Weekend watchlist: 10 TV shows and movies to check out

‘Resident Evil: Welcome To Raccoon City’ (UAE cinemas): The latest movie in this video game franchise is set to bring a new level of action. Raccoon City was once the home of pharmaceutical giant Umbrella Corp. After the company leaves behind a wasteland, the town has evil brewing under the surface. When the evil is unleashed, a group of survivors must work together to uncover the truth behind Umbrella.

‘Encanto’ (UAE cinemas): Add a bit of Disney magic to your weekend with this charming tale. It’s about a young girl who is from The Madrigal family, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a place called the Encanto. The Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift — every child except Mirabel. However, the ordinary Madrigal might just be her family’s last hope.

‘Cry Macho’ (UAE cinemas): Clint Eastwood stars in this movie set in 1979 as Mike Milo, a one-time rodeo star and washed-up horse breeder. However, things take a turn when he agrees to a job from an ex-boss to bring the man’s young son home and rescue him from his alcoholic mum. As they travel together by road, the unlikely pair faces a challenging journey.

‘Hellbound’ (Netflix): This South Korean series has already gained virality to rival ‘Squid Game’. It focuses on the violent actions of demons that hunt down sinners who have been visited by a celestial being that has informed the victim of their date and time of death. It is based on a webtoon titled ‘Hell’, written and drawn by Yeon Sang-ho, which released in 2019. Yeon also directs the show.

‘Robin Robin’ (Netflix): A sweet bird named Robin is raised by a family of mice after her egg rolls into a rubbish dump. However, as she grows up the differences between her and her adoptive family become more apparent. Robin sets off on a heist to prove to her mouse family that she is one of them, but ends up learning more about who she really is.

'Haseen Dilruba' (Netflix): Are you tired of conventional love stories? Then check out Taapsee Pannu and Vikran Massey’s dysfunctional and toxic love story ‘Haseen Dilruba’. The adage about giving your arm and a leg for love may ring true here. It’s the performances that make this film riveting.

'Thalaivii' (Netflix): If you are in the mood to watch a political biopic which tries not to fall into that familiar trap of presenting its subjects by glossing over their flaws, then Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Thalaivii’ will be right up your street. This engaging feature presents the eventful and fractured life of six-time Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and actress with restrained sycophancy. Ranaut is in top form here, but the actor that steals the show is Aravind Swami as her partner and confidante MGR.

'Antim: The Final Truth' (UAE cinemas): If you are a fan of Salman Khan and have a growing curiosity about his brother-in-law Aayush Sharma’s acting prowess, then be sure to check out this action drama. Khan plays a turban-clad Sikh cop, while Sharma steps into the role of a menacing gangster. While the movie is not subtle and is bombastic, Khan’s fans will enjoy the ride and nudge awake the activist in you.

'Ellam Sheriyakum' (UAE cinemas): This Malayalam film about politics entering our daily grind directed by Jibu Joseph boasts good actors Asif Ali, Rajisha Vijayan, and Indrans. If you love realistic dramas, then this is a good bet.

'Kurup' (UAE cinemas): Dulquer Salmaan is on top of his game in this ambitious thriller about the real-life fugitive Sukumara Kurup. The way the director has recreated the 1980s era is splendid and the period saga keeps you on the edge of your seat. Watch this film before it makes its way out of the cinemas. Also, watch out for the splendid cameo of Tovino Thomas and the nasty turn by Shine Chacko.