Festive weekend watchlist: Films, series and classics to watch this long Navratri-Dussehra weekend

A long weekend is just around the corner, making it the perfect opportunity to binge-watch your favourite festive shows and movies. If Christmas gets its share of special films, why shouldn’t there be a curated list for Dussehra and Navratri week specials, too? From family dramas and comedies to mythological tales and thrillers, there’s something to suit every festive mood. It’s the ideal time to immerse yourself in stories that celebrate tradition, culture, and a touch of holiday magic.

Theatrical releases this week

Kantara: A Legend Chapter – 1

This Kannada-language period mythological action drama is a prequel to the 2022 film Kantara. The story is set in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka. It explores the ancient roots of the Bhuta Kola ritual, blending regional folklore, spirituality, and action while continuing the saga of humanity’s relationship with nature and the divine during the reign of the Kadambas of Banavasi. The movie stars Rishab Shetty in the lead role, with Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram Subramaniam in key roles. The film is releasing in theatres on October 2.

Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari

The film revolves around two ex-lovers attempting to win their partners back. The film is shot mostly in Udaipur, and may remind you of the Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani days. Amid a whirlwind of innocent deception, comical misunderstandings, and extravagantly dramatic situations, an accidental love story begins to unfold.

The film stars Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, Rohit Saraf, with Maniesh Paul and Akshay Oberoi in supporting roles. The Shashank Khaitan romantic comedy film is produced under the Dharma Productions banner, and is releasing in theatres alongside Kantara.

Idli Kottu

The Tamil film revolves around the story of a talented young idli vendor, whose success makes a wealthy hotel owner feel threatened. After tasting the vendor’s unique idlis, he makes a shocking discovery — the vendor is his long-lost son, the child of a former lover. As the owner plans to transfer his fortune to his newfound heir, themes of wealth, family, and identity collide, sparking a fierce conflict with his other son.

Dhanush plays the role of the young idli vendor, while Nithya Menen stars alongside him. The film is releasing in theatres this week.

Releases on OTT this week

Steve

Set in mid-1990s England, Steve follows the headteacher of a last-chance reform school as he struggles to manage his students while confronting his own mental health challenges. Over the course of one intense day, he strives to keep his students in line amid the pressures of an under-resourced educational environment. The film offers a poignant and unflinching look at the challenges faced by dedicated educators.

The film stars Cillian Murphy, Tracey Ullman, and Jay Lycurgo. This was Murphy’s first film, which he began shooting in September last year after Oppenheimer. While the film is rated ‘A’, it will be streaming on Netflix from October 3.

The New Force

Set in 1958 Stockholm, The New Force marks Netflix’s first Nordic historical drama. Inspired by true events, it follows Sweden’s pioneering group of female police recruits—the country’s first to graduate into active service. While their entry into law enforcement signifies a major leap toward gender equality, they soon discover that acceptance within the force comes with unexpected battles, including being forced to wear impractical uniforms that undermine their authority.

Filmed in Norrköping, the series stars Agnes Rase, Josefin Asplund, and Malin Persson, and is created by Patrik Ehrnst and Rojda Sekersöz. The series will be streaming on Netflix from October 3.

Fussclass Dabhade!

This Marathi movie revolves around the Dabhade family, which reunites for the wedding of their youngest son, setting the stage for a grand celebration filled with fun and chaos. Amid old arguments, emotional confrontations, and heartfelt moments, the siblings are forced to navigate their differences. The film takes a drive down the memory lane of the Dabhade family and features Amey Wagh, Siddharth Chandekar, Kshitee Jog, and Nivedita Saraf.

The movie will be streaming on Z5 from October 2.

Editor’s Picks: Classics to watch

Joi Baba Felunath

This is a 1979 Satyajit Ray detective classic. The story revolves around a detective who enjoys a holiday with his cousin and a friend, only to be approached by a man seeking help in solving a case involving a lost golden idol. As the investigation unfolds, the detective dives into a web of mystery and intrigue.

Although the film is not available on any specific OTT platform, it can be watched for free on YouTube.

Manichitrathazhu