Top 10 Hollywood, Bollywood films and shows to watch this weekend, including ‘Napolean’ and ‘The Railway Men’

Napoleon (UAE cinemas): This one’s for all those history buffs out there who love a grand spectacle. This epic historical drama, directed and produced by Ridley Scott and written by David Scarpa, is based on the story of Napoleon Bonaparte (Joaquin Phoenix), as it follows his rise to power and his relationship with Empress Joséphine (Vanessa Kirby). Expect the grandeur of the French court, plenty of old-world action and romance.

Wish (UAE cinemas): Young Asha (Ariana DeBose) makes a wish that is answered by a cosmic force called Star. With Star's help, Asha must save the Kingdom of Rosas from King Magnifico (Chris Pine), who promises to grant the wishes of his subjects in return for their dreams. However, Asha discovers this is a hoax and what follows is a magical story of courage.

The Ghost Within (UAE cinemas): In the mood for some horror? This could be your pick. Margot Richardson (Michaela Longden) is a young woman suffering from severe memory loss, but she is intent on solving the 20-year-old mystery of her sister Evie’s death. A series of encounters with her sister’s ghost begin to revive her memory. Where does Margot go from here?

Tiger 3 (UAE cinemas): If you haven’t had a chance to watch Salman Khan’s spy thriller, ‘Tiger 3’, then this could be your chance to enjoy the action-filled film on the big screen. Khan returns in the role of super spy Avinash Singh Rathore, known on the field as the super-agent, Tiger, who is on call to save his peers. On the surface, he’s now living an idyllic existence with his sweetheart, wife, and former Pakistani agent Zoya (an on-point Katrina Kaif), but their peaceful life is interrupted by a series of events that have global impact. Kaif is great in the action sequences, more than the emotionally charged scenes. If you are a fan of bombastic, tentpole films, then ‘Tiger 3’ will roar to you.

Sapta Saagaradaache Ello, Side B (UAE cinemas): This is the second instalment of 'Sapta Saagaradaache Ello'. Ten years on, Manu (Rakshit Shetty) walks out of jail, but does he really? The flawed hero is still imprisoned by his demons, his love for Priya (Rukmini Vasanth) and his present love interest, Surabhi (Chaithra J Achar)… This is another powerful performance that Shetty fans will vouch for.

Koffee with Karan, Disney Plus: Watch the catty show host, Karan Johar, ply his guests — Sidharth Malhotra and Varun Dhawan — with questions. As the two “Kens without their Barbies” reunite on Johar’s couch, hear all about Malhotra’s hush-hush romance with Kiara Advani, the last film Yash Chopra saw and more. And oh, this time it was Johar’s turn to be stunned into speechlessness when the actors asked him to name his three best buddies.

The Railway Men (Netflix): This four-part series based on the tragic gas leak in Bhopal in 1984 is superbly portrayed by Kay Kay Menon, Divyendu Sharma, Babil Khan, and R Madhavan. These men are in top form and chronicle the tale of brave hearts who went beyond their call of duty to help those struggling to survive. The tragedy, caused after toxic gas is released from a pesticide plant in Bhopal, claimed thousands of lives and drastically impacted those who survived for years after the leak. But this series doesn’t dwell on the grief alone. It’s a searing portrait of grit and gumption and a compelling tale of how the human spirit triumphs all odds. Actors Khan, Menon, R Madhavan, and Sharma are in top form. Also watch out for Juhi Chawla in a succinct, but powerful cameo. And if that doesn’t rock your train, then the iron will of these sturdy-willed ‘Railway Men’ will have your heart.

Friends (Netflix): It’s been a few weeks since Matthew Perry, who played the iconic Chandler Bing, from ‘Friends’ died, so getting ourselves to watch him spin his comedic magic is bitter-sweet. While there’s nothing called closure when actors that you have admired for their craft are no longer alive, watching Perry play the sarcastic, commitment phobe reminds you of how wonderful an actor he was. If it doesn’t trigger you, then make sure to re-visit ‘Friends’. The life of five thick friends in New York making sense of their late twenties and thirties is a keeper.

Oppenheimer (Apple TV+): If you haven’t had the chance to watch this compelling biopic in the cinemas, turn on your home screen. Director Christopher Nolan’s biopic on Robert J Oppenheimer, credited as the ‘father of the atom bomb’, is an explosive look into the troubled genius’ mind. It’s a cinematic incendiary of our times, powered by some brilliant acting and a compelling storyline. The movie, spearheaded by an on-point Cillian Murphy in the titular role, hits you like a sledgehammer as it raises questions on the moral/ethical dilemma faced by the remarkable theoretical physicist after he was tasked with developing nuclear weapons to alter the course of World War II.

Pain Hustlers (Netflix): Actress Emily Blunt and Chris Evans are in top form in this pharma-start-up film. Directed by BAFTA award-winner David Yates, this engaging film chronicles the career trajectory of a desperate Liza Drake (Blunt) who enters the complicated world of pharmaceuticals. The movie told through the lens of humour and acerbic wit, throws light on the opioid crisis that mars the world today. The moral compasses of doctors and pharma reps who have commodified medicine are also dealt with in a compelling manner. Blunt shines bright in this role.