Weekend Watch: From Raja Shivaji to Supergirl, what to watch on OTT and in theatres this weekend

The final weekend of June highlights how entertainment companies are increasingly programming for every kind of viewer. While cinemas are betting on superhero spectacles, franchise comedies and regional releases to draw audiences back to the big screen, streaming platforms are rolling out a diverse slate spanning historical epics, reality shows, psychological dramas and binge-worthy returning series.

The latest release calendar reinforces an industry trend that has become increasingly clear over the past few years: theatrical releases are built around event viewing, while OTT platforms are focusing on deeper engagement through long-form storytelling and familiar franchises.

Whether you're planning a movie outing or a weekend binge at home, here's what deserves a place on your watchlist.

OTT releases this weekend

One of the biggest digital premieres this week is Raja Shivaji, which starts streaming on Netflix from June 26. Starring Riteish Deshmukh as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj alongside Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan and Vidya Balan, the historical action drama traces the Maratha ruler's rise and the establishment of Hindavi Swarajya. Backed by large-scale production and an ensemble cast, it is among Netflix India's biggest originals of the month.

Netflix is also expanding its international catalogue with Notes from the Last Row, which released on Netflix on June 26. The Korean psychological drama explores the increasingly disturbing relationship between a literature professor and his gifted student. The slow-burn thriller blends obsession, ambition and manipulation into an intense character study.

For viewers looking for lighter entertainment, Little Brother released on Netflix on June 26. Headlined by John Cena and Eric André, the comedy follows two vastly different personalities whose reunion turns into an unpredictable series of comic misadventures.

Reality television also returns with Lock Upp Season 2, premiering on Netflix on June 27. Hosted by Riteish Deshmukh and Farah Khan, the new season introduces the theme Sach Ya Sazaa, promising celebrity rivalries, confessions and high-pressure challenges designed for weekend binge sessions.

The weekend's OTT slate extends beyond Netflix as well. The Bear Season 5 released on JioHotstar on June 26, bringing the acclaimed culinary drama to its final chapter as the restaurant battles financial uncertainty while chasing a Michelin star.

On SonyLIV, Perfect Family premiered on June 26, following a seemingly ideal household forced into therapy after a family crisis exposes years of unresolved emotional conflict. Featuring Gulshan Devaiah, Manoj Pahwa and Neha Dhupia, the drama combines humour with emotional storytelling.

Prime Video also has a fresh addition this week with Alliance, streaming from June 26. Hosted by Kunal Kemmu, the Indian adaptation of the Dutch reality format brings together 16 contestants who must build trust and strategy to survive a series of competitive challenges.

For fantasy fans, Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 has been streaming on Netflix since June 25, continuing Aang's journey while introducing fan-favourite earthbender Toph. Meanwhile, Blast, starring Arjun Sarja, started streaming on Netflix on June 25 following its theatrical run, blending action with family drama and social themes.

Fantasy fans also have House of the Dragon Season 3, which has been streaming on JioHotstar since June 22. The latest season intensifies the battle for the Iron Throne as the Dance of the Dragons escalates, bringing new alliances, betrayals and high-stakes conflict to one of streaming's biggest global franchises.

In theatres this weekend

The biggest theatrical release of the week is Supergirl, which released in cinemas on June 26 as part of DC Studios' new cinematic universe. Starring Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El alongside Jason Momoa, the film marks another major step in James Gunn's rebooted DC franchise and is expected to be among the weekend's biggest box-office draws.

Bollywood audiences can look forward to Welcome to the Jungle, which released in theatres on June 26. The third instalment in the long-running Welcome franchise features Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Jacqueline Fernandez, Raveena Tandon and an ensemble cast, aiming to revive one of Hindi cinema's most recognisable comedy brands.

Regional cinema also has a busy weekend. Con City released in theatres on June 26, bringing a comedy-crime story to Tamil audiences, while Malayalam mystery thriller Uyir also arrived in theatres on June 26. Kannada period crime drama Balaramana Dinagalu hit theatres on June 26, alongside Tamil releases Heartin and Angikaaram. Meanwhile, Arya-led bilingual political thriller Ananthan Kaadu released in theatres on June 25. Together, they round out one of the month's strongest regional theatrical line-ups.

The bigger picture

This week's release slate once again underlines how entertainment consumption continues to evolve. Theatres remain the destination for spectacle, franchise filmmaking and shared viewing experiences, while OTT platforms are increasingly becoming home to premium originals, global storytelling and long-form content built around binge behaviour.

For audiences, the choice is no longer between streaming and cinemas. Increasingly, the weekend includes both.