Top ten Hollywood and Bollywood films, shows to watch this weekend, including comedy 'Dumb Money'

Wondering what movie or show to watch this weekend? Sweat not, we have you covered. Here's a look at our top picks for this week.

Dumb Money (UAE cinemas): If you are in the mood for a whacky underdog tale about a bunch of amateur stock traders taking over Wall Street, then ‘Dumb Money’ will be worth every buck of your ticket costs. Based on an outlandish true story of how ordinary people got rich by turning the video-game retailer GameStop into the world’s hottest company, this stock market dramedy is high on laughs. Starring Seth Rogen as the hedge fund chief Gabe Plotkin, and Paul Dano as the regular dorky dude Keith Gill, this movie is an audacious roller-coast of finance and rebellion. The battle between the establishment and the underdogs unfold in unpredictable ways. This is also your chance to learn more about stock markets and how these regular guys rewrote its rules, even making the powerful billionaires retaliate.

Khufiya (Netflix): Directed by Vishal Bharadwaj, ‘Khufiya’ starring Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi, Azmeri Haque Badhon, and Ali Fazal is an espionage thriller that takes you into the world of spies gone rogue. An operative of the Indian Spy Agency is assigned to track down a mole who is selling defence secrets and it is up to Tabu and her team to nab him. The biggest strength of this film is the collective acting prowess. Tabu as this seasoned agent and a mother struggling to establish a healthy relationship with her teenage son does the heavy-lifting. Gabbi, Badhon, and Fazal also pull in their heft. While the screenplay might feel clunky and bloated, be patient and you might come out of it impressed with the acting chops on display. Unlike the usual spy thriller, it isn’t bombastic and larger than life. Grey landscapes and grim atmospherics add to the movie’s appeal.

The Exorcist: Believer (UAE cinemas): A loose sequel to the 1973 horror classic, this new instalment, directed by David Gordon Green, takes into the haunting possession of Regan. The movie embraces the franchise’s history while coming up with a new demonic tale. Green strategically acknowledges past films without explicit ties, offering a narrative bridge. Believer jumps 50 years ahead of the original story and focuses on the widowed single father Victor Fielding (Leslie Odom Jr.) and his 13-year-old daughter Angela (Lidya Jewett) who get possessed. If you are in the mood for an unsettling, supernatural ride, then this one is right up your street.

Sukkar (UAE cinemas) Arabic-language musical ‘Sukkar’, directed by Egyptian talent Tamer Mahdi, is a stirring tale of a bunch of children who grow up in a harsh orphanage and dream of a better life. One of their inmates, Jazara, gets chosen for adoption but inmate Sukkar and the gang from her orphanage learn that she’s being mistreated in her new foster home. Inspired by the American novel ‘Daddy Long Legs’, this film narrates the events that transpire in her life. Filled with songs and zest, this one might strike the right notes among its viewers.

Little Miss Rawther (UAE cinemas): This relationship comedy in Malayalam takes a look at how a short woman and her super tall boyfriend have to battle several issues due to their stark physical differences. The premise is fresh and intriguing, along with a fresh pair of talents. Starring Gouri G Kishan as Nina Rawther and Shersha Sherief as her boyfriend, this film is directed by Vishnu Dev. Watch it if you are in the mood for a light-hearted comedy.

Loki Season 2 (Disney+): After the immense success of the first season of 'Loki', Marvel is back with another one. This latest instalment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe picks up after the nail-biting cliffhanger in the finale of Season 1. If Tom Hiddleston is not enough reason to watch the show, then the engaging plot and dynamic action scenes should be. So, sit back and perk up your weekend as you travel along with Loki, through the vast multiverse and uncover secrets that will shock you beyond measure.

The Glory (Netflix): This K-drama is riveting, to say the least. With actress Song Hye Kyo in the lead, 'The Glory' follows the story of a young teen who was brutally bullied by her peers and who spends the rest of her life plotting and seeking revenge. The show is two seasons long, but worth every minute. The acting, especially the main lead’s (Song Hye Kyo) is fantastic, and her journey seems like your own. However, before watching the show, do go through the trigger warnings — some scenes could leave you distressed.

Mumbai Diaries Season 2 (Prime Video): After skillfully capturing the plight of Mumbai during the 26/11 attack, 'Mumbai Diaries' is back with yet another story. This season follows the devastating floods that happened in Mumbai during 2009. The show has numerous characters who represent the common man and woman and their sufferings. True to its title, the show has successfully recorded another instance of one more event that adds to the essence of what Mumbai has become today. The raw acting and tragic scenes are sure to leave you moved.

Mahaan (Prime Video): Released in 2022, this Karthik Subbaraj directed father-son drama is played by a real-life father and son — Vikram and Dhruv Vikram. Although the plot twists are not going to leave you falling off the couch, it’s the brilliant acting from Vikram and Dhruv that make the film worth a watch. The emotionally-charged scenes and brilliant stunt sequences add to the movie’s appeal.

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.