Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil, Bridgerton season 3, IF: OTT and theatre releases this week

From family entertainers to romantic comedies, there is something for everyone to watch with this week’s theatre and OTT releases.

THEATRE RELEASES

1. Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil

Release date: May 16

After the great success of ‘Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey’, director Vipin Das is back with another comedy-drama. The movie features a stellar cast including Basil Joseph, Prithviraj, Anaswara Rajan, Jagadish, and Nikhila Vimal. 'Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil', which translates to ‘At the Entrance of Guruvayoor Temple’, revolves around a young man named Vinu, played by Basil Joseph, who encounters a series of unfortunate events and ends up marrying someone other than his intended bride on the wedding day. The movie promises to be a light-hearted entertainer.

2. Back to Black

Release date: May 17

Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, 'Back to Black' is a biopic of the legendary English singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse. Played by Marisa Abela, the movie is named after Winehouse's record-breaking album. The film focuses on the making of the album and Winehouse's unstable relationship with her husband Blake Fielder-Civil. The album Back to Black was released posthumously after Winehouse's death due to alcohol poisoning.

3. The Garfield Movie

Release date: May 17

The much-adored iconic cat 'Garfield' is back, and this time he is set for an outdoor adventure where he reunites with his father. ‘The Garfield Movie’ is directed by Mark Dindal and produced by Namit Malhotra, based on the American comic strip created by Jim Davis. Garfield is voiced by Chris Pratt and is set to hit the marquee this week.

4. Kartam Bhugtam

Release date: May 17

‘Kartam Bhugtam’ is a psychological thriller directed by Soham Shah and starring Shreyas Talpade and Vijay Raaz. The title translates to ‘what goes around, comes around’, and similar to the title, the story focuses on the concept of astrology and explores the ingrained idea of karma in our society. This gripping tale will hit theatres on May 17.

5. IF

Release date: May 17

The highly anticipated live-action animated film 'IF' is set to hit theatres this week. Directed by John Krasinski, the movie features a star-studded cast including John Krasinski, Ryan Reynolds, Emily Blunt, Steve Carell, Matt Damon, Blake Lively, and others. The movie revolves around a young girl who discovers that she can see everyone's childhood imaginary friend and sets on an adventure to reunite everyone with their forgotten friend. In recent interviews, Krasinski has talked about how his children inspired him to make this film.

OTT RELEASES

1. Bridgerton Season 3

Release date: May 16

Streaming platform: Netflix

The much-awaited Netflix drama is renewed for a third season, set to follow the love story of the previously introduced characters Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, played by Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton respectively. The entire series is based on Julia Quinn's best-selling Bridgerton books. The second part of the series will be releasing on June 13, 2024

2. Maestro in Blue Season 2

Release date: May 16

Streaming platform: Netflix

The Greek drama series ‘Maestro in Blue’ has returned for a second season. The story follows Orestis, a disturbed musician played by Christoforos Papakaliatis who travels to Paxos, a scenic island in Greece during the COVID-19 pandemic and organises a music festival. He ends up falling in love but also becomes entangled in other people’s lives.

3. Zara Hatke Zara Bachke

Release date: May 17

Streaming platform: Jio Cinema

After its theatrical release in 2023, the well-received 'Zara Hatke Zara Bachke' is arriving on streaming platforms. The story looks into the life of a married couple essayed by Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan, who decide to get a divorce and the challenges they face from their family. The film went viral for its groovy dance numbers and moves. Directed by Laxman Utekar, the movie is an entertaining watch.

4. Outer Range Season 2

Release date: May 16

Streaming platform: Amazon Prime Video

The second season of the 'Outer Range' series is back after two years. The series revolves around the Abbot family, their fight to protect their land, and how they end up discovering a mysterious void on their land. Josh Brolin plays the lead of Royal Abbot, the ranch owner, along with Lili Taylor, Imogen Poots, and Tom Pelphrey, among others.

5. Madgaon Express

Release date: May 17

Streaming platform: Amazon Prime Video

Kunal Khemu’s directorial debut ‘Madgaon Express’ is set to arrive on streaming platforms. The story revolves around three friends, Dodo, Ayush, and Pinku, who decide to go on a trip to Goa but face unexpected challenges due to a series of bad decisions. This film was a mass entertainer and will surely get a chuckle out of you. The movie made its theatrical run in March 2024.

6. Madame Web

Release date: May 16

Streaming platform: Netflix

Marvel's suspense thriller 'Madame Web' is the fourth film in Sony's Spider-Man Universe. Dakota Johnson essays the role of Cassandra Web, a paramedic who discovers she has the abilities of a clairvoyant and is on a mission to save the lives of three young women from a mysterious villain. The movie features a stellar cast including Sydney Sweeney, Celeste O’Connor, Isabela Merced, and Tahar Rahim, among others.

7. Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire

Release date: May 14

Streaming platform: Amazon Prime Video

The fifth entry to the MonsterVerse franchise 'Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire' is a sequel to the 2021 film 'Godzilla Vs Kong.' Directed by Adam Wingard, the movie received positive reviews after its theatrical release. Godzilla and Kong team up in this outing to defeat a deadly threat that can result in the end of humanity. Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree, and Dan Stevens play pivotal roles in the film.