It’s time for your weekly update of the latest OTT releases and the next seven days have the perfect blend of movies and TV shows to watch in order to satiate all your bingeing needs. Sushmita Sen stars in Taali, a biographical series based on transgender activist Gauri Sawant; Raj & DK’s latest show, Guns & Gulaabs, featuring Rajkummar Rao, Dulquer Salmaan and Adarsh Gourav prepares for release; Disney and Pixar’s Elemental becomes available on demand after a successful theatrical run.
Elemental (August 15)
Disney and Pixar’s 27th feature film, Elemental is set in a world populated by anthropomorphic natural elements. The plot charts the tale of fire element Ember Lumen and water element Wade Ripple, who meet and fall in love after the latter arrives to investigate a plumbing accident at Ember’s father, Bernie’s convenience store. Now the two must navigate these newfound feelings in a society where elements aren’t allowed to mix.
Available to buy on Apple TV+ and Prime Video
Taali (August 15)
Sushmita Sen leads this biographical series based on the life of transgender activist Gauri Sawant. It explores consequential moments in her life and the discrimination she faced on her transition journey. Sawant established the NGO Sakhi Char Chowghi Trust in 2000, aimed at promoting safe sex and providing counselling to trans people. She also became the first trans person to file a petition in the Supreme Court of India for the adoption rights of transgender people in 2014.
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Streaming on JioCinema
Depp V Heard (August 16)
The infamous public defamation trial featuring former spouses Johnny Depp and Amber Heard that had us glued to our screens in April and May last year returns in documentary form in 2023. The three-part series, originally aired by Channel 4 in May, is based on the trial’s transcripts and questions the authenticity of proceedings and the ensuing verdict. It examines both testimonies adjacently and also sheds light on the social media mayhem that accompanied the proceedings.
Streaming on Netflix
The Chosen One (August 16)
Jodie is no ordinary child as the 12-year-old suddenly starts developing divine and supernatural powers after surviving a freak accident in Santa Rosalía, Baja California Sur. Brimming with awe as he turns water into wine and cures the crippled, the religious leaders in town try to get him to use his powers to save mankind. However, the young boy just wants to impress the girl he likes and face off against his bullies. Eventually, he must come to terms with his true identity and embrace the destiny that awaits him. The series is an adaptation of the eponymous comic by Mark Millar and Peter Gross.
Streaming on Netflix
The Upshaws Part 4 (August 17)
The Upshaws are back with a fourth instalment and the level of the rib-tickling drama is about to go off the charts. The sitcom focuses on Bennie, the breadwinner of a Black working-class family in Indianapolis, who works as a mechanic. At home, he deals with the constant shenanigans of his wife, four children and a meddling sister-in-law. Part 4 sees Bennie and Regina deal with difficulties in their marriage as Lucretia tries to get her sister back out there. Fortunately, no matter what comes their way, the Upshaws always find a way to tackle difficult decisions and get through.
Streaming on Netflix
Guns & Gulaabs (August 18)
Created by director duo Raj & DK, Guns & Gulaabs is a star-studded concoction of crime, violence, love and humour. Set in the cartel-run town of Gulaabgunj in the ’90s, it follows the aftermath of an opium deal that puts a city cop and a lovelorn mechanic in a chaotic situation. The series features Rajkummar Rao, Dulquer Salmaan, Adarsh Gourav, Gulshan Devaiah, Satish Kaushik and Shreya Dhanwanthary among others.
Streaming on Netflix
Harlan Coben’s Shelter (August 18)
An adaptation of Harlan Coben’s 2011 novel, Shelter follows the story of Mickey Bolitar, who lives in Kasselton, New Jersey with his estranged uncle Myron. After his mother is checked into rehab for drug addiction, Mickey gets embroiled in the mysterious disappearance of his new girlfriend, Ashley Kent. He seeks the help of his friends to get to the bottom of this mystery, while a creepy lady next door tells Mickey that his dad, who he saw die in a car crash, is still alive.
Streaming on Prime Video
Mask Girl (August 18)
This Korean thriller zeroes in on the life of Kim Mo-mi, a mundane office worker who is insecure about her facial appearance but proud of her body. After work, she dons a mask and spends time online as a live streamer, gaining a massive following. When her colleague Joo Oh-nam, who has a crush on Mask Girl, discovers her secret identity, an unexpected yet fatal series of events unfolds.
Streaming on Netflix
The Monkey King (August 18)
Inspired by the titular epic Chinese tale, The Monkey King is an animated family comedy focusing on a charismatic monkey and his magical fighting stick. To ascend to the realm of the Gods, he sets on an epic quest for victory over 100 demons and a vicious Dragon King while battling his obnoxious ego. He is soon joined by a young village girl who constantly challenges his selfish perception and tries to show him that even small things can have a huge impact on the world.
Streaming on Netflix
Also read:
Latest OTT releases this week: 8 new movies and shows to watch on Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar
39 best animated movies that will let your imagination run wild
13 female-led action movies to take inspiration from to tap into your badass side