnam’s highly-anticipated anthology Navarasa and Prithviraj Sukumaran-starrer Kuruthi:
1. Navarasa – Netflix (August 6)
The nine-part anthology film presented by veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam and writer-filmmaker Jayendra Panchapakesan is based on the nine rasas (human emotions) – anger, compassion, courage, disgust, fear, laughter, love, peace, and wonder. The anthology features a large star cast. Each segment focuses on a different emotion and is helmed by a different director. Navarasa’s nine segments are Edhiri, Summer of 92, Project Agni, Payasam, Peace, Roudhram, Inmai, Thunintha Pin, and Guitar Kambi Mele Nindru.
2. Kuruthi – Amazon Prime Video (August 11)
This Prithviraj Sukumaran-starrer is a Malayalam thriller about how enduring human relations that transcend boundaries struggle to survive trials of hatred and prejudice. According to the streaming platform, the fast-paced film takes us through the verdant background of Eratupetta in Kerala into the life of Ibrahim, who leads a lonely life in the mountains trying hard to leave behind bitter memories that haunt him. On a fateful night, an injured cop barges into his house with a prisoner and seeks refuge. When a powerful enemy burning with vengeance follows them into his house, Ibrahim is forced to confront testing questions about his own beliefs and convictions.
3. What if…? – Disney+ Hotstar (August 11)
Marvel Studios’ American animated anthology series is based on the Marvel Comics series of the same name. It is intended to be the fourth television series in the MCU. According to Marvel Entertainment, What If… ? features fan-favourite characters, including Peggy Carter, T’Challa, Doctor Strange, Killmonger, Thor and more. The new series, directed by Bryan Andrews with AC Bradley as head writer, features signature MCU action with a curious twist.
4. Vivo – Netflix (August 6)
This American animated musical comedy film produced by Sony Pictures Animation follows a music-loving kinkajou who embarks on the journey of a lifetime to fulfil his destiny and deliver a love song for an old friend.
5. Hit & Run – Netflix (August 6)
According to the streaming platform’s description, in this new action thriller series, the life of a happily married man (Lior Raz) is turned upside down when his wife is killed in a mysterious hit-and-run accident in Tel Aviv. Grief-stricken and confused, he searches for his wife’s killers. With the help of an ex-lover (Sanaa Lathan), he uncovers disturbing truths about his beloved wife and the secrets she kept from him.
6. Shaman King – Netflix (August 9)
This Japanese Manga series follows Yoh Asakura who enters a battle tournament held every 500 years, competing with other Shamans in a bid to become the all-powerful Shaman King.
7. Swarm – Netflix (August 6)
This French fantasy drama film follows Virginie who lives on a farm with her children Laura (15) and Gaston (7) and raises locusts as a high-protein crop, but has trouble getting them to reproduce. Money worries and practical problems pile up, while tensions with her kids and neighbours run high. But everything changes when she discovers the locusts have a taste for blood.
8. The Kissing Booth 3 – Netflix (August 11)
This American teen romantic comedy film is a sequel to The Kissing Booth and The Kissing Booth 2, and is the final instalment of the film series based on The Kissing Booth books by Beth Reekles. The film follows Elle, who is determined to make the most of her final summer before college. She plans the ultimate bucket list as she navigates what comes next with Noah and Lee.
