This week, streaming platforms are set to deliver a fresh slate of entertainment with several new movies and shows making their debut. Leading the pack is Amazon Prime Video with the highly anticipated second season of “Paatal Lok” premiering on January 17, 2025. Alongside, viewers can look forward to “The Roshans” on Netflix, “Viduthalai Part 2” on ZEE5, and “Power of Paanch” on Disney+ Hotstar, among others.

1. Back in Action – Netflix 

Netflix is set to release “Back in Action,” a thrilling action movie starring Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx. The film features two retired CIA agents thrust back into the spy world after an unexpected incident disrupts their lives.

2. Viduthalai Part 2 – ZEE5 

The continuation of the Tamil period thriller “Viduthalai” stars Vijay Sethupathi, Soori, and Manju Warrier. The narrative follows a school teacher who is compelled to fight against oppression.

3. Hellboy: The Crooked Man – Lionsgate Play 

In the fourth installment of the Hellboy series, directed by Brian Taylor, Hellboy teams up with rookie BPRD agent Bobbie Jo Song to expose a witch community led by a mysterious figure.

4. Power of Paanch – Disney+ Hotstar 

This new series on Disney+ Hotstar centers on Bella and her friends who acquire superpowers, only to discover the heavy responsibilities that accompany them.

5. Harley Quinn – JioCinema

 The animated series on JioCinema features Harley Quinn as she navigates her new life separated from Joker in Gotham City’s criminal underworld.

6. Emergency – Theatres 

A political drama featuring Kangana Ranaut as Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the Emergency of 1975. The film also stars Anupam Kher and Milind Soman.

7. Paatal Lok Season 2 – Amazon Prime Video 

Amazon brings back “Paatal Lok” with Jaideep Ahlawat reprising his role as Inspector Hathiram Chaudhary tackling a dangerous drug syndicate in Nagaland.

8. Wolf Man – Theatres 

“Wolf Man” follows Blake, who turns into a werewolf after an attack, jeopardizing his family’s safety.

9. The Roshans – Netflix 

Netflix’s documentary “The Roshans” delves into the legacy of Bollywood’s Roshan family, featuring Hrithik Roshan and others.

10. Azaad – Theatres 

Starring Ajay Devgn, “Azaad” is an action-packed drama about a young stable boy’s quest for freedom during a period of rebellion.

Suriya’s upcoming film “Retro”, directed by Karthik Subbaraj, has successfully sold its digital streaming rights for a notable sum. Known as “Suriya 44”, the movie is a period action-romance drama that is currently in production, with filming and post-production happening simultaneously. The anticipation for “Retro” has soared following the release of its title teaser and a new poster announcing the release date. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical debut on May 1.

Digital release details

Netflix has acquired the digital streaming rights for “Retro”, and it will be available on the platform in all languages after its theatrical run. This arrangement ensures that fans will be able to enjoy the film in multiple languages from the comfort of their homes.

About the film

The promotional materials for “Retro” reveal a period setting enriched with action-packed sequences. The plot centers on a reformed gangster who attempts to escape his violent history for a serene life with his wife. However, his past continues to haunt him, jeopardizing the peace he has strived to establish. The character portrayed by Pooja Hegde in the teaser has already stirred diverse reactions, heightening interest in the film.

The cast and crew

“Retro” features a stellar cast including Suriya, Pooja Hegde, Prakash Raj, Nassar, Joju George, Jayaram, Sujith Shankar, and Nandita Das, with Shriya Saran performing a special dance number. The soundtrack is composed by Santhosh Narayanan, while Shreyaas Krishna handles cinematography. The film is a joint production between Suriya’s 2D Entertainment and Stone Bench Creations, with editing by Shafique Mohamed Ali.

“Pravinkoodu Shappu,” featuring Soubin Shahir and Basil Joseph, has officially premiered today, January 16. Directed by Sreeraj Sreenivasan, the film is garnering positive reactions from audiences since its release, with fans eagerly heading to theatres to catch the first-day, first-show of this Malayalam film. If you’re considering seeing it, be sure to check out these reviews from viewers on Twitter.

One social media user gave the film a score of 4 out of 5 and commented on X, “Another top-notch thriller from Malayalam cinema that revolves around a perfect crime. It takes its time to build the story, and the film’s leisurely pace is effectively complemented by moments of humour.”

Another viewer praised “Pravinkoodu Shappu” as a well-crafted comedy thriller, stating, “The film begins with a crime and continues in investigation mode with an engaging screenplay. The situational comedy throughout worked well and brought plenty of laughs to the theatre. #Basil Joseph was hilarious, and #SoubinShahir delivered an exceptional performance. The background score provided an extra boost, and all departments and supporting cast members were outstanding.”

Fans are taking to social media to commend Soubin Shahir and Basil Joseph’s performances in the film. Discussing the script, one user wrote, “#PravinkooduShappu has a promising premise with a twist and motive, but the direction falls short. Vishnu Vijay and Shyju Khalid were remarkable as always, delivering neat performances, though the film’s full potential remains untapped.”

Another viewer remarked, “#PravinkooduShappu is a well-executed comedy investigation thriller. It starts with a crime and continues in investigation mode with an engaging screenplay. The situational comedy throughout created great laughter in the theatre. #BasilJoseph was hilarious, and #SoubinShahir was exceptional. The background score enhanced the experience, and all departments and supporting cast shone. This is peak Malayalam cinema, and Basil Joseph’s winning streak continues!”

However, some viewers noted that the first half of the film was stronger than the second. One review stated, “A good first half followed by a lacklustre second half, featuring elements of dark humour and an investigation thriller!”

Another user shared, “#PravinkooduShappu was technically impressive but lacked the punch. It’s a one-time watch. I loved how they executed that chase sequence—it’s definitely among the best in Indian cinema! Shyju Khalid is truly one of the best cinematographers in India, strictly my opinion.”

The cast of “Pravinkoodu Shappu” includes a talented lineup featuring Soubin Shahir and Basil Joseph in the lead roles, alongside Chemban Vinod Jose, Chandini Sreedharan, Shivajith, Shabareesh Varma, and Revathi. Prominent supporting actors include Niyas Backer, Vijo Amaravathy, Rajesh Azhikodan, Jyothika Krish, and Prathapan KS.