Our definitive list of must-watch entertainment this month
In theatres INDIAN 2 (Telugu/Tamil)
Kamal Hassan and Shankar’s 1996 blockbuster finds its two sequels on cards, finally releasing this month. Having faced innumerable backlashes including remaining in limbo post a freak accident, until Red Giant Movies stepped in to co-produce the movie. Shankar ended up filming more than six hours of footage, resulting in two parts. The anticipation is extremely high considering Hassan’s recent blockbuster Vikram and Shankar delivering the massively mounted 2.0.
Date: 12th July
AURON MEIN KAHAN DUM THA (Hindi)
Comprising a stellar cast of Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Jimmy Shergill and Shantanu Maheshwari, it marks the return of ace filmmaker Neeraj Pandey after Aiyaary. Pandey has been busy developing TV series – each one better than the previous. Devgn and Pandey come together for the first time in this romantic thriller about a couple and their relationship spanning two decades, diving into the emotional depth and dynamics and culminating into one final meeting. The music is composed by Academy Award winner M. M. Keeravani.
Date: 5th July
Kill (Hindi) Dharma Productions’ film marks the debut of Nikhil Nagesh Bhat with debutantes across the board from television. Lakshya debuts as a commando in the Indian Army aboard the Rajdhani Express who takes matters into his own hands when it is stormed by a gang of bandits. The film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in September 2023. It’s also the first time an Indian film is being acquired by an American studio – Lionsgate, to be theatrically distributed across the country. The action is choreographed by the legendary Se-Yeong Oh, known for films like Avengers: Age of Ultron, War and Fan.
Date: 5th July
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE (English) The most awaited movie hits your nearest screens this month. Ryan Reynolds returns for the third time and does the impossible by bringing back Hugh Jackman as Logan/Wolverine. The plot follows Wade Wilson, who is recruited by the TVA, to help protect his realm, by teaming up with Wolverine. It is the 34th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, directed by Shawn Levy and first one with an R-rating. It’s considered to be the soft reboot of the franchise, as various casts including the Fantastic Four, are being announced, with many more rumored to make an appearance in the film.
Date: 26th July
FLY ME TO THE MOON (English) Scarlett Johannson teams up with Apple and brings a stellar cast in this period motion picture about the space race during the ‘60s and NASA’s attempt to stage a fake moon landing in case the actual one fails. Directed by Greg Berlanti, the only producer in the world who had 18 different live-action television series airing at the same time, having signed the most expensive producer deal of all time during the year 2018.
Date: 12th July
OTT SHOWS
EMOJI (Telugu)
AHA
Originally made in Tamil and dubbed in Telugu, the series revolves around a young couple who face separation due to physical reasons but reconsider each other due to the love they are unable to find anywhere else. Starring Mahat Raghavendra and Devika Satheesh among others and directed by Sen S Rangasamy. It has received praise for acting and music while polarizing reviews for the show itself – with some calling it a breezy romantic entertainer.
MIRZAPUR (Hindi)
AMAZON PRIME One of the most watched TV series in the world, its third season releases on July 5th. The cast from the previous seasons returns with Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyendu, Shweta Tripathi and Rasika Dugal. The show is widely considered one of the best on the platform especially for its writing and performances. Tripathi has become a household name while Ali Fazal has reached greater heights having starred in Hollywood motion pictures. The show continues to be produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani under Excel Entertainment along with writers and creators Karan Anshuman, Puneet Krishna and Mihir Desai.
BEVERLY HILLS COP: AXEL F
NETFLIX (English)
Eddie Murphy returns in the iconic role of Detective Axel Foley for the fourth time. He discovers corruption in the police department while teaming up with his old friends Taggart and Billy along with newcomer to the series Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Detective Bobby Abbott. The film marks the debut of director Mark Molloy – who was a designer for brands such as Nike and BBC before moving to directing ad films. Bankrolled by Netflix, it is one of the most anticipated films of the year. The music is provided by Lorne Balfe. ARANMANAI 4 (Tamil) Disney + Hotstar This haunted mystery is about a man who decides to search for the hidden truth after his sister’s suspicious death, setting off chaos and terror. The film stars Sundar, leading an ensemble cast that includes Tamannaah Bhatia, Raashii Khanna, Ramachandra Raju, Santhosh Prathap, Kovai Sarala and Yogi Babu.
TELUGU INDIAN IDOL SEASON 3 (Telugu)
AHA
This music reality show features the sensational composer SS Thaman, alongside star singers Karthik and Geeta Madhuri as judges. Hosted by Indian Idol alum Sri Rama Chandra, it showcases contestants who will mesmerize the audience with their vocal prowess in this massive musical competition.
