UAE National Day watchlist: From Emirati blockbuster 'Al Kameen' to Mohanlal's 'Marakkar', catch these top picks

‘Marakkar: Lion of The Arabian Sea’ (UAE cinemas): Mohanlal’s ‘Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham’, also known as ‘Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea’, is finally getting a release in the UAE over the National Day weekend after a year-long delay on account of the pandemic. The movie has already won big at the 67th National Film Awards in India for Best Feature Film, Best Special Effects and Best Costume Design. The movie also won 51st Kerala Film Awards for Best Dubbing, Best Choreography and a Special appreciation of Jury for Visual Effects. And now, the latest declaration from its lead star claims the movie has already earned Rs1 billion in early ticket sales as it awaits a Thursday release across 16,000 screens around the world. If you plan on seeing this period drama, it’s Mohanlal at his best with the film set in the 16th century, narrating the story of Kunjali Marakkar IV, the naval commander of the Zamorin of Calicut, known for defending the Malabar Coast against the Portuguese invasion. The epic has been directed by the talented Priyadarshan and also stars Keerthy Suresh and Suneil Shetty.

‘Al Kameen’ (UAE cinemas): After recording the biggest opening for an Emirati film and an Arabic language film in the UAE, 'Al Kameen', which translates to ‘The Ambush’, features an all-Emirati lead cast and has been extensively shot across familiar landmarks in the UAE. The movie tells the true story of the brave attempt to rescue a small group of Emirati soldiers trapped by rebel fighters in a mountainous valley and has been released in the UAE and select markets within the region by VOX Distribution.

‘Ghostbusters: From Beyond’ (UAE cinemas): The movie, which has been retitled for the regional release, marks a return to the beloved film franchise that was created in 1984 following a group of eccentric New York City scientists who investigate and capture ghosts for a living. So successful was this first instalment that the movie not only sparked a sequel and reboots, but also gave rise to comic books, video games, a television series and theme park attractions. This third film in the original series takes place 32 years after the events in New York in 1989. A single mother and her two children move to Oklahoma, where they discover a connection to the original Ghostbusters and their grandfather’s legacy. Jason Reitman, who is the son of the original director Ivan Reitman, has helmed this new film. Watch it for the ace acting by Mckenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard and the ageless Paul Rudd.

‘Mesh Ana’ (OSN): After a National Day meal with the family, why not grab the gang and settle down in front of the telly to watch Egyptian star Tamer Hosny do what he does best — entertain fans to his heart’s content. The Arabic comedy ‘Mesh Ana’ is the perfect pick for the weekend, following the story of Hassan, who wakes up one morning to find he has lost control of his limbs and is being controlled by something else pushing him into hilarious situations.

‘Home Alone’ franchise (UAE cinemas): If a long weekend getaway fell through, then here’s your chance to escape into a snowy landscape while taking in a few classic films in the process. Over the UAE National Day weekend, the Snow Cinema at Mall of the Emirates is screening all three films from the popular ‘Home Alone’ franchise that shot the lovable McCauley Culkin to fame. The first in the series, 1990’s ‘Home Alone’, will be screened on December 2, while ‘Home Alone 2: Lost in New York’ (1992) is screened on December 3, and ‘Home Alone 3’ (1997) on December 4. Ticket prices for Snow Cinema start at Dh100 per person, which includes admission to the screening, as well as a cup of hot chocolate and a tub of buttery popcorn. Sheer bliss.

‘New Amsterdam’ (Netflix and Starzplay): Everyone loves a good medical drama, but this series takes the genre to a new level, offering a more wholesome and heartwarming storyline that will bring you to tears almost every episode. Based on the book ‘Twelve Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital’ by Eric Manheimer, it stars Ryan Eggold as medical director Dr Max Godwin who brings revolutionary changes to an outdated hospital. The show also stars Bollywood actor Anupam Kher.

‘House of Gucci’ (UAE cinemas): Go back in time and delve into one of the fashion world’s biggest families, the Guccis, and the 1995 death of Maurizio Gucci that shocked the world. It follows the story of Patrizia Reggiani, an outsider who marries into the illustrious family, and who eventually hires a hitman to shoot her husband Maurizio to death. It features an all-star cast including Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto and Salma Hayek, and it has already garnered Oscar buzz – so it’s bound to be an interesting watch.

‘Lady Gucci: The Story of Patrizia Reggiani’ (Starzplay): Once you’re done with the movie, here’s a chance to hear the story of Maurizio Gucci and his family right from the mouth of Patrizia Reggiani. The documentary features her telling her story, from when she met Maurizio Gucci and their marriage, to when the fairytale ended with her being convicted in 1998 for attempting to arrange his murder. Patrizia was released from prison in 2016 after spending 18 years in prison. Expect lots of secrets to be spilled.

'Emirates From Above' (National Geographic): Ever fancied a bird’s-eye view of the UAE? Coinciding with the UAE’s 50th National Day, National Geographic is launching ‘The Emirates From Above’ — the latest instalment in its ‘From Above’ documentary series — that uses cutting-edge aerial cinematography and drone technology to take an in-depth look at some of the UAE’s most iconic landmarks. Get a top-down look at locations like The Dubai Frame, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Camelicious, Mleiha Archaeological Centre, Al Ain Oasis, Qasr Al Hosn, Expo 2020 Dubai and Sir Bani Yas Island, as the documentary ties the modern cityscape of the UAE to its deep heritage. ‘The Emirates From Above’ will air on National Geographic and National Geographic Abu Dhabi on December 2 at 10am across the Middle East, with repeats at 3pm and 9pm (UAE). The anticipated special will also air in 33 languages, in 120 countries on National Geographic.

'Arcane' (Netflix): Based on the ‘League of Legends’ video game franchise, ‘Netflix’s animated series ‘Arcane’ tells the heart-wrenching story of its legends. Amid the stark discord of twin cities Piltover and Zaun, two sisters fight on rival sides of a war between magic technologies and clashing convictions. Stylishly realised with top-notch animation, ‘Arcane’ combines emotionally-charged storylines with deep character builds. Divided into three “acts,” the nine-episode season chronicles rising tensions between the prosperous city of Piltover and the (literally) underground demimonde of Zaun, as magic and science begin to collide in ways both hopeful and terrifying. For those into adult animated series, ‘Arcane’ is a must-watch.

'Encanto' (UAE cinemas): Set in Colombia, the latest Disney animated film ‘Encanto’ is all about the power of family. The Madrigals are an extraordinary family who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a charmed place called the Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift — every child except Mirabel. However, she soon may be the Madrigals last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger. Featuring enchanting songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda (of ‘Hamilton’ fame), ‘Encanto’ truly celebrates the family unit, making it a perfect watch this long weekend.