Latest OTT releases this week (January 5, 2026 to January 11, 2026): 20 new films and series to watch on JioHotstar, Netflix, Prime Video, Sony LIV, ZEE5

OTT will be graced with a spectacular lineup in the second week of January 2026, showcasing an ideal combination of thrilling sequels, esteemed award shows, and captivating new productions. From January 5 to 11, the OTT landscape will be a whirlwind of content, with shows like Akhanda 2 - Thaandavam and A Thousand Blows Season 2 offering spiritual depth and realism, respectively. Reality shows like Shark Tank India Season 5, MasterChef India, and Splitsvilla X5 will also be making a triumphant return.

Shows like The Night Manager Season 2 and Freedom at Midnight Season 2 will provide the thrills, HIS & HERS and Weapons will keep you on the edge of your seat with their psychological tension, and De De Pyaar De 2 and People We Meet on Vacation will captivate you with their romantic charm. Platforms such as Netflix, JioHotstar, Prime Video, ZEE5, and Sony LIV cater to a diverse range of cinephiles and binge-watchers, featuring events like the 31st Critics Choice Awards and regional favourites like Angammal and Kaalratri Season 2.

Latest OTT releases this week (January 5, 2026 to January 11, 2026)

31st Critics Choice Awards - January 5 (JioHotstar [OTTplay Premium])

As the season's first major televised celebration, The 31st Critics Choice Awards recognises the year's finest achievements in cinema, TV, and streaming. The gala, which has been hosted by comedian Chelsea Handler for four years running, will be dominated by two titles: Sinners (a period horror film directed by Ryan Coogler) and Adolescence (a Netflix limited series)—the former with 17 nominations and the latter with six. With an all-star cast including Jeff Goldblum, Ava DuVernay, and Quinta Brunson, as well as four new competitive categories including Best Variety Series, Best Stunt Design, Best Casting and Ensemble, and Best Sound, this year's ceremony is sure to be a top predictor of the Oscars.

ALSO READ: Akhanda 2 Review: Balakrishna elevates a predictable mass entertainer that caters only to fans

A Thousand Blows Season 2 - January 9 (JioHotstar [OTTplay Premium])

Season 2 of A Thousand Blows begins a year after the first series' devastating events. Malachi Kirby's Hezekiah Moscow is a shadow of his former self, and Stephen Graham's Sugar Goodson is a mess, battling alcoholism and family problems. Mary Carr (Erin Doherty) and her faithful sidekick Alice Diamond arrive in London just as the criminal underworld of Wapping is about to crumble. They have a daring plan to reunite the Forty Elephants and regain her crown, but their actions will jeopardise everyone she cares about. Steven Knight's latest season takes the bone-chilling brutality out of the seedy underground boxing rings and into the seedy streets of London's East End in the 1880s, where it examines the themes of survival, retribution, and the changing power dynamics within the city's historical criminal syndicates.

Akhanda 2 - Thaandavam - January 9 (Netflix)

Legendary spiritual warrior Akhanda Rudra Sikandar Aghora (played by Nandamuri Balakrishna) returns in Akhanda 2: Thaandavam after a period of penance to save India from a disastrous biological weapons scheme. Teenage scientific prodigy Janani (Harshaali Malhotra), daughter of Murali Krishna, becomes the main target of the enemy when she develops a vaccine to protect the Ganga river from a deadly virus that an enemy nation's military and a corrupt Indian politician (Aadhi Pinisetty) plan to release during the Maha Kumbh Mela. As a one-man shield for his family and the preservation of Sanatana Dharma, Akhanda returns to protect her anytime she is threatened, unleashing his divine rage and supernatural might to confront high-tech armies, occult foes, and political conspirators.

Angammal - January 9 (Sun NXT [OTTplay Premium])

Vipin Radhakrishnan's heartfelt Tamil drama Angammal is adapted from the short story Kodithuni by Perumal Murugan. Angammal, played by Geetha Kailasam, is a strong-willed widow in this film set in the mid-1990s. She rides a moped to deliver milk and refuses to conform to society's expectations, going so far as to wear her saree without a blouse in respect for her heritage and a beloved tattoo. Pavalam, played by Saranya Shakthi, is a newly qualified doctor who returns home and demands that she "civilise" her appearance to impress his affluent, urban-bred fiancée and her family. This incident plunges the narrative into a perilous situation. The film tackles the issues of generational transitions, the subtle brutality of societal expectations, and the conflict of Pavalam's fears with his mother's reluctance to comply, eventually defying easy answers for its complex, genuine characters.

Balti - January 9 (Prime Video)

The gritty action thriller Balti, by Unni Sivalingam, delves into the murky world of organised crime and sport on the border between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Udhayan (Shane Nigam) and his three pals are kabaddi players for the "Panjami Raiders" team in the small hamlet of Velampalayam. Their lives are characterised by their unwavering devotion to sports and camaraderie. A vicious power struggle ensues among three vicious local moneylenders—the frightening Bhairavan (Selvaraghavan), the eccentric Soda Babu (Alphonse Puthren), and the icy G-Maa (Poornima Indrajith)—due to the avarice of one friend, Kumar (Shanthanu Bhagyaraj). Betrayal and violence challenge the link between the "brothers in arms" as the story moves from intense kabaddi contests to brutal street warfare, and they are left with no choice but to utilise their athletic abilities as weapons in a last-ditch effort for survival and vengeance.

Bigg Boss Marathi Season 6 - January 11 (JioHotstar [OTTplay Premium])

With the smash hit theme "Heaven and Hell" (Swarga ani Narka), the most popular reality show in Maharashtra, Bigg Boss Marathi Season 6 unleashes all its excitement once again. Featuring an eclectic group of housemates—including confirmed names like actor Deepali Sayed, social media star Anushree Mane, comedian Sagar Karande, and actor Sanket Pathak—and hosted by Riteish Deshmukh for the second consecutive season, the show challenges participants to navigate a divided house that rewards "heavenly" behaviour and punishes "hellish" failures. This season is shaping up to be a high-stakes struggle for survival and strategy as the contestants endure challenging physical tasks, psychological nominations, and the strict order to speak only Marathi. Whoever emerges victorious will win the public's heart and the prize.

De De Pyaar De 2 - January 9 (Netflix)

De De Pyaar De 2 resumes the odd romance between Ashish, a 51-year-old NRI investor played by Ajay Devgn, and Ayesha, a 27-year-old lover played by Rakul Preet Singh. After Ashish successfully persuaded his family in the last film, the lovers go to Chandigarh to win over Ayesha's "progressive" parents. But things go ugly in the "Pyaar vs. Parivaar" conflict when Ashish's father, Rakesh (R. Madhavan), who is about Ashish's age, doesn't live up to the contemporary principles he preaches. Exploring themes of generational hypocrisy and the resilience of love, the film culminates in a high-stakes emotional confrontation that forces the family to choose between their social ego and their daughter's happiness. It all starts with Rakesh and Anju's (Gautami Kapoor) "coup de foudre" plan, in which they hire Ayesha's childhood friend Aditya (Meezaan Jafri) to lure her away.

Freedom at Midnight Season 2 - January 9 (Sony LIV [OTTplay Premium])

Continuing its gut-wrenching dramatisation of India's journey, Freedom at Midnight returns for a second season that centres on the tumultuous months after Partition and Independence in 1947. Produced and directed by Nikkhil Advani, the series explores the intricate political corridors where Sidhant Gupta's Jawaharlal Nehru, Chirag Vohra's Mahatma Gandhi, and Rajendra Chawla's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel deal with the tumultuous events following the partition, such as the violent mass migrations and the complicated merger of princely states. Season 2 explores the "human stories" that often get overlooked in historical accounts. It examines the moral quandaries faced by leaders, the emotional toll of a nation trying to find its identity in the aftermath of colonial rule, and the historical figures like Muhammad Ali Jinnah (Arif Zakaria) and Lord Mountbatten (Luke McGibney) who play a significant role in this process.

HIS & HERS – January 8 (Netflix)

The six-part psychological thriller HIS & HERS is based on the best-selling novel by Alice Feeney and takes place in the steamy Georgia hamlet of Dahlonega against the scorching background of Atlanta. The protagonist, played by Tessa Thompson, is a reclusive once-successful news presenter named Anna whose world comes crashing down around her when she starts looking into a horrific murder in her hometown. Detective Jack Harper (Jon Bernthal), the primary investigator, is her estranged ex-husband and is quite sceptical about her abrupt engagement in the case. As she pursues the truth, she finds herself at the forefront of her investigation. The inquiry addresses the disturbing truth that there are always two sides to a tale and that someone is lying as it progresses through a broken, dual-perspective narrative, blurring the boundary between witness and suspect.

Honeymoon Se Hatya – January 9 (ZEE5 [OTTplay Premium])

Ajitesh Sharma's Honeymoon Se Hatya: Why Women Kill is a chilling five-part true-crime documentary that examines the murky psychological cracks that can appear in apparently ideal marriages. Where the once-sacred setting of a honeymoon or early marriage became a macabre crime scene, the show deals with high-profile real-life incidents. These include the horrifying Meerut "blue drum" murder and the Indore case of Raja Raghuvanshi. To address the eerie subject of how "happily ever after" may turn into cold-blooded murder, the show uses a combination of forensic analysis, expert interviews, and theatrical recreations to reveal the underlying layers of treachery, toxic control, and secret home anguish.

Kaalratri Season 2 - January 9 (hoichoi)

Season 2 of the Bengali thriller series Kaalratri begins just after the spectral happenings of the cursed wedding night in the first season. A new series of cold-blooded killings begins to target the children of the Barman household after Debi (Soumitrisha Kundu) becomes trapped in the haunted Roy Barman mansion following her husband Rudra's murder. To unravel a web of familial scandals, changing allegiances, and repressed memories, DSP Satyaki Sanyal (Anujoy Chattopadhyay) establishes a tenuous partnership with Debi upon his return to head the inquiry. This last installment, directed by Ayan Chakraborti, will hopefully dig up the truth about Debi's long-forgotten history and uncover the icy mastermind responsible for the carnage.

Mask – January 9 (ZEE5 [OTTplay Premium])

Tamil dark comedy heist thriller Mask chronicles the story of the morally grey private investigator Velu (Kavin), who gets by "ethically" conniving his clients. When Bhumi, played by Andrea Jeremiah, hires him, his life takes a dark turn. Bhumi is a heartless lady who runs a prominent trafficking ring out of her charitable NGO. A masked group absconds with all the ₹440 crores meant for an impending election, and Bhumi is beheaded for her role in the scheme. The politician Manivannan (played by Pawan) is corrupt. To free himself, Velu must find the thieves, but along the way, the story reveals a labyrinth of deceit and ulterior motives, showing that nearly no one is as they seem behind their figurative masks.

MasterChef India – Hindi Season 9 - January 5 (Sony LIV [OTTplay Premium])

As the ninth season of MasterChef India - Hindi begins, the patriotic theme song Pride of India (Desh Front Foot Par Chal Raha Hai) will feature once again. This season is monumental because it finally brings together Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar, and Kunal Kapur, the much-anticipated "OG" judging trio, who will be mentoring a new crop of amateur chefs. This edition takes a bold format turn by having competitors compete in pairs (e.g., parents and children or siblings) instead of solo, and the challenge is to highlight regional traditions, long-lost family recipes, and creative cooking methods. The show's goal is to honour India's rich cultural heritage and varied cuisine by presenting teams with challenges that demonstrate their ability to work together and win the Golden Apron, the show's top prize.

People We Meet on Vacation - January 9 (Netflix)

The much-anticipated film People We Meet on Vacation is based on the best-selling novel by Emily Henry and examines the delicate balance between casual acquaintanceship and genuine love. Played by Emily Bader and Tom Blyth, respectively, the film follows two very different characters—English teacher Alex Nilsen (Brett Haley) and free-spirited New York travel writer Poppy Wright—as they continue a ten-year tradition of sharing a weeklong summer vacation together. An emotionally empty Poppy persuades an extremely fraught Alex to go on a last, high-stakes adventure to Palm Springs with her in the hopes of mending their relationship, which had been severed two years before over a mystery argument in Croatia. In this time-travelling romance, starring Alan Ruck, Molly Shannon, Jameela Jamil, and Lukas Gage, the protagonists and antagonist are compelled to face the "one big truth" they've been avoiding for years: the possibility that they are actually a perfect romantic match.

Shark Tank India Season 5 - January 5 (Sony LIV [OTTplay Premium])

Shark Tank India Season 5 is back for its fifth season with a record-breakingly diverse panel of 15 Sharks ready to advise and back the next crop of Indian entrepreneurs. Veteran contestants like Anupam Mittal, Aman Gupta, Namita Thapar, Peyush Bansal, Vineeta Singh, Ritesh Agarwal, Amit Jain, Kunal Bahl, and Viraj Bahl are joined by six up-and-coming stars from different industries: Mohit Yadav from Minimalist, Shaily Mehrotra from Fixderma, Hardik Kothiya from Rayzon Solar, Kanika Tekriwal from JetSetGo Aviation, and Pratham Mittal from Masters' Union. The new "Campus Special" segment is a standout feature of this edition; it will feature and support inventions spearheaded by college students from around the nation. With more capital and expertise at stake, this season should provide intense pitches, strategic negotiations, and a better glimpse at how India's startup scene is changing.

Splitsvilla X5 Season 16 - January 9 (JioHotstar [OTTplay Premium])

"Dil vs Deal" is the tagline of MTV Splitsvilla X6 (Season 16), a high-stakes game show that pits participants against one another in an emotional "Pyaar ya Paisa" (Love or Money) situation. From the picturesque Chariot Beach Resort in Mahabalipuram, Sunny Leone and Karan Kundrra host the show. This season, they're bringing in two "Mischief Makers"—Nia Sharma and the returning Uorfi Javed—to cause mayhem and test the housemates' allegiance. Rumoured contestants like Kushal Tanwar and Shubhangi Jaiswal are among a new group of influencers and actors who must navigate a beach-casino-inspired environment where every choice has a real-life cost. They must decide if their quest for "The One" is more important than a heartless business transaction.

The Night Manager Season 2 - January 11 (Prime Video)

Season 2 of The Night Manager begins eight years after the catastrophic events of the first series, and it finds Tom Hiddleston's Jonathan Pine being coaxed out of his self-imposed seclusion and thrust once again into the dangerous world of clandestine espionage. Pine is assigned by a reformed intelligence unit to penetrate the inner circle of Teddy Dos Santos, a charismatic and ruthless Colombian arms dealer who has assumed the role of Richard Roper after his presumed death and mysterious disappearance. Dos Santos is said to be receiving clandestine aid from the British government. As Pine navigates through the lush yet deadly landscapes of South America, the mission takes a complex turn. His quest forces him to face the moral weight of his previous treachery and the horrifying truth that the legacy of his old enemy is more menacing than ever.

The Pitt Season 2 - January 9 (JioHotstar [OTTplay Premium])

Ten months following the horrific events of the first season's end, The Pitt returns to the high-stakes, real-time setting of the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Centre for its second season. Interrupted by a surge of holiday-related trauma and a critical cyberattack that forces the ER to go "analogue", the 15-episode season follows senior attending Dr Michael "Robby" Robinavitch (Noah Wyle) as he navigates one last, demanding shift before his planned three-month sabbatical. The story takes place over a hot and chaotic Fourth of July weekend. During the season, we see Dr Frank Langdon (Patrick Ball) come back from rehab and charge nurse Dana Evans' (Katherine LaNasa) reintegration into the team, as well as the introduction of Dr Baran Al-Hashimi (Sepideh Moafi), a new attending whose modern medical views contrast with Robby's traditional approach. The team copes with the absence of Dr. Heather Collins and the emotional fallout from previous catastrophes as the series relentlessly delves into the individual sacrifices and structural problems of contemporary American healthcare, hour by hour.

The Thing with Feathers – January 9 (Lionsgate Play [OTTplay Premium])

The lyrical and eerie psychological drama The Thing with Feathers is based on the award-winning novel Grief is the Thing with Feathers by Max Porter. Played by Benedict Cumberbatch, "Dad" is an illustrator whose life takes a strange turn after the unexpected death of his wife. The film chronicles his journey through grief as he tries to bring up his two young boys, Henry and Richard Boxall. As a concrete representation of their loss, a gigantic intelligent Crow (voiced by David Thewlis) settles into their London flat, throwing their life into a whimsical spin. In a cruel twist of fate, the Crow becomes an unexpected friend while simultaneously taunting the family's grief and compelling them to face the "mess" of loss. The family is led on a gut-wrenching, dark-comic quest to find healing and accept their new, fragile reality.

Weapons - January 8 (JioHotstar [OTTplay Premium])

Zach Cregger's expansive multi-perspective horror-mystery Weapons revolves around the terrifying abduction of seventeen third graders from a small Pennsylvania community. Around 2:17 in the morning, all of the kids go from their homes at the same time, leaving behind a town in shock and distrust of their teacher, Justine Gandy (Julia Garner), and her lone student, Alex Lilly (Carry Christopher). The film employs a non-linear, chapter-based narrative, aided by a local police officer (Alden Ehrenreich), the school principal (Benedict Wong), and frantic father Archer Graff (Josh Brolin), to reveal a macabre layer of supernatural horror that involves blood rituals and a wicked witch (Amy Madigan). Ultimately, the village faces a cycle of suffering that spans generations and a literal ritualistic nightmare when the "weapons" of the title—individuals turned into mindless, merciless killers by witchcraft—are exposed. The story culminates in a gripping and intense finale.

FAQs:

Q: When and where can I watch the 31st Critics Choice Awards in India?

A: The 31st Critics Choice Awards will be available for streaming in India starting January 5, 2026, on JioHotstar (OTTplay Premium). The ceremony is hosted by Chelsea Handler and is a major predictor for the upcoming Oscars.

Q: Who are the judges for MasterChef India - Hindi Season 9?

A: MasterChef India - Hindi Season 9 marks the return of the "OG" judging trio: Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar, and Kunal Kapur. The show premieres on January 5, 2026, on Sony LIV (OTTplay Premium) and features a new "cooking in pairs" format.

Q: Who are the new Sharks in Shark Tank India Season 5?

A: Alongside veterans like Anupam Mittal and Ritesh Agarwal, Shark Tank India Season 5 introduces six new Sharks, including Mohit Yadav (Minimalist), Kanika Tekriwal (JetSetGo), and Pratham Mittal (Masters' Union). The season begins on January 5, 2026, on Sony LIV (OTTplay Premium).