This week, the highly anticipated Basil Joseph-starrer Pravinkoodu Shappu (Malayalam) hits theatres on January 16th. In the OTT space, the new seasons of Paatal Lok and Severance will premiere on January 17, on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+, respectively.
Here's a look at the big releases this week:
OTT releases:
Paatal Lok Season 2
Release date: January 17
Streaming platform: Prime Video
Jaideep Ahlawat reprises his critically acclaimed role as tough and determined cop Hathiram Chaudhary, who has to handle a new high-profile murder case, this time in Nagaland. Meanwhile, he has to wake up to the awkward development of his junior getting promoted to a higher rank.
Severance Season 2
Release date: January 17
Streaming platform: Apple TV+
The new season of one of Apple TV+'s acclaimed shows continues the story of a group of office workers who attempt to solve the mysterious events that originated from a surgical procedure undertaken by them in the past to separate their work and home memories.
I Want to Talk
Release date: January 17
Streaming platform: Prime Video
A father-daughter relationship goes through its ups and downs in this heartwarming drama led by Abhishek Bachchan, playing a man who has to come to terms with a life-changing medical diagnosis and the unexpected developments following his surgery.
I Am Kathalan
Release date: January 17
Streaming platform: Manorama Max
In this thriller that actor Naslen and director Girish AD made before their blockbuster Premalu, the former plays a youngster with hacking skills who finds a way to get back at the people who had put him through a humiliating ordeal while dealing with his lacklustre academic journey and unpromising career setbacks.
Pani
Release date: January 16
Streaming platform: SonyLIV
Actor Joju George's directorial debut is a gangster saga that puts his protagonist (Joju) in conflict with two thugs who go on the run after terrorising his family. Set in Thrissur, the film is a fast-paced violent actioner that portrays a chain of events culminating in an explosive finale.
Viduthalai: Part 2
Release date: January 17
Streaming platform: Zee5
Vetri Maaran's sequel to Viduthalai explores the backstory of the revolutionary figure known as Vaathiyar (Vijay Sethupathi) while the police constable who was the main character in Part 1, played by Soori, becomes a witness to injustice in the present day while Vaathiyar narrates his journey.
Rifle Club
Release date: January 16
Streaming platform: Netflix
Director Aashiq Abu returns in grand fashion with an action-packed entertainer populated by an ensemble cast featuring the likes of Dileesh Pothan, Anurag Kashyap, Vineeth Kumar, Vani Vishwanath, Vishnu Agasthya, and Hanumankind. The film takes viewers to the 1990s and is set against the backdrop of big game hunting.
Theatre releases
Pravinkoodu Shappu
Release date: January 16
After Sookshmadarshini, Basil Joseph returns in another thriller. This time, he plays a Sub-inspector investigating the murder of a toddy shop owner. His case is complicated by the presence of nearly a dozen suspects. The film, produced by one of Malayalam's hit filmmakers, Anwar Rasheed, also stars Soubin Shahir and Chemban Vinod Jose, among others.
Kadhalikka Neramillai
Release date: January 14
Jayam Ravi and Nithya Menen play individuals with different ideas on love, relationships and children in this directorial debut of writer-director Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi. Featuring a hummable soundtrack from A.R. Rahman, the Pongal release should be ideal for those looking for a lighthearted entertainer.
Wolf Man
Release date: January 17
Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner lead the horror-'mystery thriller that promises a different iteration of the famed 'Wolf Man monster from the stable of Universal Pictures. The film is directed by Leigh Whannell, known for the Insidious series of films, in addition to the Saw franchise and, recently, the successful adaptation of The Invisible Man.
Azaad
Release date: January 17
A period epic revolving around the bond between a young boy and a majestic horse, the film directed by Abhishek Kapoor, and starring Ajay Devgn and newcomers Aaman Devgan and Rasha Tadani, is said to be set against the backdrop of India's freedom struggle.
Emergency
Release date: January 17
Written, produced and directed by Kangana Ranaut, who also plays Indira Gandhi in the film. As the title suggests, Emergency is a chronicle of events that spanned from 1975 to 1977 while Indira Gandhi was Prime Minister. The cast also features Anupam Kher, Milind Soman, and Malayali actor Vishak Nair.
