This week brings a diverse and compelling slate of new films to streaming platforms, offering everything from Italian archaeological heists to landmark Indian legal dramas. For viewers looking to explore international cinema, gripping sports stories, or powerful real-life narratives, major platforms like MUBI, Netflix, and JioHotstar have something special in store.
International Intrigue and Grave Robbers
Leading the lineup is the acclaimed film La Chimera, directed by Alice Rohrwacher. Set in Italy during the 1980s, this sharp and luminous story stars Josh O'Connor, known for his role in Challengers. He plays an archaeologist who, rather than preserving history, leads a small crew in robbing graves in search of treasure. The film features a stellar supporting cast including the legendary Isabella Rossellini, Alba Rohrwacher, and Carol Duarte. This critically praised movie is now available for streaming on MUBI.
Powerful Indian Stories on Screen
Indian audiences have several noteworthy releases to choose from. The most prominent is Haq, a film that tackles a pivotal moment in Indian legal history. It tells the story of Shazia, portrayed by Yami Gautam, a character based on Shah Bano. In a landmark 1985 case, this divorcee fought all the way to the Supreme Court for her right to receive alimony. The court's ruling in her favor was hugely controversial, as many viewed it as being in contravention of Muslim Personal Law. The film, directed by Suparn Verma and written by Reshu Nath, also stars Emraan Hashmi as Shazia's lawyer husband, who opposes her in court. Haq is now streaming on Netflix.
For sports drama fans, LBW: Love Beyond Wicket offers a story of redemption. This Tamil film, directed by Ganesh Karthikeyan, follows a former cricket player who becomes a coach to train a struggling team. It's a narrative focused on second chances and legacy, featuring actors Vikranth and Niyathi Kadambi. Catch this inspiring tale on JioHotstar.
A Malayalam Ecological Mystery
Rounding out the selection is the Malayalam film Eko. Originally released in November, this ecological mystery centers on the search for an elusive dog breeder. The film boasts a strong cast including Sandeep Pradeep, Vineeth, Narain, and Saurabh Sachdeva and is directed by Dinjith Ayyathan. Eko is now available for a wider audience on Netflix.
This week's OTT releases demonstrate the rich variety of content available to Indian viewers, from globally celebrated art-house cinema to locally resonant stories of sport, justice, and environmental intrigue. Each film provides a unique window into different worlds, making it an excellent time for cinephiles to explore new narratives from the comfort of their homes.
