Top 10 Hollywood and Bollywood films and shows to watch this weekend

12th fail (UAE cinemas): Directed and written by Vidhu Vindod Chopra, this film starring Vikrant Massey is one of the most inspiring and feel-good movies of the year. The stirring tale of a young man Manoj (an on-point Massey) hoping to crack a highly-competitive exam to join the civil services in India should figure in your-must watch list. Massey is in top form as this under-privileged young man who just cannot catch a break in life. He's dirt poor, studied in a rural school in his Chambal village, and thinks in Hindi. The odds are stacked against him and whether he cracks under pressure forms the spine of the film. The movie is also a searing portrait of class bias in India and how broken the Indian education system is. The way the admissions are meant to spit out students and are brutal for the psyche of the youth is also explored. Plus, this is easily Massey's career-defining performances. Keep your tissues handy and we dare you not to crumble when you see Manoj's heart-wrenching troubles. The other actors are equally good and effective in their roles in this superbly-made underdog story.

Butcher's Crossing (UAE cinemas): Based on a novel by John Edward Williams, 'Butcher's Crossing' follows an Ivy League dropout who joins a couple of buffalo-hunters and ends up putting his sanity at risk. This is not your usual boot-laden and sweet-grass chewing cowboy movie. The Nicholas Cage-starrer explores different nuances of nature, Western greed and masculinity. The movie is a slow burn, no doubt, but turns out to be a compelling watch.

Otta (UAE cinemas): This Malayalam film, starring a raft of talents including Asif Ali, Arjun Ashokan, Indrajith Sukumaran, Sathyaraj, and Rohini, is Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty’s directorial debut. The emotionally-charged film deals with sensitive issues like toxic parenting, child abuse, and mean bosses in Indian metros with a deft hand. Asif Ali and other actors are in top form in this family drama that does not shy away from addressing uncomfortable topics. Broken men who are deeply damaged, but want to make it in life makes this film compelling.

Tejas (UAE cinemas): Directed and written by Sarvesh Mewara Tejas, this action drama starring Kangana Ranaut chronicles the dangerous missions undertaken by a fierce female fighter pilot. Ranaut, who plays the titular role, is filled with spunk and doesn’t think twice about embarking on lethal and dangerous missions in the line of duty. While Tejas Gill is great at her job, she isn’t a stickler for rules. Her covert and dangerous rescue operations often see her go all out to help her mates. No task is too daunting for this Indian patriot. Watch this film if you are a fan of Ranaut and are in the mood to watch a film that's designed to stoke nationalistic pride. Ranaut does the heavy lifting here and she's clearly the reason why this film soars.

Five night at freddy’s (UAE cinemas): This horror film is the cinematic adaption of the popular videogame. This spook-fest follows Mike Schmidt's (actor Josh Hutcherson of ‘Hunger Games’ fame) attempts at working as a security guard at a gaming arcade. But the rob-rockers at the pizzeria/arcade aren’t benign and are possessed. Will he survive his shift, is the big question. With Halloween around the corner, the time of its release couldn't be better.

Hidden figures (Disney+): Released in 2016, this movie is an incredibly inspiring story about three Black women whose work at Nasa proved to be crucial in sending astronaut John Glenn into the orbit. Taraji P Henson's stellar performance is moving. The movie is a lesson in racism and misogyny that all of us could do with. This is a must-watch and oh, do keep a lookout for the scene involving bathroom breaks.

Leo (UAE cinemas): This is one of the biggest South Indian blockbusters of the year and it's not too late to catch it on the big screens. Starring Vijay and Trisha Krishnan, this film is high on stunts and drama. Vijay is in top form in this masala-fuelled entertainer. He's mistaken to be a former gangster by a lethal mafia boss, and it sets off a chain of violent events. Watch this if you are an ardent fan of Vijay.

Get out (Prime Video): Directed by Jordan Peele, this psychological thriller follows the visit of an African-American man to his White girlfriend's house. Although all seems normal at first, things change very quickly. From the way each scene is eerily set to the apt background score, this movie is absolutely made to give you the creeps. Peele has skillfully portrayed racism through a horror film! If that's not enough reason to watch the movie, then Daniel Kaluuya's excellent acting should be.

The Menu (Disney+): A satirical thriller, ‘The Menu’ follows a young couple and their visit to an exquisite restaurant where the guests are selected. The menu in the restaurant claims to out of this world and those who eat here are nothing short of fortunate. However, the movie quickly turns from an elite dining experience to a savage meal. Anya Taylor-Joy's character, Margot, is someone to keep an eye out for as her cynical nature adds so much more dread and anticipation to the film. ‘The Menu’ has been crafted to perfection with excellent cinematography and spine-chilling dialogues.

Move to Heaven (Netflix): An unconventional story from your usual K-dramas, it tells the touching story of a young boy with Asperger’s Syndrome who, along with his uncle, is a trauma cleaner. The untold stories that come out with each cleaning is worth hearing. Each episode has a story of its own and manages to connect the viewer to the deceased individual. It is a beautiful and heart-wrenching drama that speaks volumes about the fragility of human beings and their need to be valued.