Weekend Watch: From Hunkkaar to Primetime, what to watch on OTT and in theatres

As September draws to a close, audiences have a packed line-up of entertainment options across theatres and streaming platforms. While cinemas are bringing sci-fi thrillers, survival dramas, folk fantasy and regional films, OTT platforms are lining up mystery thrillers, coming-of-age dramas, courtroom stories, comedies and reality shows.

Whether you're looking for a theatrical release or something to stream at home, here's a look at the key films and shows releasing across the week and into the weekend.

OTT releases this week

Among the major digital releases this week is Shaque: Trust No One, which arrived on Netflix on September 24. Starring Parineeti Chopra, Jennifer Winget and Tahir Raj Bhasin, the mystery thriller follows a mother who has spent years searching for her missing daughter. As new clues emerge, the search raises questions about whom she can trust.

Another major release is Hunkkaar: The Roar, which streams on JioHotstar from September 25. Aneet Padda stars as 17-year-old Meenu Rawat, whose accusation against a powerful spiritual leader triggers a high-profile investigation led by ACP Jasleen Singh Soni, played by Fatima Sana Shaikh. The series also features Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Arjun Mathur, Raghubir Yadav and Ram Kapoor.

For viewers looking for a lighter watch, Don't Be Shy arrived on Amazon Prime Video on September 25. Produced by Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt, the coming-of-age romantic comedy follows 20-year-old Shyamili "Shy" Das as her carefully planned life is thrown off course, forcing her to navigate heartbreak, friendships and self-discovery.

Brothers, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as fictionalised versions of themselves, began streaming on Apple TV on September 23. The eight-part comedy follows the two friends after a family revelation suggests they may actually be biological brothers. The first two episodes released together, followed by weekly episodes.

Also arriving this week is Rise & Fall Season 2 on Prime Video and MX Player. Hosted by Virender Sehwag, the reality show divides its contestants into "Rulers" and "Workers", with the participants competing in a social game where power can shift between the two groups. The second season begins streaming on September 26.

Then there's The Love Hypothesis, which arrived on Prime Video on September 23. Based on Ali Hazelwood's bestselling novel, the romantic comedy stars Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman as scientists who enter into a fake relationship.

In theatres this week

One of the biggest theatrical releases this week is Primetime, starring Robert Pattinson, which released on September 25. Directed by Lance Oppenheim, the film explores the story of Chris Hansen and the controversial NBC series To Catch a Predator. It premiered in competition at the Venice Film Festival.

Brad Pitt headlines Heart of the Beast, another theatrical release this week, on September 25. The survival thriller follows Special Forces veteran James Belmont after a plane crash leaves him stranded in the Alaskan wilderness. His only companion is Odin, a German Shepherd who served alongside him. David Ayer directed the film.

The Paradise, starring Nani, Raghav Juyal and Kayadu Lohar, arrived in cinemas on September 24. Directed by Srikanth Odela, the action drama follows Jadal as he rises against oppression and becomes a symbol of resistance for his people.

Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia headline The Vvaan – Force of the Forrest, the released on September 25. The folk fantasy takes audiences into a mythical forest with supernatural forces and follows a protagonist drawn into its mysteries.

The bigger picture

This week brings a diverse mix of entertainment across streaming platforms and cinemas. OTT services are offering everything from mystery thrillers and courtroom dramas to romantic comedies, international series and reality shows. The theatrical line-up spans South Korean sci-fi, Hollywood survival thrillers, action dramas, folk fantasy and regional films.