Post-Diwali entertainment explosion: Blockbusters, thrillers, and rom-coms take centre stage

The Diwali lights may have dimmed, but India’s screens — from theatres to OTT platforms — continue to dazzle audiences. This post-festive week brings a power-packed mix of high-octane gangster dramas, AI-driven mythological sagas, cross-cultural rom-coms, and star-studded reality shows on streaming platforms, alongside fresh releases in cinemas and an adrenaline-charged TV premiere. Whether viewers seek edge-of-the-seat thrillers, heartfelt romances, or glamorous family drama, the week promises something for everyone, keeping the festive momentum alive long after the fireworks have faded.

OTT platforms keep the festive flame alive

Streaming platforms are pushing boundaries with a mix of action, romance, mythology, and reality entertainment. Netflix kicks off the week with They Call Him OG, marking Telugu superstar Pawan Kalyan’s OTT debut from October 23. Directed by Sujeeth, the gritty gangster saga features Emraan Hashmi as his rival, narrating the story of a ruthless gangster’s return to Mumbai’s underworld. With intense action, whistle-blowing dialogues, and a story rich in loyalty, betrayal, and vengeance, the film streams in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.

Amazon Prime Video’s Param Sundari, streaming from October 24, stars Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor. Starting on an AI matchmaking app, the rom-com evolves into a tender exploration of cultural differences, hidden truths, and the modern clash of love versus tradition.

Netflix also presents Kurukshetra: Part 2, the epic finale of the Mahābhārata, bringing the 18-day war to a climax as alliances are broken and warriors confront the consequences of dharma. Meanwhile, Mahabharata: Ek Dharmayudh, India’s first AI-powered mythological series, premieres on Jio Cinema/Disney+ Hotstar from October 25, blending mythology with futuristic visuals.

Tamil audiences can look forward to Shakti Thirumagan, streaming on Jio Hotstar from October 24, where Vijay Antony plays Kittu, a loyal lobbyist seeking justice for his mother’s murder while challenging corrupt political elites.

For reality show fans, Pitch To Get Rich on JioCinema and Hotstar released on October 20. The show combines high fashion, entrepreneurship, and celebrity mentorship, offering a ₹40 crore investment prize judged by Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar, Manish Malhotra, Malaika Arora, and industry leaders Ravi Jaipuria and Naveen Jindal.

The international slate is equally compelling. Lazarus on Prime Video released on October 22, examining memory, guilt, and loss in a psychological thriller starring Sam Claflin and Bill Nighy. Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite on Netflix released on October 24, 2025, reuniting Idris Elba and Rebecca Ferguson in a tense geopolitical thriller. On Lionsgate Play, The Apprentice depicts Sebastian Stan as a young Donald Trump under the mentorship of the formidable Roy Cohn. The film was released for streaming in India on October 24, 2025.

Action fans can rejoice as Jason Statham returns in The Beekeeper, premiering on &Flix and &Prive HD on October 26, delivering relentless thrills and classic Statham-style justice. Returning favourites also include Nobody Wants This: Season 2 (Netflix, from October 23) and The Kardashians: Season 7 (Jio Cinema/Hotstar, from October 24).

Cinemas draw crowds with genre-rich releases

Indian theatres remain packed with fresh releases. Leading the lineup is the Hindi horror-comedy Thamma, released on October 21, 2025, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, with Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and part of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, the film follows a journalist who transforms into a vampiric creature called a “Betal.” Blending folklore with modern comedy, Thamma earned over ₹24 crore on opening day and is available in multiple formats including standard, IMAX, 4DX, and D-Box.

Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, released on October 21, 2025, stars Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa and is directed by Milap Milan Zaveri. The film explores obsession, heartbreak, and the emotional turmoil of a love gone wrong. It received an 'A' certification, making it the first Diwali release in over 20 years with this rating, and is expected to premiere on Netflix within 45–60 days.

Kannada audiences can watch Dilmaar, directed by M. Chandramouli and starring Ram Gowda, Dimple Hayathi, and Aditi Prabhudeva, releasing on October 23. The romantic drama is set in rural Karnataka and explores love, family, and societal expectations.

Finally, the English-language adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, Regretting You, releases on October 24, starring Allison Williams, Mckenna Grace, and Dave Franco. Directed by Josh Boone, the film examines a mother-daughter relationship navigating love, loss, and family complexities. Hoover recently announced a temporary withdrawal from promotional activities, including the premiere, due to a health issue.

As the festive glow fades, India’s screens — big and small — remain ablaze with stories. Theatres lure crowds with genre-rich releases, OTT platforms push tech and talent boundaries, and television networks revive Hollywood blockbusters. If Diwali was about lights and spectacle, the week after is about momentum — proof that in India’s ever-expanding entertainment universe, the show truly never stops.