Two big-ticket films were released this week on OTT platforms, one of which made a decent mark at the box office, and the other is a direct-to OTT release of one of India’s popular names. Jaane Jaan, starring Kareena Kapoor, raised a lot of anticipation with its trailer. As Kapoor’s OTT debut, the film easily became of the most awaited releases of 2023. Meanwhile, King of Kotha, starring Dulquer Salmaan, presents the actor in a never-seen-before avatar, taking industry expectations to a new level. Below are the reasons which highlight which OTT film you should watch this week and why!
| Title | OTT Platform | OTT Release Date | Language |
| Jaane Jaan | Netflix | 21-Sep | Hindi |
| King of Kotha | Disney+ Hotstar | 22-Sep | Malayalam |
Jaane Jaan
The highly anticipated OTT debut of Kareena Kapoor, under the direction of ace filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh, known for his expertise in this genre, is anticipated to be a cinematic event. With an impressive ensemble cast including Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Vijay Varma, expectations were high for Jaane Jaan. However, despite delivering commendable performances, reviewers mentioned that the film fell short of making a lasting impact. The main drawback lay in the storyline, which failed to pack the anticipated punch. The trailer created an aura of excitement, but the film struggled to live up to the initial hype or deliver the expected intrigue. Despite being an official adaptation of Keigo Higashino’s famous 2005 Japanese novel, The Devotion of Suspect X, the film missed the mark, presenting a rather flat and unexciting narrative. Critics noted that it lacked the adrenaline rush one anticipated from a murder mystery, calling for a faster pace, deeper exploration of nuances, and more complexity. Instead, the plot became predictable, succumbing to numerous giveaways.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Language: English
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
IMDb Rating: To be announced
Cast: Kareena Kapoor, Jaideep Ahlawat, and others
Also Read: Upcoming Bollywood Movies on OTT
King of Kotha
If you’re looking for a regional film that offers a unique cinematic experience by combining the essence of Malayalam cinema and the pan-India trend, then King of Kotha is a film worth watching. Critics hailed this release as a groundbreaking movie that marks a significant milestone as one of the first Malayalam films to embrace a multilingual release strategy. By releasing in Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, the makers focused on catering to a wider audience. While it does receive mixed reviews, King of Kotha managed to leave a lasting impression, primarily due to its stellar cast. Reviewers highlighted that the first half of the film is riveting, setting up the stage for what could have been a celebrated gangster flick. However, as the story unfolds in the second half, the script loses its grip on the gangster movie formula, resulting in a poor narrative and execution. Nonetheless, the standout performances of the actors, especially Dulquer Salmaan in an unprecedented role, make this film a compelling watch for those seeking something different in what is truly released as Indian cinema.
Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
Language: English
Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Ritika Singh and others