Weekend watchlist: 10 TV shows and movies to check out

‘Bhramam’ (UAE cinemas): Starring Prithviraj and Mamta Mohandas, this is the Malayalam adaptation of the hit Bollywood thriller ‘Andhadhun’. The original had Tabu and Ayushmann Khurrana in the lead roles, while the faithful adaptation has Prithviraj and Mamta Mohandas play those crucial roles. While it’s almost impossible not to compare the two films as you watch it, the Malayalam adaptation is enjoyable and engaging. Prithviraj is compelling as a crafty blind pianist and Mohandas has fun with her wicked role of a saucy wife. The comic scenes land effectively and the movie looks lush and rich on the big screen. After a long time, a star-studded Malayalam film with a solid script is making our way into the UAE cinemas, so it’s a great weekend watch.

‘Home’ (Amazon Prime Video): News has just emerged that this stirring Malayalam film starring Indrans will be re-made in to Hindi soon. Before that happens, why not watch the original? Indrans as a docile retired father wanting respect and dignity from his grown sons is a treat to watch. He plays Oliver Twist, a sweet old man who isn’t tech-savvy and wants his overgrown, entitled children to teach him how to use the social media on his phone. It’s a simple premise, but makes for a delightful watch. If you are in the mood for a stirring family drama with simple values, then this is a must-watch.

‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ (Amazon Prime Video): This limited series about nine wealthy and worn-out city folks heading to a wellness resort founded by mysterious Masha (Nicole Kidman) is perfect for a one-time watch. It’s a detox spa that brings out the worst in their guests. Watch it for the fine performances and the reluctant camaraderie that forms among the unlikely set.

‘Midnight Mass’ (Netflix): Apart from ‘Squid Game’, this is one show that has everyone raving and at the edge of their seats. After a new and mysterious young priest lands on an isolated island community, strange but miraculous events start to happen. But soon, things take a darker turn.

‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’ (Netflix): Enjoy the weekend with this sweet Korean romantic drama. A dentist in the major city loses her job. She then moves to a picturesque beach resort where she meets a jack-of-all-trades who is her polar opposite.

‘Every Breath You Take’ (UAE cinemas): A psychiatrist end up in a complex situation after one of his patient’s takes her own life, and he allows her surviving brother to become involved with his own family.

‘Dublin Murders’ (Starzplay): Based on the popular novels by Tana French, this series sees Detectives Rob Reilly and Cassie Maddox investigate the murder of a young girl on the outskirts of Dublin. The detectives find themselves being put to the test as they are confronted by the darkness of the case.

‘The Many Saints of Newark’ (UAE cinemas): This new movie is based on the making of the iconic character Tony Soprano. It takes viewers behind the story Tony’s struggles and the influence his mafia family.

‘The Marvelous Mrs Maisel’ (Amazon Prime Video): If this hilarious telling of a rising star in New York doesn’t make you chortle — and occasionally guffaw — you’ve got no sense of humour. In the series, in 1958 America, when Jewish American housewife Miriam discovers her husband’s infidelity, she does what any rational, sane person would do — she goes to a bar, gets on stage and airs their dirty laundry in a comic fashion, winning herself a round of applause. And so begins her rise to fame and her tussle with convention.

‘Fargo’ (Netflix): Come for the crime thriller, stay for the witty and surreal storytelling. Inspired by the 1996 movie of the same name, each of its four seasons are set in the Midwest but in different time periods, with a new cast and storyline. There’s intrigue, double crossing, lots of guns, and lots of thrills to be had.