This week, streaming platforms are set to delight Indian audiences with a diverse array of new content from the South Indian film industries. A fresh batch of Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu films and series is arriving across major OTT services, offering everything from hard-hitting dramas and thrilling investigations to romantic tales and supernatural horror. Viewers can enjoy these latest releases on any device, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, or smart TVs.
Malayalam Powerhouses Take on New Roles
The Malayalam offerings this week are particularly strong, headlined by two major stars. Nivin Pauly makes his Malayalam web series debut with "Pharma," which started streaming on December 19 on JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar (via OTTplay Premium). Pauly plays KP Vinod, a medical representative trying to climb the corporate ladder in the competitive pharmaceutical sector. His journey takes a dramatic turn when he discovers unethical practices and decides to take on powerful corporate entities.
Meanwhile, megastar Mammootty returns as a detective in "Dominic and the Ladies' Purse." This film, which hit ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium) on December 19, 2025, follows a simple case of finding the owner of a lost purse that spirals into a dark and dangerous criminal investigation. Notably, this marks the Malayalam directorial debut of acclaimed filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon. The film had its theatrical release in January 2025 and took several months to arrive on an OTT platform.
Tamil & Telugu Stories: Romance, Thrills, and Horror
The Tamil and Telugu slate is equally compelling, spanning multiple genres. The Tamil series "Heartiley Battery" premiered on ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium) on December 16. This six-episode romantic fantasy centers on Sofia, a science enthusiast who applies logic to love. Her worldview is challenged when she meets a comic artist who believes in old-fashioned romance. The show features Guru Lakshman, Padine Kumar, and Sumithra Devi.
From Telugu cinema, three distinct narratives are now available for streaming. The thriller "Nayanam" started streaming on ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium) on December 19. It stars Varun Sandesh in his OTT debut as Dr. Nayan, an ophthalmologist who provides free eye check-ups but secretly uses technology to invade his patients' privacy. The series promises to subvert typical thriller conventions.
For fans of romance, "Raju Weds Rambai" is available on ETV Win (OTTplay Premium) from December 18. This Telugu romantic drama, inspired by a real-life story from Telangana, follows local musician Raju and college student Rambai. Their love faces opposition from Rambai's father, who wants her to marry a government employee. The film stars Akhil Uddemari, Tejaswini Rao, and Chaitu Jonnalagadda.
Another Telugu exploration of relationships, "Premante," landed on Netflix on December 19. Starring Priyadarshi and Anandhi, with Vennela Kishore in a supporting role, the film delves into the life of a married couple. Their seemingly perfect marriage begins to crack when the wife becomes suspicious of her husband's business activities.
Direct OTT Release for Telugu Horror Thriller
For viewers seeking a break from drama and romance, a chilling option has arrived. The Telugu horror thriller "Divya Drushti" opted for a direct OTT release on Sun NXT (OTTplay Premium) on December 19. Directed by Kabir Lal and starring Sunil, Isha Chawla, and Kamal Kamaraju, the film's plot revolves around two sisters who possess the supernatural ability to see into the future.
This week's lineup underscores the rich variety and depth of storytelling coming from South India's film industries, now readily accessible to streaming audiences nationwide. With major stars headlining projects across genres, there is content tailored for every viewer's preference.
