From OTT to the Big Screen: This weekend’s must-watch releases

As the year heads into its final stretch, streaming platforms and movie theatres are rolling out a packed slate of new releases, giving audiences plenty of choice for the weekend of December 16–20. From star-led Hindi thrillers and the return of a global franchise on OTT to big-budget Hollywood spectacles and regional films in theatres, entertainment platforms are clearly aiming to close 2025 on a high.

OTT releases this week

On the streaming front, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, JioHotstar, ZEE5, and Lionsgate Play are leading the charge with a mix of original films, returning series, and international content. One of the earliest releases of the week is Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, which dropped on Netflix on December 16. Directed by Milap Zaveri, the romantic drama explores the darker edges of obsession and unreciprocated love, with Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa in lead roles. The film leans into emotional intensity, examining how passion can spiral into fixation with lasting psychological consequences.

The same day, December 16, Thamma made its OTT debut on Amazon Prime Video—one of the week’s most high-profile digital releases. The film is now available to stream for all Prime subscribers at no extra cost, following an early access rental window that opened on December 2. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, Thamma is the fifth instalment in Maddock Films’ Horror Comedy Universe, blending Indian folklore with a vampire romance. Khurrana plays a journalist transformed into a mythical Betaal after encountering Mandanna’s character, while Nawazuddin Siddiqui appears as the antagonist Yakshasan. After a successful theatrical run, the film’s streaming release is expected to draw strong viewership.

Prime Video also brings back its global post-apocalyptic franchise Fallout, with Season 2 premiering on December 17. The series shifts its narrative to the much-anticipated New Vegas setting, following Lucy and The Ghoul as they trace the path of Lucy’s father into the Mojave Desert. The new season expands the show’s universe by introducing fan favourite elements from the video game, including Deathclaws and the enigmatic Mr. House.

Netflix’s midweek highlight comes with the return of Emily in Paris on December 18, as the series rolls out its fifth season. In the new episodes, Emily Cooper relocates from Paris to Rome, where she heads Agence Grateau’s satellite office while navigating a new romance and lingering ties to her old life. The show continues to serve as Netflix’s global comfort-watch, driven by escapism and glossy storytelling.

December 19 marks one of the busiest days of the week for OTT releases. JioHotstar premieres Mrs. Deshpande on that day, a psychological crime thriller starring Madhuri Dixit in a role that sharply departs from her usual screen image. Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor and adapted from the French series La Mante, the show follows a convicted serial killer who is forced to collaborate with the police to catch a copycat murderer—on the condition that she works only with her estranged son, now a detective.

Netflix, meanwhile, releases Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders on December 19, a sequel to the 2020 crime thriller. Nawazuddin Siddiqui reprises his role as Inspector Jatil Yadav, investigating a brutal mass murder at a wealthy family’s mansion. The film expands on the themes of power, privilege, and buried secrets, supported by an ensemble cast that includes Radhika Apte, Deepti Naval, Sanjay Kapoor, and Chitrangada Singh.

The same day also brings Malayalam mystery-comedy Dominic and The Ladies’ Purse to ZEE5 on December 19. Directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, the film stars Mammootty as a disgraced former cop turned private detective, whose attempt to trace the owner of a lost purse leads him into a complex case involving murder and missing persons. Lionsgate Play adds to the mix with Roofman, which begins streaming on December 19, starring Channing Tatum as real-life criminal Jeffrey Manchester.

Prime Video also releases the final season of Four More Shots Please! on December 19, bringing closure to the journeys of its four protagonists navigating careers, relationships, and identity. The week’s OTT slate concludes with Netflix launching The Great Indian Kapil Show Season 4 on December 20, continuing its blend of celebrity interviews, comedy sketches, and musical segments.

In theatres this week

Away from streaming platforms, theatres are also witnessing a strong release calendar. Hollywood’s biggest draw this weekend is Avatar: Fire and Ash, which arrives in cinemas on December 19. Directed by James Cameron, the third installment of the blockbuster franchise returns audiences to Pandora, introducing a new and aggressive Na’vi tribe known as the Ash People, while continuing the saga of Jake Sully and Neytiri.

Hindi cinema also sees the release of Durlabh Prasad Ki Dusri Shaadi on December 19, a family rom-com starring Sanjay Mishra and Mahima Chaudhry. The film follows a son’s desperate attempt to find a new bride for his widowed father under social pressure, positioning itself as a light-hearted holiday watch. Regional cinema, meanwhile, features multiple releases across Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada languages over the same weekend.

With major stars, established franchises, and a wide genre spread across both OTT platforms and theatres, the weekend lineup reflects the industry’s push to capture audiences wherever they choose to watch—at home or on the big screen—as 2025 draws to a close.