Top ten Hollywood and Bollywood films, shows to watch this weekend, including 'Killers of the Flower Moon'

Killers of the Flower Moon (UAE cinemas): Directed by Martin Scorsese, epic and macabre Western crime drama ‘Killers Of The Flower Moon’ is set in 1920s Oklahoma and chronicles the serial murders that came to be known as the ‘reign of terror’. Led by a stellar ensemble including Scorcese’s frequent go-to actor, Leonardo DiCaprio, this film is a rivetting story about white greed and love. Watch out for the stunning performance by Lily Gladstone.

Leo (UAE cinemas): After the success of 'Master' in 2021, director Lokesh Kanagaraj and Vijay have paired up again for the action thriller 'Leo'. The film caused a stir globally even before its release. The hype seems to have been worth it as Vijay’s acting steals the spotlight, making it easily one of his best performances. The ensemble cast is something to look forward to as well, which includes popular actors Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Sarja and Sanjay Dutt. The movie is the perfect family drama for your weekend outing.

Ganapath (UAE cinemas): Another action-packed film to look forward to this weekend is the Vikas Bahl-directed 'Ganapath'. The film stars the ‘Heropanti’ duo Tiger Shroff and Kriti Sanon as the leads along with Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan. This dystopian fantasy thriller follows a city that has been gripped with crime and is under the control of a notorious criminal ring and the only one who can save them from their misery is Ganapath (Shroff). The intense training that both Sanon and Shroff went through pays off on the big screen, making the action scenes look outstanding.

Fair Play (Netflix): Are you in the mood for a dysfunctional thriller? Then, Phoebe Dynevor and Alden Ehrenreich’s tense drama will hit the sweet spot. These two enigmatic actors play a young couple – Emily and Luke – who are madly in love, but have to keep their relationship a secret because they work in a cutthroat hedge fund in Manhattan with zero-tolerance for such misconduct. The only pedestrian thing about them is their name. An unexpected promotion changes everything. This film is a searing portrait of the complex gender dynamics between two ambitious adults and how seemingly well-adjusted men cannot wrap their head around a woman’s success in the boardroom. The corporate double standards and relationship decay is explored with great detail. Both actors are in top form and go to depraved lengths in this gripping feature. The battle of the sexes didn’t seem this sexy in any other film.

Mumbai Diaries, Season 2 (Prime Video): If the first season was all about the Bombay General Hospital and its team of competent, but over-worked doctors in Mumbai, grappling with intakes during the throes of a terrorist attack, this new season shows them battling the challenges of the vicious Mumbai monsoons. Actor Mohit Raina returns in great form as the mercurial Dr Kaushik Oberoi, who’s now on trial for medical negligence and prioritising a terrorist’s life over a brave cop. The trial is taking a toll on him, and the torrential rains that brought the city to a standstill means they have to work over-time. This season, we also see Konkona Sen Sharma’s backstory being fleshed out. She plays a domestic abuse survivor with great sensitivity. Watch this sobering and well-made series for impressive acting and plot.

Kaala Paani (Netflix): This seven-episode survival thriller series, starring Mona Singh, Ashutosh Gowariker, and Sukant Goel, dwells on how a mysterious illness decapitates the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. With elements of a post-apocalyptic thriller and ecological drama, this story plays out through the eyes of different inhabitants on this island. Superb acting from all talents including Singh, who plays Chief Medical Officer Dr Soudamini Singh to perfection, makes it a must-watch. And the best part? There are no villains or heroes in this series, just a race that has made some bad choices in general.

The Bear (Disney+): Released in 2022, 'The Bear' starring Jeremy Allen White has quickly become one of the most-watched shows. Unlike your usual comfort comedy like 'The Office' or 'Schitt’s Creek', 'The Bear' has taken a totally different route. It follows a fine dining chef who moved back to Chicago to help his family with their restaurant. The raw depiction of how restaurants usually work keeps viewers hooked. Though some of it can be stressful, many fans keep watching it because of the complexities of the characters and the fact that this show is a genre of its own that cannot be slotted into a category. Each episode leaves you wanting more.

Kumari Srimathi (Prime Video) Two words. Nithya Menen. The actress is on a roll in this charming series about a single woman who pulls all stops to regain her ancestral home. She’s a clutter breaker as she valiantly opens a restaurant and bar in her village to raise the capital to buy her family home. Good performances make this simple story come alive.

The Wailing (Prime Video): 'The Wailing' is said to be one of the greatest horror films of all time. With the recent release of ‘The Exorcist: Believer,’ many horror films are resurfacing. Directed by Na Hong-jin, this Korean horror film is the perfect blend of horror, thriller and mystery. There’s possession, witch craft, zombies and more, making it every horror film buff’s dream come true. Be prepared to sit on the edge of your seat — you will have no idea where the story is going until you reach the end.

The Sound of Magic (Netflix): Ji Chang-Wook-starrer 'The Sound of Magic' is a Netflix original K-drama that follows the story of an impoverished student, Yoon Ah-yi, who was passionate about magic in her childhood, but slowly forgets her hopes and wonders as adulthood takes over. This Korean musical reiterates the fact that people forget all the small joys of childhood and allow the problems of adulthood to control them. Ji Chang Wook’s character serves as a symbol to help Yoon Ah-yi (Choi Sung-Eun) remember her passions and reignite the child within her. Tune into this drama to de-stress and tap into your inner child this weekend.