Top 10 Hollywood and Bollywood movies to watch this weekend, including Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Animal’ and ‘Oppenheimer’

Wondering what to watch this weekend? Don’t worry. Here’s a list of the top 10 new releases that hit screens, big and small, this week. With this comprehensive list in hand, little will get in the way of having a good time.

Malaikottai Vallivan (UAE cinema):

This Malayalam fantasy epic with English and Arabic subtitles is definitely for Mohanlal fans. Directed by Rijo Jose Pellissery, this action-adventure relies heavily on Mohanlal’s star power to pull it to the finish line. At the beginning, we are told that the title character, played by an iconic actor, is an immortal warrior throughout the seasons. Unbeatable when it comes to arm-to-arm combat, he discovers his powers after meeting daring dancer Rangapattina Rangarani, played effectively by Dubai-based Marathi actress Sonali Kulkarni. It will be tested. Danish comedian Sait plays Chamatakan, the embodiment of evil. Note that the pacing of the first half is languid and contemplative, lacking the sense of urgency and pulsating energy common to earlier works such as ‘Jallikattu’. But if you’re a Mohanlal fan, you’ll probably enjoy this fantasy adventure chronicling the conquests of Valivan. Gorgeous cinematography by Madhu Neelakandan and music by Prashant Pillai elevate this middling film.

Love it or hate it, you can’t ignore Ranbir Kapoor’s blockbuster ‘Animal’, directed by controversial director Sandeep Reddy Vanga of ‘Kabir Singh’ fame. When the film was released in theaters late last year, many critics and moviegoers slammed it for glorifying toxic male characters. Kapoor plays a scandalous protagonist who has a troubled childhood, with love withheld from his son by his strict father (Anil Kapoor). Naturally, Kapoor’s character grows up with serious father issues and an inflated sense of playing the protective son to a demanding father. Although the movie moves at a fast pace, there is no denying that the movie is peppered with problematic scenes. But you can’t deny the great performances by the main cast. Kapoor is on a roll with actors like Rashmika Mandanna, Kapoor and Tripti Dimri.

Sam Bakhdur (Zee5 Global):

Directed by accomplished filmmaker Meghna Gulzar, this biopic depicting the remarkable life and times of India’s first field marshal is a great film. Actor Vicky Kaushal, who plays the title role of Samu Bahadur, does the role justice perfectly. Kaushal, who is known as a friendly person off-screen, transforms into this fierce leader known for his strategic flair in the military field. If you are in the mood to watch an emotional and captivating movie, then you should definitely give this Hindi movie a try.

Oppenheimer (UAE cinema):

The tentpole film, which nabbed a whopping 13 Oscar nominations at this year’s Academy Awards, is set to remind fans of its explosive appeal and captivate the minority who haven’t yet seen the biographical spectacle hit the big screen. It’s back in the UAE cinemas. The Christopher Nolan film made a comeback with an incredible domination in Oscar nominations after its July 2023 release. This film is a biographical film about Robert J. Oppenheimer, known as the “father of the atomic bomb,” and takes a look inside the mind of a troubled genius. This is a modern piece of cinematic agitation, anchored by a masterful performance from Cillian Murphy and a compelling story. The film also questions the moral/ethical dilemmas faced by this distinguished theoretical physicist who was tasked with developing nuclear weapons to turn the tide of World War II.

Foreigners (Amazon Prime Video):

Award-winning actress Nicole Kidman is at her best in Lulu Wang’s Hong Kong-set web series. This fascinating watch is based on the novel by Janice Y. K. Lee, which depicts three American women based in Hong Kong struggling to move on after a tragedy. The six-episode limited series is highly binge-worthy, deftly exploring complex themes of sexism, classism, and the struggle for closure after an unspeakable event. Be careful, the pace is slow, not rushed, but the characters linger with you for a long time.

Starring Ding Dong Dantes and Marian Rivera, this love story follows a troubled couple who desperately try to undo all their vicious conflicts and trials. Dantes plays John, whose life is turned upside down when a domestic dispute with his wife takes a tragic and troubling turn. Their child longs for his warring parents to be united, but John discovers that life doesn’t guarantee a happy and tidy ending. If you want to see an emotional family drama about how life and love can’t be taken for granted, watch this movie.

The team behind Narcos is back with another addictive series. This time, Narcos screenwriter Doug Miro and director Andrés Bize are directing the spotlight on the bold and provocative Colombian drug lord Griselda Blanco. Starring Sofia Vergara of Modern Family fame, this six-episode miniseries lets you see a different side of the actress. She’s not the epitome of comedy here, but she elevates this well-written drama to the highest standards. be careful. Some creative liberties are taken to make Griselda’s nefarious life more flavorful, but that doesn’t prevent you from thoroughly enjoying the series. This is Sofia Vergara’s show through and through, and she’s just sensational this time around.

Mirror’s Girl (UAE cinemas):

Written and directed by Jade Harry Bartlett, this psychological thriller depicts an inappropriate attraction between a student and a teacher. Actress Jenna Ortega plays Cairo Sweet, a wealthy, privileged, precocious and pouty teenager. She’s a bit of a tease, and Jonathan (Martin Freeman), a married professor on the decline as a writer, finds his student attractive. This is an interesting study in ambition and attraction.

Karma Calling (Disney Hotstar+)

Do you want to watch a gritty, glossy series about the super-wealthy as they plan how to make a living? Raveena Tandon plays the rich and well-connected wife of billionaire Indrani Kothari. , her carefully crafted dynasty is thrown into jeopardy when a mysterious young woman named Karma (Namrata Sheth) invades her lavish household. Indrani believes this new outlier is bad news and that her family is at risk because her energetic son is obsessed with the newcomer. Directed by Ruchi Narain, this series is unapologetically creepy and loud, but it’s the perfect series to watch when you’re on the treadmill and want to lose track of time. The cat-and-mouse game between Karma and Indrani and their attempts to outdo each other is initially entertaining.

Mother, May Ai (United Arab Emirates cinema):

Directed by Vannicelli, this horror film follows Anya (Holland Roden), a young woman who begins to act like her fiancé’s recently deceased mother, and Emmett (Kylie Gallner), who taps into her deepest, darkest traumas to help her lover. This is a story where there is no choice but to stand up against something. . The nightmarish possession takes its toll on both parties, and big questions remain as to whether the loving couple will survive this shocking episode.