Top 10 Hollywood and Bollywood films and shows to watch this weekend, including 'Saw X' and 'Mission Raniganj'

Beckham (Netflix): This four-part series explores iconic footballer David Beckham’s highs and lows in his career and personal life. The series, pegged to the 10th anniversary of his retirement, delves into the glamorous lives of Beckham and his wife Victoria and how they managed to stay afloat even when going through challenging times as a married pair. The footballer also touches upon important chapters in his professional life such as the time when Beckham shot down his country’s chances at winning the World Cup. The documentary also sheds light on how David’s mental health was severely affected when he was branded a villain following his show at the World Cup matches. Not overly sanitised, the documentary also shows the couple going to the usual no-go zones. The couple talk about how rumours of an affair between David and his assistant had taken a toll against his marriage with endearing honesty. If you are in the mood for a docu-series that appears honest, then this might strike a goal in your hearts.

The Creator (UAE cinemas): Set in the year 2070, this futuristic sci-fi extravaganza is directed by Gareth Edwards of ‘Godzilla’ fame and chronicles a war between the human race and the forces of artificial intelligence. Actors John David Washignton of ‘Tenet’ fame plays a hardened former special forces agent who’s recruited to hunt down and kill the mechanical enemy, Creator. AI has developed a lethal weapon that may destroy mankind and it’s upto Joshua and team to conquer the dark AI forces.

Killing Kind (Tod TV): Actress Emma Appleton plays the ambitious lawyer Ingrid who believes that she’s being targeted by those whom she had angered in the line of duty. But her partner in crime isn’t wholly reliable, a lover who has turned into a mean stalker. The thrilling series will keep you on the edge and make you wonder about toxic relationships and the judicial systems in the United Kingdom. Appleton does a neat job of playing a fierce lawyer who finds her life turned upside down suddenly. She needs to get to the bottom of it all quick, before her unknown enemies get to her.

Mission Raniganj: The Great Rescue (UAE cinemas): What’s not to love about Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar playing the ultimate saviour? The actor, who plays a fierce Sikh, is on call to spearhead a rescue mission to free trapped miners from a flooded coal mine. He plays the true-life hero the late Jaswant Singh Gill, an engineer who saved dozens of miner lives when found themselves trapped underground in Raniganj Coalfields in 1989. With limited resources, he has to come up with a viable rescue plan. Actress Parineeti Chopra plays his wife who has complete faith in her partner even when all those around him are doubting him. The survival thriller, directed by Tinu Suresh Desai, also features a raft of talents including actors Kumund Mishra and Ravi Kishan. The film is a tribute to real-life heroes and their indomitable spirit as they risked their lives for others. And, going by the trailer, the film is likely to be high on stoicism, stardom, and high stakes.

Chaaver (UAE Cinemas): Malayalam actor Kunchacko Boban takes on that rare action role in his career with this political entertainer ‘Chaaver’. Directed by Tinu Pappachan of ‘Shishtaam Ardhrathiil’ fame, the movie delves into the unsavoury fringes elements that exist within political party. The thriller about political murders in Kannur is about a bunch of young men who are a part of a suicide gang and will go to any lengths to protect their politics and their ideologies. Expect stylized violence and henchmen who don’t shirk from blood.

Jeanne du Barry (UAE Cinemas): If you’re a Johnny Depp fan, this is the movie you should be looking forward to. The historical drama, starring Depp and directed by French actress Maïwenn, opened this year’s Cannes Film Festival and was also its toast. Depp, synonymous with audiences for his role in the famed ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise, plays King Louis XV in ‘Jeanne du Barry’. This was billed as his comeback movie following the explosive trial with his former actress wife Amber Heard. Maïwenn plays King Louis XV’s favorite courtesan in this French language movie, which reportedly prompted Depp to say ‘he has no need for Hollywood anymore’. Wonder why? There’s only one way to find out.

Chithha (UAE Cinemas): Best known for making the nail-biting police procedural ‘Sethupathi’ and ‘Pannaiyarum Padminiyum’, SU Arun Kumar returns to direct ‘Chithha’, the Tamil language drama starring Siddharth and Nimisha Sajayan. The movie marks Sajayan’s debut in Tamil cinema, who’s made a habit of starring in critically acclaimed flicks — be it ‘The Great Indian Kitchen’, ‘Chola’ or ‘Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum’. The title, which is short for ‘Chitappa’, or paternal uncle in Tamil, follows Siddharth’s emotional bond with his niece and the trials and tribulations that he goes through in the process. Sajayan plays Siddharth’s love interest. The movie has released to critical acclaim in India, with praise reserved for the performance of the lead actors, and how subjects like sexual abuse are perceived — and tackled — in Indian society. Go for it if you are a fan of emotional dramas and fresh storylines.

Saw X: If you’re a fan of bone-chilling horror movies and Billy the Puppet aka Jigsaw — emblem of the ‘Saw’ franchise — then pay attention. The horror movie series that revels and revolves around a serial killer who puts his victims through ‘games’, or extreme duress, is back in its tenth instalment. Directed by Kevin Greutert and starring Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Steven Brand and Synnøve Macody Lund, the new movie has a thrilling plot that will doubtless put you on the edge of your seat. Here’s all we can say: a cancer patient, a scam and retribution. Fun fact: ‘Saw X’ is said to be a sequel to ‘Saw’, that kicked off the franchise; and prequel to ‘Saw 2’.

'The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar' (Netflix): This brilliant combination of a Roald Dahl story and Wes Anderson direction is a sure-fire recipe to turn a boring weekend around. And if you’re the kind who hates long movies, here’s another reason why you should reach for the remote: The film is 39 minutes of intricate storyline and detailed projection. It follows a rich businessman who wants to learn a skill that will help him cheat while gambling, combining the fantasy of a child’s imagination and the realism of the adult world.

Strong Lady Bong Soon (Netflix): If you want a classic K-drama to make your weekend come alive, this one’s for you. A throwback to 2017, this K-drama is a perfect mix of romance and comedy, with a fair share of crime and twists thrown in. A beautifully written storyline, quirky characters and some top-class acting is what a viewer can expect. Park Bo Young and Park Hyung Sik have done a splendid job in portraying the characters. You also get to see some unforgettable female characters on the show.