As the weekend draws near, OTT platforms are serving up an exciting variety of new content to keep you entertained. With genres ranging from lighthearted romantic comedies to gripping thrillers, January 24, 2025, promises to offer something for everyone. Here’s a look at five highly anticipated releases to stream this Friday:

1. Sivarapalli – Amazon Prime Video

Release Date: January 24, 2025
Fans of the hit show Panchayat are in for a treat with Sivarapalli, a Telugu remake of the much-loved series. Set in the rural village of Sivarapalli in Telangana, the show follows an engineering graduate who is reluctantly thrust into the role of Panchayat Secretary. The series promises to offer a heartwarming and humorous look at rural life in India. With its relatable characters and small-town charm, Sivarapalli will appeal to fans of the original while also attracting new viewers. Stream it on Amazon Prime Video starting this Friday.

2. Sweet Dreams – Disney+ Hotstar

Release Date: January 24, 2025
This romantic dramedy features Mithila Palkar and Amol Parashar as Kenny and Dia, two people who embark on an unconventional journey to find their dream partners—literally. When both of them dream about meeting someone, they set out to find these mysterious figures in real life. The quirky premise and charming performances make Sweet Dreams an ideal weekend watch for those in the mood for something lighthearted yet intriguing. Available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.

3. The Sand Castle – Netflix

Release Date: January 24, 2025
In this mystery thriller, a family of four finds themselves stranded on a deserted island where survival becomes a battle. Tensions rise as long-buried secrets come to light, threatening to tear the family apart. Directed by Matty Brown, The Sand Castle promises a gripping, edge-of-your-seat experience with its mix of mystery, suspense, and drama. With an IMDb rating of 7.9, this thriller is one not to miss. Catch it on Netflix this Friday.

4. Hisaab Barabar – Zee5

Release Date: January 24, 2025
Hisaab Barabar is a satirical drama that delves into corruption and the quest for justice. The film follows Radhe Mohan Sharma, a railway ticket inspector who uncovers a massive financial scam after discovering discrepancies in his own bank account. Starring R Madhavan and Neil Nitin Mukesh, this social drama combines suspense with humor, making it an intriguing watch. With a strong storyline and sharp social commentary, Hisaab Barabar is now streaming on Zee5.

5. Saubhagyavati Sarpanch – Ultra Jhakaas

Release Date: January 24, 2025
This inspiring drama tells the story of Awali, a housewife who unexpectedly becomes a Sarpanch, leading her village towards progressive change. The series touches on themes of women’s empowerment, as Awali challenges traditional norms and works towards social improvement. The show’s focus on overcoming societal barriers makes it a powerful narrative about hope, determination, and the transformative role of women in shaping society. Stream it now on Ultra Jhakaas.

The OTT platforms this weekend bring an exciting mix of genres, from the emotional depth of Sivarapalli to the mystery and tension of The Sand Castle. Whether you’re in the mood for romance, drama, or suspense, January 24 has something for everyone. Be sure to mark your calendars and catch these releases as they drop this Friday.

As the 97th Academy Awards nominations were unveiled, Indian cinema found itself with mixed fortunes. While the much-anticipated Oscars saw the inclusion of one Indian film, Anuja, in the Best Live Action Short Film category, several major contenders were left out of the nominations entirely.

This year, despite the strong buzz surrounding Indian films like Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, Putul, Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life, All We Imagine As Light, Band of Maharajas, Kanguva, The Zebras, Girls Will Be Girls, and Santosh, none of them made it to the final list of nominees. The exclusion of these titles has raised eyebrows, particularly among fans and industry insiders who had high hopes for their inclusion.

The lone Indian contender making waves at the Oscars 2025 is Anuja, a poignant short film produced by Guneet Monga and Priyanka Chopra. Directed by Adam J. Graves, the film follows the story of Anuja, a young girl played by Sajda Pathan, who works in a garment factory in Delhi. Anuja, along with her sister Palak (played by Ananya Shanbhag), is faced with an incredibly difficult decision that could alter the course of her life and her family’s future.

The announcement of the nominations was made today during a live-streamed ceremony hosted by actors-comedians Rachel Sennott and Bowen Yang, which took place at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater. The event revealed the nominees across all 24 Oscar categories.

While the exclusion of several noteworthy Indian films is disheartening for many, the success of Anuja offers a glimmer of hope for Indian cinema in the global spotlight. The 97th Academy Awards ceremony will be held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with Conan O’Brien serving as the host for the star-studded event.

As the Oscars approach, the spotlight remains on Anuja, with audiences eager to see how the film will fare in the prestigious race for the gold statue.

Netflix’s The Night Agent, a runaway success in 2023, returns for a second season that expertly builds upon its predecessor’s thrilling foundation. Picking up ten months after the explosive conclusion of season one, the show plunges viewers back into the high-stakes world of Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), the earnest but resourceful FBI agent now operating as a Night Action agent.

The immediate danger is palpable; within the first fifteen minutes, Peter finds himself in a familiar predicament—surrounded by potential enemies and unsure of who to trust. This sets the stage for a season filled with suspense, double-crosses, and relentless action.

The central mystery revolves around a dangerous leak within the agency. Peter, utilizing his sharp intellect and street smarts, embarks on a perilous investigation to uncover the mole, a quest complicated by both internal and international threats. His reunion with Rose Larkin (Luciane Buchanan), his former girlfriend, adds another layer of complexity.

Rose, now a key asset in his investigation, helps navigate the treacherous landscape of political intrigue and espionage. A secondary plotline, focusing on suspicious activities at the Iranian mission to the United Nations, adds a further dimension to the already multifaceted narrative, broadening the scope of the conspiracy beyond the confines of the American government.

Showrunner Shawn Ryan and his writing team have once again crafted a captivating ten-episode season that maintains the addictive quality of the original. Each episode ends on a dramatic cliffhanger, keeping viewers hooked and eagerly anticipating the next installment. While some plot points may strain credulity, the show’s commitment to delivering edge-of-your-seat entertainment overshadows any concerns about realism. The increased budget is evident in the expanded filming locations; the action spills beyond the familiar streets of Washington D.C., transporting viewers to the vibrant backdrops of Bangkok and New York City, adding a visual flair to the already dynamic storytelling.

The pacing, though rapid, avoids feeling rushed, successfully balancing the constant tension with well-developed character arcs. Basso and Buchanan’s chemistry remains compelling, their performances anchored by the palpable tension and trust issues stemming from their shared trauma.

The supporting cast shines as well; the addition of Brittany Snow as Peter’s Night Action partner, Amanda Warren as his supervisor, and Arienne Mandi as the enigmatic Iranian aide, Noor, significantly enhances the overall narrative. The return of Kari Matchett as the President provides a crucial link to the previous season while simultaneously allowing the introduction of these new pivotal characters.

The knowledge that a third season is already in the works subtly alters the dynamic, easing the pressure on the main characters while simultaneously amplifying the stakes of the ongoing conspiracy. The mystery surrounding the CIA leaks, with its implications for national security, is just as gripping as the previous season’s plot to assassinate the president. Ultimately, The Night Agent Season 2 delivers another exhilarating ride, perfect for those seeking a high-octane weekend watch filled with unexpected thrills and unwavering suspense.