As Diwali 2025 approaches, India’s entertainment landscape is brimming with variety — from high-stakes cricket and gripping OTT thrillers to big-screen blockbusters and animated adventures. With streaming platforms, regional cinema, and Bollywood all bringing their best offerings, this festive season promises a celebration of stories across genres and screens.

Cricket kicks off the festivities

Before the film frenzy begins, cricket takes center stage as India tours Australia for a three-match ODI series beginning on October 19, Sunday, streaming live on JioHotstar. The series marks a special occasion for fans, with Shubman Gill leading the Indian team as the new 50-over captain, and stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returning to the format. The much-anticipated clash between these cricketing powerhouses is set to kick off the festive spirit with roaring excitement.

OTT releases bring thrills and romance to screens

This week, streaming platforms have unveiled a host of major releases across genres. ZEE5 launches Bhagwat Chapter 1: Raakshas on October 17, starring Arshad Warsi as Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat, who investigates the disappearance of young women in Uttar Pradesh. Jitendra Kumar plays a college professor whose enigmatic behaviour entangles him in the investigation, promising viewers a gripping crime thriller.

Lionsgate Play premieres the award-winning film Santosh on October 17, featuring Shahana Goswami in the role of a widow navigating a ‘token’ cop placement on compassionate grounds. The film, India’s Oscar entry last year, faced delays due to CBFC clearance issues and is now finally accessible to Indian audiences.

JioHotstar brings the live-action remake of How To Train Your Dragon released on October 13, following Hiccup, a young Viking, who befriends Toothless, a Night Fury dragon, challenging centuries of Viking tradition.

Fans of supernatural horror can look forward to Final Destination: Bloodlines, streaming on JioHotstar from October 16, which continues the franchise with a chilling story that has already earned critical acclaim.

Netflix releases include The Diplomat Season 3 on October 16, with Keri Russell reprising her role as Ambassador Kate Wyler amidst a high-stakes political crisis, and Romantics Anonymous (October 16), a Japanese-South Korean romantic comedy exploring the bond between a shy chocolatier and a germaphobic heir.

Culpa Nuestra (Our Fault), the final instalment of the popular Spanish romantic drama trilogy, arrived on October 16 via Amazon Prime Video, revisiting the story of Noah and Nick as they confront their past and rekindle their romance.

Other OTT highlights include Loot Season 3 (Apple TV+, October 15), Turn of the Tide Season 2 (Netflix, October 17), She Walks in Darkness (Netflix, October 17), and Malayalam drama Aabhyanthara Kuttavaali (ZEE5, October 17).

Big-screen releases add festive spectacle

Theatres this Diwali are set to dazzle with a mix of horror, romance, action, and family films. Bollywood releases include Thamma (October 21, Maddock Films), starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The horror-comedy, rooted in Indian folklore, promises a “bloody love story” combining romance, scares, and signature Maddock humour.

Also releasing on October 21 is Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat (Director: Milap Zaveri), starring Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa, which blends a poignant romantic narrative with soulful melodies, marking Harshvardhan’s much-awaited return to the big screen.

Tamil and Telugu audiences have multiple offerings, including Bison: Kaalamaadan (October 17), a sports-drama set in rural India, Diesel (October 17), an action thriller about the fuel mafia, Dude (October 17), a romantic comedy, and Sharthopor (October 21), a Bengali family drama exploring sibling bonds. The animated epic Mahayoddha Rama also adds mythological adventure to the festive cinematic palette.

This Diwali, India’s entertainment calendar truly reflects diversity and scale. From edge-of-the-seat thrillers and soulful romances to cricket showdowns and festive family dramas, every platform — whether on television, theatre, or streaming — has something to offer. With regional storytelling, cross-platform releases, and a balance of nostalgia and innovation, the festival of lights promises to illuminate not just homes, but screens of every size across the country.

Streaming platforms like Netflix, ZEE5, JioHotstar, and Amazon Prime Video are ensuring that viewers have access to an eclectic mix of content, while Bollywood and regional cinema provide the spectacle and grandeur synonymous with the festival season. With such a star-studded line-up, Diwali 2025 is shaping up to be a truly cinematic celebration.