New OTT and theatrical releases this week: A content slate balancing star power with strong storytelling

The first long weekend of May arrives with a content slate that feels deliberately balanced rather than crowded. Streaming platforms are leaning into layered, character-driven narratives, while theatres are banking on scale, familiarity and star-led storytelling to draw audiences back. The result is a week where viewers are not forced into choosing between OTT and cinemas, but can move between the two depending on mood and time.

OTT releases this week

On streaming, one of the most talked-about releases is The Kerala Story 2, which begins streaming on ZEE5 from May 1. Starring Ulka Gupta and Aditi Bhatia, the film shifts its focus from its predecessor’s structure to a more personal narrative around identity, relationships and coercion. It positions itself as a film that is likely to generate conversation, rather than just viewership.

Netflix’s Glory, releasing on May 1, anchors the platform’s Indian slate. Featuring Pulkit Samrat and Divyenndu, the series is set in Haryana’s boxing circuit but extends well beyond sport. It explores fractured family relationships, ambition and the pressures that come with chasing success, reflecting a broader trend of sports dramas doubling up as social commentary.

Returning titles also add depth to the OTT lineup. Sapne Vs Everyone Season 2 premieres on Prime Video on May 1, with Paramvir Singh Cheema and Ambrish Verma reprising their roles. The new season adopts a darker tone, examining how ambition evolves when intersected with power and politics. Similarly, Undekhi reaches its final chapter with The Final Battle on SonyLIV, bringing back Harsh Chhaya and Surya Sharma for a closing arc built on internal conflict and retribution.

The true-crime and documentary space continues to expand with Lawrence of Punjab, which began streaming on ZEE5 on April 27. The series traces the rise of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, offering a detailed look at crime networks and their intersections with politics. On Netflix, Should I Marry a Murderer?, released on April 29, approaches crime through a psychological lens, focusing on relationships shaped by suspicion and denial rather than just the act itself.

International content adds further range. Wuthering Heights, streaming on JioHotstar from May 1, reimagines the classic tale with Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, blending period storytelling with contemporary visual treatment. For lighter viewing, Swapped arrives on Netflix on May 1, with voices by Michael B. Jordan and Juno Temple, offering a family-friendly narrative built around empathy and transformation.

In theatres this week

In theatres, the emphasis shifts to scale and recall value. The Devil Wears Prada 2 releases in cinemas on May 1, bringing back Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway. The sequel situates its narrative in a rapidly evolving media landscape, reflecting changes in publishing and digital influence while retaining the franchise’s core themes of ambition and power.

Among Indian theatrical releases, Raja Shivaji arrives on May 1 as a large-scale historical drama. Directed by and starring Riteish Deshmukh alongside Genelia Deshmukh, the film focuses on the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, positioning itself as a project rooted in history and identity rather than just visual spectacle.

In contrast, Ek Din, also releasing in cinemas on May 1, offers a more intimate narrative. Featuring Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi, the romantic drama explores memory, time and connection, relying on emotional nuance rather than scale. It reflects a quieter counterpoint to the week’s bigger theatrical offerings.

Taken together, this week’s releases underline a clear pattern in how content is being shaped. OTT platforms continue to prioritise layered storytelling and niche genres, while theatres lean on scale, recognisable titles and star-driven narratives. For viewers, that translates into a rare advantage—the ability to choose not just what to watch, but how to watch it.