We recommend: The best new movies and TV series

Thug Life: Directed by GOAT Mani Ratnam and starring the legend Kamal Haasan, ‘Thug Life’ is a revenge-thriller centred on mafia leader Rangaraaya Sakthivel and his place in the underworld. When an assassination attempt is carried out on Sakthivel, he goes into hiding in hope of catching the betrayer. The suspect: his adopted kid named Amaran. This movie marks the second collaboration between two legends after the 1987 film ‘Nayakan’. 

Reviews are mixed for this one. The Hindu writes: “Thug Life is a gangster crime drama with stretches so generic and cold that you might wonder if it was really the filmmaker at the helm.” OTOH Scroll is of the view: “Thug Life looks fresh, exciting and seductive – the classic Mani Ratnam trick to make even the routine appear like something you have never seen before.” Our take: Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan? Come on! Head to your nearest theatres to catch the movie.

The Life of Chuck: Told in reverse, this genre-bending adaptation of Stephen King’s novella unfolds across three acts that trace the mysterious, poignant life of Charles Krantz. As the world collapses in strange, surreal ways—California falling into the sea, a smiling man's image haunting the landscape—lives intersect around Chuck’s memory, from a teacher grappling with apocalyptic dread to a street drummer who inspires unexpected joy.

Reviews are great for this one. Collider says Mike Flanagan’s movie is a “philosophically rich, emotionally deep, intensely joyful” adaptation of Stephen King’s novella that transforms a cosmic mystery into “something gloriously personal.” Indiewire describes the film as one that affirms “even the smallest and most ordinary of lives is animated by a divine spark.” Our take: A man’s life told in reverse, filled with memories, dancing, and quiet wonder—this emotional journey is well worth the watch. Now playing in theatres.

Stick: In 'Stick', former pro golfer Pryce Cahill (played by Owen Wilson), whose career ended sixteen years prior in a very public meltdown, finds renewed purpose when he takes on talented seventeen-year-old golf prodigy Santi (played by Peter Dager). As Pryce navigates his impending divorce and financial struggles, he sees an opportunity to get Santi into the US Amateur. The series follows Pryce, Santi, Santi's mother Elena (played by Mariana Treviño), and Santi's love interest Zero (played by Lilli Kay) as they embark on a whirlwind tour of qualifying matches in Mitts' (Marc Maron) RV, forming an unconventional found family along the way.

Reviews are above average for this sports comedy series. Hollywood Reporter thinks that it is an "endearing golf comedy" that, while "perhaps too timid" as a sports story, "really shines as a hangout comedy." Variety concurs: The "affable comedy" is ultimately "a showcase for two things: the shaggy-dog charms of star and executive producer Owen Wilson, and the sport of golf," making "the enterprise worthwhile." Our take: Owen Wilson’s signature charm and feel-good nature makes this a series worth trying out, despite the golf. Stream it on Apple TV+. 

Stolen: This action thriller stars Abhishek Banerjee and Shubham Vardhan as brothers Gautam and Raman who are exiting a rural railway station on their way to attend their mother’s wedding. But they are stopped by a woman named Jhumpa Mahato—played by Mia Maelzer—who accuses Raman of abducting her child. Raman wants to help her but the brothers are quickly trapped in a spiraling chaos after the police get involved. The film is directed by Karan Tejpal in his feature debut.

Reviews are good. Hollywood Reporter India says “it doesn’t pretend to hide its own blind spots…it not only reflects the honest gaze of the makers and the fact that it’s these brothers who are ‘hostile outsiders’ in this nameless region, it also reveals a sociocultural chasm that cannot be overcome with good intent and bleeding-heart-liberal vibes alone.” According to Scroll: “Despite the occasional contrivances, there is welcome layering in a film that reveals the immense risks involved in venturing out of the bubble of privilege.” Our take: You had us at Banerjee, and we’ve been waiting a while for a Hindi thriller that rises above predictable tropes. Check it out on Amazon Prime Video.

Get Away: This psychological horror-comedy stars Nick Frost, Aisling Bea, Sebastian Croft and Maisie Ayres. The four of them play a family on a weekend getaway trip to a remote island. Things get dark and scary when they discover the island they're on is inhabited by a serial killer.

Reviews are decent. IndieWire says: “It’s no ‘Shaun of the Dead,’ but it might be a better use of your time than a 100th rewatch.” ScreenRant concurs: “Nick Frost returns to horror comedy with Get Away, and while the film does not match Shaun of the Dead's hectic and hilarious energy, it has its moments.” Our take: We love Nick Frost and Aisling Bea’s comedic timing and are all in for this movie. It dropped on JioHotstar yesterday.

Here’s a new chapter…

Ginny & Georgia season 3: Georgia’s arrest for murder at her wedding throws the Miller family into chaos, forcing Ginny and Austin to deal with the fallout while their mother faces trial. As Georgia tries to hold things together under intense scrutiny, Ginny begins to come into her own, making difficult choices without shame or guilt. With shifting relationships, new challenges, and long-buried secrets surfacing, the season tests how far the bond between mother and daughter can stretch. Streaming now on Netflix.

Tires Season 2: After their marketing plan’s success, Will and Shane try to grow their struggling auto repair business while facing new personal and work challenges. Will struggles to lead the shop amid clashes with his cousin Shane, whose antics cause both trouble and support. Tensions rise over bonuses, past conflicts—like with NFL player JJ Watt—and the future of the business. Season 2 continues their fight to save the shop amid family drama and growing pressures. Catch it now on Netflix.

Fresh off the big screen…

Tourist Family: Headlined by M Sasikumar and Simran, this Tamil movie focuses on a Sri Lankan family who enter India illegally from the sea in search of better opportunities. Though the subject deals with xenophobia and new beginnings, the movie oscillates between the lighter and heavier moments. The Hindu says that the “feel-good film leaves you all fuzzy.” You can watch it on JioHotstar.