Top 5 Bollywood and Hollywood movies, shows to watch this weekend in UAE cinemas and OTT: From Empuraan to Nayanthara's Test

Dubai: This weekend’s watchlist is a mix of thrill, nostalgia, and emotional curveballs. Whether you're in the mood for a gripping political sequel or a sports drama with unexpected soul, there's something for everyone. Leading the charge is the controversial Malayalam-language political thriller L2: Empuraan, the long-awaited follow-up to Lucifer, bringing back Mohanlal in all his alpha glory. On the other end of the spectrum is Test on Netflix, a sleek, emotional spin on cricket dramas that goes beyond the game. Here's our top picks:

Test isn’t your usual sports drama—it’s slick, star-studded, and surprisingly emotional. With R Madhavan, Nayanthara, and Siddharth leading the charge, this film leans into high-stakes cricket but hits harder with its human drama. Malayalam actress Meera Jasmine returns to Tamil cinema, and it’s reason enough to watch. Directed by debutant Sashikanth and written with The Family Man’s Suman Kumar, it promises grit with heart. Plus, the music? Shakthisree Gopalan is making her composing debut, and it shows. Streaming on Netflix from April 4, Test could be that rare match where emotions run higher than the score. Worth bookmarking.

L2: Empuraan is a stylish, swagger-filled beast of a film that knows how to make an entrance—even if it takes its sweet time. Directed by Prithviraj and headlined by the ever-charismatic Mohanlal, this sequel amps up the scale with globe-trotting missions, designer action sequences, and philosophical one-liners. Yes, it’s heavy on style and slow on soul, but when it hits, it really hits. The second half—set in the political battlegrounds of Kerala—is where the real firepower lies. Manju Warrier and Tovino Thomas crackle with intensity, especially in scenes that explore dynasty politics and ideological clashes. And when Mohanlal emerges in a crisp white mundu, rescuing his sister with quiet swag, it’s cinematic gold. Sure, it meanders, and yes, it’s trying hard to impress everyone—but beneath the gloss, there’s a story waiting to land. Watch it for the performances, the scale, and those rare but glorious moments where Malayalam cinema feels truly rooted and grand.

Pulse drops you straight into the chaos of a Miami trauma centre, where Dr Danielle Simms is thrown into the deep end as the new Chief Resident. She’s juggling messy emergencies, a team of sharp but unpredictable residents, and her own emotional baggage—because of course she is. Willa Fitzgerald leads the cast, with Colin Woodell and Chelsea Muirhead adding to the drama. If fast-paced medical chaos, high-stakes calls, and personal meltdowns are your thing, this one's for you. Pulse lands on Netflix on April 3. Get ready for blood, drama, and a lot of adrenaline.

The Bondsman stars Kevin Bacon as Hub Halloran, a once-feared bounty hunter who gets a second shot at life after an unexplained resurrection. Now back in a small Southern town, Hub hopes to reconnect with his estranged family, revive his forgotten musical career, and find a sense of peace. But the world has changed—and so has his old job. Instead of chasing fugitives, Hub must now hunt down demons on the loose. Alongside Jennifer Nettles as his ex-wife and former music partner Maryanne, and Beth Grant as his sharp-witted mother, the series explores themes of redemption, purpose, and the supernatural. With Damon Herriman as Maryanne’s new partner and Maxwell Jenkins as their son Cade, The Bondsman balances eerie suspense with grounded, emotional storytelling. It’s a tale of second chances with otherworldly consequences.

If you're in the mood for a romantic comedy with a twist of magical realism, My Love Will Make You Disappear is the one to catch this weekend. Directed by Chad V. Vidanes, this charming 2025 film pairs Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino for the first time on the big screens. Kim Chiu plays Sari, a woman convinced she's cursed after a series of men who disappear on her. Enter Jolo, played by the ever-charismatic Avelino, a landlord quietly battling his own demons while trying to protect his community from gentrification. What starts as a calculated romance slowly turns into something real, tender, and complicated.