Weekend Watchlist: Top 10 Must-See Movies and Series

Are you in the mood for a nuanced murder mystery procedural? Look no further — Kareena Kapoor’s police drama ‘Buckingham Murders’, directed by Hansal Mehta, is a fitting choice. Kapoor Khan gives a standout performance as Jasprit Bhamra (Jazz), a British-Indian police officer who is dealing with the death of his young son. Looking for closure and a much-needed change, she moves to Buckinghamshire, only to stumble upon a new case involving a missing child. The film captures raw emotions and the rigors of procedural work. Despite uneven editing and a slow start in the UAE, Mehta’s no-nonsense approach keeps the focus on character struggles and intense investigation. Kapoor Khan, devoid of glamour, commands her role as a grieving mother and efficient cop. Celebrity chef-turned-actor Ranveer Brar and Punjabi actress Prabhleen Sandhu are enjoying themselves. While the complexity of the narrative may be overwhelming, the film’s intriguing climax and Kapoor Khan’s powerful presence make it a compelling watch. The Buckingham Murders is a must-see for fans of emotionally charged, character-driven mysteries. And did we tell you that Kareena Kapoor has perfected the art of the ugly cry? Her tears and frustrated screams tug at your heartstrings.

For an immensely worthy escape this week, Netflix’s glossy whodunit series Perfect Couple comes to the rescue. Starring Nicole Kidman, Eva Hewson, Dakota Fanning and Bollywood actor Aishaan Kathar, this lavish series is full of beautiful people in beautiful houses living in the shadows. Think of it as a fascinating mix of Big Little Lies and White Lotus, set in the upscale world of Nantucket. The story unfolds at a high-stakes wedding in a wealthy family, where secrets, lies and murder complicate the celebration. Kidman commands as Greer Garrison Winbury, the seemingly perfect novelist, while Donna Lynn Champlin’s standout performance as the detective adds to the drama. Combining intrigue, beautiful locations and extravagant lifestyles, The Perfect Couple is a captivating, visually stunning ride that promises to keep you hooked from start to finish.

“Cleanup Crew” may not seem promising at first – a crime scene clean-up team stumbles upon a suitcase full of cash from a shadowy syndicate – but director John Casey’s mastery of it transforms into a wild, campy heist. the movie. Antonio Banderas, with his Machiavelli-quoting, crime boss and absurd moustache, confidently leads the cast. Sven Thamel, who plays a drug-addicted janitor with a ninja-assassin past, is equally unhinged. The film’s charm lies in Keyes’ ability to parody Guy Ritchie’s swashbuckling crime tropes—split screens, quick cuts, and cheesy dialogue—turning them into absurd, comedic spectacles. Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Melissa Leo and Catherine Baker round out the cast and are clearly enjoying their over-the-top performances. Although it abandons logic early on, the chaotic humor and fun action make “Clean-Up Crew” a wildly entertaining watch.

Here’s a series that brilliantly captures the voyeuristic appeal of watching the ultra-wealthy navigate their loved ones. Ananya Pandey shines as Bela Chaudhary, an elegant south Delhi princess whose extravagant life comes crashing down when her husband catches her in a scandalous affair. Relocated to Mumbai, Bella – armed with her designer bags but with limited life skills – must face a new reality. Pandey’s portrayal of Bella is wonderfully believable and delightfully tongue-in-cheek, reminiscent of Elle Woods’ charm in Legally Blonde. The series combines smart writing with sly comedy, presenting Bella’s journey from privileged to penniless with heart and humor. While the show sometimes indulges in brand endorsements and awkward attempts to address difficult topics like sexual misconduct in the workplace, it ultimately manages to deliver a fun, heartwarming experience. The cast of the ensemble adds charm and makes Call Me Bae an elegant, attractive watch.

Speak No Evil may not be as catchy as its original 2022 Danish film, but it shows promise. The Hollywood remake follows an American family – Ben (Scoot McNair), Louise (Mackenzie Davis) and their daughter Agnes (Alix West Leffler) – whose vacation in Italy takes a dark turn after befriending a seemingly charming couple, Paddy (James McAvoy). sister Ciara (Aisling Francios) and their son, Ant (Dan Hoff). As they settle into their hosts’ home, a sinister undercurrent emerges that reveals disturbing truths about their new friends. While the film offers some intriguing moments and a well-executed setting, it fails to deliver the same level of suspense or deliver the same emotional punch as the original. For those familiar with the Danish version, this remake may be a diluted echo of a more compelling story, but if you’re new to it, Speak No Evil remains a compelling watch.

If you’re looking for an epic fantasy drama, Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM), starring Tovino Thomas, offers a compelling exploration of lineage and identity. Tovino plays multiple roles across the generations around Ajayan, a modern-day electrician whose grandfather was a respected warrior and grandfather was a thief. He plays three roles in this fantasy epic. The story combines historical drama and folklore, with a magic lamp made of meteor at the center of the story. As Ajayani confronts his past and the mystical forces associated with his family, the film presents a rich world-building with a perfect blend of fantasy and real-world battles.

Two words: Kate Winslet. The award-winning British actress brings her strengths to life in this biopic about the extraordinary life of prominent war photographer Elizabeth “Lee” Miller. The film portrays Miller as more than just a photographer – she is a woman who reinvents herself, abandoning her modeling career to pursue her passion for wartime photojournalism. Director Ellen Kuras, in her feature debut, brings Miller’s life to the screen in vivid detail, though some of the dialogue can be heavy handed in conveying the historical context. Winslet shines as Miller, portraying her with anger and vulnerability. Backed by a star-studded cast including Marion Cotillard and Alexander Skarsgård, “Lee” combines beauty and realism, while sometimes rushing its deep moments. For fans of historical dramas with strong female leads, this film offers an insightful look at the unsung hero of wartime photography.

This Malayalam movie starring Asif Ali and Aparna Balamurali offers an intriguing blend of mystery and drama. Set in a village inhabited by monkeys, strange events begin to disturb the peace, leaving the locals confused. A newly married couple, played by Asif Ali and Aparna Balamural, and a group of forest officials join forces to investigate the root cause of these strange occurrences. As they delve deeper into the mystery, unexpected twists and mysteries about the village are revealed. With a mix of suspense and captivating performances, this film is a refreshing take on the conflict between man and animal.

If you’re into spy dramas but want something different from the high-octane drives of Bollywood stars, Aparshakti Khurana and Rahul Bose-led ‘Berlin’ is worth a watch. Written and directed by Atul Sabharwal, this film offers a fresh take on this oft-performed genre. Unlike the usual glamorized spy tales, “Berlin” presents a more subdued but compelling narrative that subverts traditional spy tropes. The story revolves around a deaf-mute accused of espionage, interrogated by a sign language interpreter (Khurana) and a network of spies who become entangled in deception and self-preservation. With minimal star power and a sparse soundtrack, Berlin focuses on the gritty reality of espionage rather than the heroics. The film’s restrained approach to action and violence, along with the search for truth and manipulation, make it a thought-provoking addition to the spy genre.

In this Malayalam action thriller, director Ajith Mamplal presents a gritty tale of escape, survival and redemption. Manuel, brilliantly played by Antony Varghese, leaves behind his troubled past in Anchuthengu and seeks solace in a new job at Munambam Harbor on St. Anthony’s boat. However, life on the boat changes dramatically when unexpected events unfold that change the lives of Manuel and his crew members forever. 95% of the film is shot against the backdrop of the sea. With strong performances by Varghese and Pramod Velyanad, this film depicts a compelling narrative of destiny, resilience and personal transformation.