OTTplay Bingelist with RJ Stutee: What to watch in August week 4

Another week and another OTT PLAY BINGELIST to help you figure out your binge routine for the week. From historical fiction to the latest Disney offering, there is plenty to choose from this week’s OTT menu.

1. The Empire

Based on Alex Rutherford's popular book Empire of the Moghul, this historical fiction series The Empire has been created by Nikkhil Advani and marks the directorial debut of Mitakshara Kumar who has also co-written this epic saga with Bhavani Iyer. The show follows the dynasty’s founder Babur and focusses on his journey as he inherits the kingdom of Ferghana as a 12-year old boy. Babur grows up to establish a kingdom in Samarkand but political intrigue and fierce battles remain an intrinsic part of his rule. Kunal Kapoor plays Babar, while the principal antagonist Shaybani Khan, is played by Dino Morea. From the trailer, the show promises to be visually impressive and boasts of a rich ensemble cast that includes Shabana Azmi, Drashti Dhami among others. It has a total of 8 episodes and can be seen on Disney+ Hotstar.

2. Boomika

If you find horror thrillers enticing then this Tamil film could be your pick. Written and Directed by Rathindran R. Prasad it stars Aishwarya Rajesh, Avantika Vandanapu, Pavel Navageethan in the lead roles. Samyuktha (Aishwarya Rajesh) along with her husband Gowtham (Vidhu) and her son Siddhu arrive at a hill station to crack a lucrative deal regarding a real estate contract with a politician. Touted as the first of its kind eco- action thriller , paranormal activities take hold of the proceedings and while the mystery of the haunted place is uncovered there is a strong message that the film tries to convey. You can watch it on Netflix.

3. Sabka Sai

We all have heard about how “jiska koi nahi hota uska Sai hota hai.” This MX Player original chronicles the life of the much revered Great Sufi Saint. Directed by Shirdi born director Ajit Bhairavkar, all 10 episodes of Sabka Sai have also been dubbed in Tamil & Telugu. Raj Arjun is in the titular role, and the show tries to understand the appeal that Sai Baba’s teachings continue to have, his mysticism, the message of compassion and universal love that he throughout his life preached and followed and the challenges that he encontered and overcame.

4. Cruella

It is a 2021 retelling of famous villain Cruella De Vil’s backstory prior to The Hundered and One Dalmatians. Directed by Craig Gillespie it has Emma Stone as the title character, with Emma Thompson as the antagonist with Joel Fry, Paul Walter Hauser, Emily Beecham, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, and Mark Strong in supporting roles are great additions to the cast. Emma Stone is brilliant creating a sympathetic character who has many layers to her. Thompson is spectacular as well. Estella Miller is a creative child with a flair for fashion but has a cruel streak leading her mother to nickname her "Cruella". A hardscrabble childhood which includes befriending a pair of young thieves she somehow manages to land on her feet. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend and what follows leads Estella to embarce her wicked side. The Punk vibe to the aesthetics of the film infuse it with a certain energy and since it focusses on fashion the costumes and the new looks that Cruella unveils engage the eye. You can watch it on Disney+ Hotstar.

5. Vivaha Bhojanambu

This comedy film has been directed by Ram Abbaraju and is the first Telugu movie to premiere on SonyLiv. Starring Satya, Sundeep Kishan and Aarjavee the premise is an interesting one where the hastely announced nation one lockdown makes life difficult for a stingy miser looking for a cost-effective marriage. Considering we all rememeber too well the hassles we went through during the pandemic crisis there would be many scenes one could relate too. A light hearted family watch in the comfort of our homes isnt a bad idea afterall.