We recommend: The best new movies and TV

Creed 3: Michael B Jordan’s directorial debut ‘Creed III’ is finally on screens after the release got pushed back last year. This latest chapter of the ‘Rocky’ saga marks the first time Sylvester Stallone does not grace the screen. ‘Creed III’ features Jordan as Adonis, who has left boxing behind and settled into a traditional family life— while still being haunted by the celebrity spotlight. Cracks in his family life begin to appear as Damian (Jonathan Majors) enters the picture—unearthing long-buried memories of childhood violence where Adonis may have been at fault for something that got Damian behind bars. 

The Guardian calls it a sequel with “real purpose and patience” while it still does not match up to the first Creed movie. Variety likens the boxing foes in the movie to “comic-book supervillains.” Our take: While we don’t mind the emotional drama, we’re getting our popcorn ready for the inevitable boxing match between Damian and Adonis! You can watch ‘Creed III’ in theatres from March 3, 2023. 

Gulmohar: Set in Delhi, ‘Gulmohar’ follows the final four days of the Batra family in their 34-year-old family home before they move to a new city. As the entire family assembles for one last party, many family secrets tumble out and they have to grapple with the consequences of what has been said and what remains to be revealed. The family drama marks Manoj Bajpayee’s first collaboration with Sharmila Tagore, who plays his mother in the movie. 

NDTV has high praise for the movie and calls it “a treat all the way”. Indian Express is lukewarm, but says that the movie has a “refreshing touch” in the presence of “stalwarts like Sharmila Tagore and Manoj Bajpayee”. Our take: We can’t wait to see Manoj Bajpayee and Sharmila Tagore together. The movie promises to be a heartwarming watch—and we’re rounding up the family for a watch party. You can watch film on Hotstar.

Taj: Divided by Blood: Based on the legendary love story between Emperor Akbar’s son Prince Saleem and courtesan Anarkali, ‘Taj: Divided by Blood’ is a historical web-drama set during the 16th century Mughal period. The plot may sound familiar to fans of the 1960 classic film ‘Mughal-e-Azam’, but unlike the film, this show is much darker and will explore the story from the perspective of war, politics, and succession. It is directed by British director Ron Scalpello and has a lovely ensemble cast—Naseeruddin Shah as King Akbar, Aashim Gulati as Prince Saleem, Aditi Rao Hydari as Anarkali, Dharmendra as Sheikh Salim Chishti, and Rahul Bose as Mirza Hakim. 

There are mixed reviews for the series. Hindustan Times says that “overall effort feels a bit tame and underwhelming”. For Scroll the show “channels the spirit of The Crown and Game of Thrones” Our take: There have been many attempts to tell this story on television but we’re looking forward to this new attempt for its interesting casting choices. The series started streaming on ZEE5 yesterday.    

Daisy Jones & the Six: This one is for people who enjoy watching musical dramas. This is a 10-episode miniseries based on a book of the same name—‘Daisy Jones & the Six’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid—and explores the journey of a fictional rock band formed in the 1970s. The story is non-linear and cuts back and forth between their formation, peak, last performance together and breakup, revealing secrets, hardships and a love triangle. ‘Me Before You’ and ‘Love Rosie’ actor Sam Claflin plays Billy Dunne—one of the six—opposite Riley Keough—the granddaughter of the famous American singer Elvis Presley—who plays Daisy. The show features original music by Black Mills.

As for the reviews, Variety calls it “a flawed but compelling adaptation” and is “well worth watching” for Keough and Claflin’s “magnetic presences.” OTOH, Collider notes that the show makes multiple missteps by “lifting the wrong parts of the book verbatim” and “from the get-go, the series is slow and bogged down, which morphs into something that’s difficult to care about.” Our take: We’re tuning in just for the ‘A Star is Born’ feel that the show has going for it. Catch the show on Amazon Prime.