Weekend watch list: Top must-see Bollywood, Hollywood films, and OTT shows like Officer On Duty and Adolescence

From gritty crime dramas to nostalgia-fueled Bollywood romances, this week’s recommendations of films and series offers something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a dark and gripping police procedural (Officer on Duty), or a psychological thriller that will leave you shaken (Adolescence), there’s no shortage of compelling content. It’s also the season of re-releases in the UAE.

Bollywood’s ultimate coming-of-age romance, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, returns to theatres, bringing back all the love, drama, and friendships—though its dated pick-me girl narrative may feel a bit out of step today.

Here’s my list of this weekend’s most binge-worthy new releases.

For Malayalam cinema fans, the re-release of Lucifer in UAE cinemas is the perfect way to revise what happened before L2: Empuraan arrives later this month. Meanwhile, Bollywood’s ultimate coming-of-age romance, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, returns to theaters, bringing back all the love, drama, and friendships—though its dated pick-me girl narrative may feel a bit out of step today. Here’s a look at our binge-worthy list …

Officer on Duty (Netflix):

If you enjoy a police procedural where a seemingly routine case spirals into a dark, unsettling web of crimes, the Malayalam-language Officer on Duty is worth a watch. Actor Kunchacko Boban delivers a gripping performance as Hari Shanker, a troubled cop with a penchant for police brutality, making for a morally ambiguous protagonist. The first half is taut and engrossing, with solid performances from actors Priyamani and Jagadish adding emotional heft. Be warned, the film falters in the second half when its villains—drugged-out, conscience-free predators—are painted in overly simplistic strokes. Their descent into depravity is almost cartoonish, robbing the narrative of depth. While action sequences remain intense and the score heightens tension, the movie loses some of its nuance. Despite its flaws, Officer on Duty remains a well-crafted thriller that keeps you hooked—just don’t expect a deeply empathetic take on its victims. A solid one-time watch for fans of gritty crime dramas.

Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert (UAE cinemas - select shows and timings):

Hans Zimmer is no stranger to spectacle, but Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert takes it to another level. This documentary isn’t just about music—it’s about the magic behind the melodies that have defined generations of cinema. Filmed in Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena and across breathtaking locations like the Arabian Desert and the Burj Al Arab, this is Zimmer at his most cinematic. His legendary compositions—from Dune and Interstellar to Gladiator and The Lion King—come alive in a way that feels both intimate and epic. Directed by Emmy-winning Paul Dugdale, the film goes beyond the performances, offering a rare glimpse into Zimmer’s creative process with insight from the likes of Christopher Nolan, Denis Villeneuve, Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, and Billie Eilish. This isn’t just a concert film—it’s an experience, a celebration of storytelling through sound. If you love cinema and music, give this documentary a shot. But make sure to look for the select days and shows.

Adolescence (Netflix):

If you’re drowning in endless streaming options but craving something stirring and disturbing, Adolescence should be your next binge. This well-enacted four-episode British crime drama revolves around a 13-year-old accused of murder and is a searing portrait of masterful storytelling. This is easily one of the most compelling TV moments since Breaking Bad’s Ozymandias. The standout? Episode three—a deep dive into the tense cat-and-mouse dynamic between child psychiatrist Briony (Erin Doherty) and accused murderer Jamie (Owen Cooper). Doherty delivers a pitch-perfect performance, peeling back Jamie’s emotional layers with a blend of restraint and quiet force. But it’s 15-year-old newcomer Cooper who steals the show—his unsettling yet heartbreaking portrayal is nothing short of astonishing. Shot in a seamless one-take style, Adolescence is both intimate and immersive, pulling you right into its world. If you’re a fan of psychological dramas with razor-sharp tension, this is unmissable.

Lucifer (UAE cinemas):

If you’re a die-hard Mohanlal fan, Lucifer is a must-watch. This highly stylized 2019 Malyalam-language political thriller, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, is an extravagant star vehicle that glorifies Mohanlal’s legendary swagger. It’s re-releasing in the UAE cinemas this weekend. Packed with slow-motion action, punchy one-liners, and dramatic political backstabbing, the film still has a lot going for it. My gripe? While Lucifer hints at the murky world of dynasty politics and power struggles, it never digs too deep. Instead, it revels in Mohanlal’s larger-than-life persona, with moments designed to make fans whistle—whether it’s him folding his mundu (unstitched cloth) before a fight or delivering scripture-laced punchlines. With a stellar supporting cast, including Manju Warrier, Indrajith, and Tovino Thomas, Lucifer remains an entertaining political melodrama. The sequel, L2: Empuraan, is scheduled to release in UAE cinemas on March 27—so watching Lucifer will be a great way to recap what happened in the first chapter.

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (UAE cinemas):

If you missed Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani the first time around, now is the perfect chance to revisit this glossy romance as it returns to cinemas. Director Ayan Mukerji’s film remains a nostalgic favourite, capturing love, friendships, and the thrill of wanderlust. While Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone’s chemistry is electric, the film leans into a dated pick-me girl narrative. Naina (Padukone), an accomplished and intelligent woman, is left waiting for Bunny (Kapoor), a commitment-phobic man-child, to finally make up his mind about her. While their romance is compelling, the idea that an independent woman must put her life on hold for a man’s self-discovery feels outdated. That said, YJHD is still a feel-good, visually rich film with memorable friendships and iconic moments.  It’s one of the most charming romances from Ranbir and Deepika’s career catalogue.