Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (UAE cinemas): Fans who thought the portal to the ‘Hunger Games’ universe was closed were thrilled to hear about the prequel and the fantastic world it promises. With Tom Blyth and Rachel Zegler in the lead, other cast members include Peter Dinklage, Viola Davis and Hunter Schafer. The makers insist that the prequel remains true to the trilogy without being a mere rehash. There’s also the music to look forward to, particularly Rachel Zegler's ’Tthe Hanging Tree’ and Olivia Rodrigo's ‘Can’t Catch Me Now’.
Image Credit: AP
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Sesham Mikeil Fathima (UAE cinemas): South Indian actress Kalyani Priyadarshan, who’s known for her delightful on-screen personality and girl-next-door appeal, spearheads this slice-of-life drama. The daughter of actress Lissy and director Priyadarshan plays the titular role of a young woman from the Malabar region of Kerala who dreams of becoming a football commentator. Her wish is granted, but drama isn’t far behind. Her family isn’t thrilled that she has chosen such an unconventional career path, but Fathima is undeterred. This feel-good movie is also a portrait of women breaking the proverbial glass ceiling.
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May December (UAE cinemas): The film follows Hollywood actress Elizabeth Barry (Natalie Portman) researching the woman she is to portray in a film. The woman is Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore) who was once tabloid fodder for having a physical relationship with a 12-year-old boy when she was 36. An arrest, imprisonment and two decades later, the May December couple is married with three kids and life goes on till Barry arrives on the scene. Watch the film for some powerful performances and a gripping narrative.
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Piper (UAE cinemas): If you are in the mood for a horror film that gives you the creeps, then this Elizabeth Hurley-starrer is a good pit stop. Hurley plays the spirited mother, Liz, who realises that her daughter, Amy, is in the clutches of supernatural forces. Her daughter suddenly develops bloody wounds and is afflicted with mysterious diseases and Liz realises that her dark past is now catching up with her. Now, they have to survive catacombs and haunted woods to make it alive. Will they survive to tell the grisly tale, is the big question.
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Spirited Away (UAE cinemas): One of Studio Ghibli’s most acclaimed movies, ‘Spirited Away,’ is re-releasing in theatres. An important part of many people’s childhood, this Academy Award winning movie spares no effort in transporting you to a land of wonder and awe. With fantastical characters and a mind-boggling plot, Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece is a great way to release your inner child.
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The Smurfs: Timeless Adventure (UAE cinemas): Sulking kids on your hands? Here’s a way out of the impasse. Enjoy a movie night with them as the Smurfs return. Embark on a magical trip through The Smurfs Village where the tiny blue creatures have not just the villainous Gargamel to deal with, but plenty more to do. Like finding hidden secrets and uncovering the mysteries of their village. And in the bargain, they will learn the value of friendship, loyalty and courage.
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Railway Men (Netflix): Based on the 1984 gas leak tragedy in Bhopal that left more than 15,000 people dead, this four-episode limited series directed by Shiv Rawail, throws light on the unsung heroes from Indian Railways and the police force who went all out to save hundreds of civilian lives. Led by a talented raft of actors including Kay Kay Menon, R Madhavan, Babil Khan, and Divyendu Sharma, it’s a stirring tale of these brave hearts who take the onus of helping those innocent trapped in the toxic city escape. Be warned, it’s not going to be an easy watch – considering the grim backdrop of a catastrophe – but we always love a series that highlights the triumph of humanity in the face of a man-made disaster. The series, also starring talents like Juhi Chawla and Mandira Bedi, touches upon establishment apathy and corporate greed. The performances are top-notch in this perfectly-cast series. While the supremely talented Menon plays the gritty station master of Bhopal Junction; Sharma is a stoic police officer while Irrfan’s son, Babil, is a locomotive pilot. These three unite to play real-life superheroes.
Image Credit: Netflix
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Koffee With Karan (Disney Plus): The latest episode, which dropped Thursday, features two of Bollywood’s most talented actors. Kareena Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, who are now related by marriage. As always, the catty host will not let his glamorous guests off the hook. Alia Bhatt was asked about how she dealt with her husband and actor Ranbir Kapoor being labelled toxic and she defended him with all her might. A seemingly benign comment from Alia Bhatt in one of her make-up tutorials on how her husband prefers her with no lipstick triggered an avalanche of hate against Kapoor who appeared like a controlling husband to many. But Bhatt wasn’t having any of it. On the couch, Bhatt came to his defence. There was also the eternally diva-like Kareena who let a few catty remarks slip in. Watch this episode if you love to have your ears on the Bollywood gossip mills. TV host Karan Johar rarely disappoints.
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Pippa (Prime Video): Starring Ishaan Khatter in a crucial role, this film isn’t your usual war propaganda film. This stirring film chronicles the fierce adventures of Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta of the 45th Cavalry tank squadron who fought on the eastern front during the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 along with his siblings. This is a compelling watch with performances that are equally fierce.
Image Credit: Prime Video
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The Crown (Netflix): For diehard ‘The Crown’ fans, your weekend is sorted. The controversial, yet engaging, royal saga is back with its latest season. The first part of season 6 has four episodes, centring around Princess Diana, her life with her sons, her much talked-about relationship with Dodi Fayed and her unfortunate death. However, the show focusses not so much on Diana’s death as much as the impact it had, its creator Peter Morgan said recently.
Image Credit: Netflix
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