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From mythological world-building and political intrigue to tender romances and psychological thrillers, this week’s South Indian OTT lineup cuts across languages and genres. Whether you crave high-octane spectacle or intimate storytelling, platforms like JioHotstar, ZEE5, SonyLIV, SunNXT, and Prime Video are packed with fresh releases worth adding to your watchlist. Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra (JioHotstar) The most awaited South release of the week, Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra opens a vast cinematic universe where mythology collides with modern-day power conspiracies. Starring Kalyani Priyadarshan and Nasel, and produced by Dulquer Salmaan, the film blends ancient celestial lore with present-day geopolitics in a riveting mythic action format. As divine symbols resurface in a world of espionage, a secret lineage of celestial guardians is awakened. Combining breathtaking world-building, striking visuals, and a haunting score, Lokah lays the foundation for an ambitious franchise — one where gods, mortals, and modernity meet in battle. Nadikar – October 24 (Lionsgate Play) A darkly humorous and emotional drama that traces the downfall of superstar David Padikkal (Tovino Thomas). Once the darling of the masses, David spirals into self-destruction after a string of flops and a life of excess. In desperation, he hires Bala (Soubin Shahir), an unorthodox acting coach, to reclaim his craft and relevance. As David confronts ego, insecurity, and childhood trauma, Nadikar peels back the glamour of stardom to reveal the loneliness beneath. Tovino’s layered performance makes this redemption arc both tragic and uplifting. Shakthi Thirumagan – October 24 (JioHotstar) Set against the politically charged landscape of Tamil Nadu, Shakthi Thirumagan follows Kittu (Vijay Antony), a brilliant political fixer who secretly channels his wealth toward uplifting the underprivileged. Behind his sharp intellect and power-broker façade lies a haunting past: the brutal murder of his activist mother, covered up by elite lobbyists decades ago. Determined to avenge her death and dismantle systemic corruption, Kittu takes on the establishment using strategy, not violence. A blend of political drama and emotional vengeance, this film explores the price of justice in a morally decayed system. They Call Him OG – October 23 (Netflix) A sweeping Telugu action epic starring Pawan Kalyan as Ojas Gambheera, a feared gangster who resurfaces after a decade in hiding. Once the lone survivor of a Yakuza raid in Japan, OG built a criminal empire with industrialist Satya Dada (Prakash Raj) before vanishing. When his ruthless rival Omi Bhau (Emraan Hashmi) seizes control of Mumbai, OG returns with surgical precision and unrelenting fury. Spanning continents and decades, They Call Him OG combines emotional depth with explosive spectacle — a testament to loyalty, loss, and legacy in the underworld. Mirage – October 20 (SonyLIV) From Drishyam director Jeethu Joseph, Mirage is a taut Malayalam thriller starring Asif Ali and Aparna Balamurali. A seemingly simple disappearance spirals into a labyrinth of lies, buried trauma, and psychological games. Each revelation redefines who is victim and who is manipulator. Layered, gripping, and quietly devastating, Mirage balances suspense with emotional weight — a reminder of why Jeethu Joseph remains one of India’s finest storytellers. Imbam – October 20 (SunNXT) A delightful workplace dramedy set in a struggling Malayalam publication, Imbam follows Karunakaran, the idealistic editor, and Nidhi, a young cartoonist navigating ambition, mentorship, and gender politics in the newsroom. With warmth and humor, the series captures the everyday chaos of print journalism — late deadlines, petty rivalries, and fleeting friendships that make ordinary workplaces quietly extraordinary. Aabhyanthara Kuttavaali – October 17 (ZEE5) A Malayalam courtroom drama exploring the fragility of truth in a patriarchal society. Sahadevan, a civil servant, finds his life torn apart when his wife Nayana accuses him of domestic violence and dowry harassment. As his trial unfolds, the film questions the boundaries between justice, gender, and perception. Sensitive and socially aware, Aabhyanthara Kuttavaali portrays the judicial system’s duality — both refuge and prison for those seeking fairness. Kishkindhapuri – October 17 (ZEE5) A horror-thriller that plunges into the supernatural heart of a haunted radio station. When tour guides Raghav and Mythili lead twelve tourists to the long-abandoned Suvarnamaya Radio, they accidentally awaken a spirit tied to a decades-old tragedy. As eerie radio signals begin predicting deaths, Raghav must confront his disbelief and face a vengeful entity determined to complete its unfinished symphony of revenge. Matta Kuthirai – October 16 (SunNXT) Set amidst the misty highlands of Tamil Nadu, Matta Kuthirai tells a simple yet profound story about a man’s bond with his mules. It’s a tale of endurance, loyalty, and human connection to nature. Through sparse dialogue and evocative landscapes, the film becomes a meditation on survival and solitude. Anandalahari – October 17 (Aha) A heartwarming Telugu rom-com centered on two lovers from opposite banks of the Godavari River. Torn between family rivalries and tradition, they discover that love, like a river, finds its way despite barriers. Filled with humor, music, and cultural vibrancy, Anandalahari captures the essence of rural romance in a divided world. Daksha: The Deadly Conspiracy – October 17 (Prime Video) An investigative thriller starring Lakshmi Manchu and Mohan Babu, Daksha follows a fearless officer as she uncovers a deadly web of corruption, political collusion, and murder. With its sleek pacing and sharp writing, the film explores how power manipulates truth — and how one woman’s pursuit of justice shakes the system to its core. Rider – October 19 (ETV Win) An adrenaline-fueled Telugu entertainer about friendship, ambition, and second chances. A biker gang’s leader, once written off by society, fights to rebuild both his life and his team. Packed with high-octane sequences and an emotional backbone, Rider celebrates the thrill of resilience. Valsala Club – October 19 (Manorama Max) A warm and witty Malayalam dramedy revolving around a group of aging friends whose neighborhood club becomes a stage for nostalgia, ego clashes, and reconciliation. Their banter, rivalries, and camaraderie turn ordinary afternoons into reflections on aging and joy. Elumale – October 17 (ZEE5) Set on the Tamil Nadu–Karnataka border during the stormy October of 2004, Elumale follows Revathi, a rich girl from Salem, and Harisha, a humble cab driver from Chamarajanagar, as they attempt to elope. Their love story collides with political violence and police corruption on the night of Veerappan’s encounter. What begins as youthful rebellion evolves into a desperate struggle for survival, testing the limits of love, courage, and destiny. Mudhal Pakkam – Now Streaming (Aha) A sharp Tamil crime-thriller starring Vetri and Shilpa Manjunath, Mudhal Pakkam unravels a web of love, greed, and betrayal when a family secret surfaces, threatening everything its members hold dear. The film’s slow-burn tension and moral ambiguity make it a standout in the genre. From Myth to Modernity: A Week That Has It All This week’s South OTT landscape is a microcosm of everything Indian cinema does best — epic ambition (Lokah, OG), political conscience (Shakthi Thirumagan, Daksha), tender realism (Imbam, Valsala Club), and inventive horror (Kishkindhapuri). Each film is a reminder that the South continues to lead the way in storytelling that’s fearless, emotional, and deeply human.
