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

Animal (UAE cinemas): Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga of ‘Kabir Singh’ and ‘Arjun Reddy’ fame is back in the game with a more brutal and savage family crime drama, ‘Animal’. Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Bobby Deol, and Anil Kapoor, this film is high on stunts, spectacle, and stirring romance. In an interview with Gulf News, Kapoor labelled it as the adult version of the sappy 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham,' a glossy family drama directed by Karan Johar. His character, a trained aeronautical engineer born into a wealthy family with a powerful patriarch (Anil Kapoor), forms the crux of the story. His dysfunctional relationship with his strict and emotionally unavailable narcissistic father defines his adulthood and life choices. Director Vanga is one of Indian cinema’s most polarising directors and is notorious for glorifying toxic relationships and if trailers are anything to go by, this one is more savage and bloodier. Those who are emotionally triggered by violence, broken families, and guts and glory narrative might want to think twice, but for all others, this could be gloriously entertaining.

Five Breakups and a Romance (UAE cinemas): Directed by Irene Emma Villamor, this romantic drama in Tagalog follows Lance (Alden Richards) and Justine (Julia Montes) who meet in Singapore and fall in love. However, the problems start when Lance returns to the Philippines and they face the challenges of a long-distance relationship. As two very different personalities face off, will their love triumph?

Sam Bahadur (UAE cinemas): This one’s for the history buffs and those who love a watch that fuels their patriotism. Watch Vicky Kaushal essay the extraordinary life of Sam Manekshaw, the first Indian Army Officer to become Field Marshal. The film is a tribute to his exemplary leadership as the Chief of the Army Staff during the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. And from the first reviews coming in, Vicky Kaushal seems to have raised the bar and deserves a standing ovation.

The Marsh King’s Daughter (UAE cinemas): 'The Marsh King’s Daughter' is based on the international bestselling, award-winning psychological suspense novel by Karen Dionne. Helena (Daisy Ridley) leads an ideal life with her family, but she’s hiding a dark secret: that her father is the infamous ‘Marsh King,’ the man who kidnapped her mother as a teen. As long as her father is in prison, Helena can continue to live her life. But what happens once he escapes?

Antony (UAE cinemas): If you’re in the mood for an emotionally charged mass family entertainer, then this could be what you are looking for. ‘Antony’ delves into the theme of relationships that run deeper than blood as it shines the spotlight on the enigmatic Antony Anthrappan (Joju George), a ruthless gangster in a town called Avaran, and his close-knit group of friends.

Koffee with Karan (Disney+): The latest episode of 'Koffee with Karan' is punctuated with cackles and uncontrollable laughter as talk show host Karan Johar celebrates 25 years of Bollywood blockbuster 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' with Rani Mukerji and Kajol. Take a trip down memory lane with the three and get to know some of the back stories too — like why Johar snatched food from Mukerji, why KJo attended Mukerji’s wedding without telling his mum, and more.

Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix): Bringing one of the most highly viewed South Korean drama to life, 'Squid Game: The Challenge' is a reality show that puts contestants through the same trials that the contestants in the drama can be seen going through. The 456 participants in the show hail from countries all around the world and are battling it out to win prize money worth $4.56 million. Steady your nerves and hit the start button.

Beckham (Netflix): Even if you are not a football fan or a Manchester United follower, this four-episode docuseries strikes a goal in our hearts. David Beckham, undoubtedly one of the most gifted footballers to have ever lived, is humanised greatly in this compelling series. His triumphs and trials when he failed on the football grounds is told in a searingly honest manner. The second episode, where Beckham re-counts the time when he was ostracised for losing an important game, is emotional without being overly sentimental. His bond with his equally popular wife, Victoria Beckham, the former Spice Girls band member and fashion icon, seems organically endearing. The series doesn’t feel scripted, and we love the fly-on-the-wall approach adopted by the director.

The Great Indian Family (Prime Video): Starring Vicky Kaushal as an endearing small-town bloke, Vedvyas Tripathi, this Hindi-language family drama is that perfect feel-good film for a relaxing weekend. What happens when your identity is brought to question in a sudden and abrupt manner? The coming-of-age film works because of Kaushal and his on-screen dad’s strong performances.

Jee Karda (Prime Video): This glossy Hindi-language web series about a bunch of childhood mates navigating friendships and relationships in their late twenties is a keeper. Starring actors like an in-form Tamannaah Bhatia, this series is refreshingly entertaining. The characters are flawed, yet fabulous, making it a fun watch. Matters of the heart are complicated and messy, or so the series prove.