Weekend watchlist: 10 TV shows and movies from Hollywood and Bollywood to check out

‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ (UAE cinemas): Revisit Pandora as James Cameron’s fantastical world comes to life again. The movie focuses on lead characters Jake Sully and Ney’tiri and their children who are committed to sticking together. However, they have to leave their beloved home after an ancient threat arrives once more to try and take over their lush planet.

‘Salaam Venky’ (UAE cinemas): Bollywood actress Kajol takes on a role that will bring awareness to the incurable disorder Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. She plays a mother to Venkatesh (Vishal Jethwa), who is sick with the disorder. She encourages him and supports him in every aspect and makes sure he makes the most of his life.

‘The Recruit’ (Netflix): Noah Centineo sheds his rom-com persona to take on some action. He plays Owen Hendricks, a young CIA lawyer, who discovers a threatening letter by a former agent who plans to expose the agency unless they exonerate her of a serious crime. In an effort to make a name for himself in the CIA, Owen gets caught up in a dangerous web in order to complete this assignment.

‘Harry & Meghan’ (Netflix): Everyone has been talking about this in-depth documentary series about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who share their side of their high-profile love story. Over six episodes, the couples let audiences in on their courtship and their challenges in the public eye. The series also feature commentary from friends and family, most of whom have never spoken publicly about the famous couple.

‘Limitless’ (Disney+): If you’re looking to get as fit and buff as Marvel actor Chris Hemsworth, then this might be a fun watch. The docu-series explores some of the ways that different ways humans can longer and betters lives by taking on physical challenges. Think diving in ice or climbing skyscrapers.

‘Hamilton’ (Disney+): This epic filmed version of the original Broadway production of ‘Hamilton’ is a perfect weekend watch and will leave all the songs stuck on loop in your head. Lin-Manuel Miranda plays Alexander Hamilton, an orphan who arrives in New York to work for George Washington. Follow along as he goes on to become first Secretary of the Treasury of the US.

‘Nanny’ (Amazon Prime Video): Don’t go by the title of this acclaimed horror film — it’s not a cute story about a nanny. The film follows an undocumented Senegalese immigrant named Aisha (Anna Diop), who is hired to take care of a wealthy couple’s child. Aisha works hard in the hopes of bringing her son to the US from Senegal. However, she is faced with a violent presence that might destroy everything.

‘Ponniyin Selvan: I’ (Amazon Prime Video): An all-star cast of Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Trisha, Sobhita Dhulipala and more feature in this epic historical drama directed by the legendary Mani Ratnam. It’s based on Kalki Krishnamurthy’s 1955 novel of the same name and is set in the Chola Dynasty.

‘Jack Ryan’ (Amazon Prime Video): If you haven’t watched the first two scenes of this John Krasinski-led action series, now’s your chance because season 3 is set to release on December 21. Krasinski plays Dr Jack Ryan, a Marine veteran and CIA analyst who has to leave the safety of his desk job and get back into the field.

‘Firefly Lane’ (Netflix): The second season of this sweet romantic drama is out and is worth checking out. The show is about best friends Tully and Kate, played by Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke, who have stuck through the good and bad from their teens to their 40s. It’s based on Kristin Hannah’s bestselling novel.