You don’t always need to wait for a theatrical release to find an exciting new movie. Netflix, Prime Video, ZEE5 and Apple TV have several films heading directly to streaming, including Gajab Raat, Sumo Didi, Heartland, Steps and The Man with the Bag. Here are the upcoming OTT movies worth keeping on your watchlist.
10 Movies Skipping Theatres & Coming Soon Directly to OTT
1. Gajab Raat (Netflix | October 23)
A chaotic night in Delhi begins when a seriously injured young woman is thrown from a moving vehicle near Connaught Place. Police officer Ajay Dixit tries to discover who she is, but conflicting claims, different authorities, hidden secrets and tempting bribe offers keep complicating the case. Manoj Bajpayee leads this Neeraj Pandey-created thriller about a cop forced to choose between professional duty and personal gain.
2. Sumo Didi (ZEE5 | October 23)
Inspired by the life of Hetal Dave, the film follows a woman who refuses to let body-shaming and social expectations decide what she can achieve. Her unexpected passion for sumo wrestling takes her through difficult training and eventually towards Japan as she tries to compete in a sport few people expect an Indian woman to enter. Shriyam Bhagnani stars as Hetal in this sports drama about turning what others see as a weakness into personal strength.
3. Meethe Mein Kya Hai (Netflix | October 30)
A family comes together at Nani’s home for four days of Diwali celebrations, bringing several generations under the same roof. Along with sweets, laughter and festive warmth, the reunion also brings changing relationships and emotions that have quietly remained beneath the surface. The film turns a familiar family gathering into a warm story about affection, surprises and the small tensions that come with being together.
4. Adhure Hum Adhure Tum (Netflix | TBA)
Imran Khan returns to a leading role with what he has described as a more grown-up romantic comedy suited to the stage of life he is in now. Bhumi Pednekar and Gurfateh Pirzada also star in the film, which reunites Imran with Break Ke Baad director Danish Aslam. The detailed storyline is still being kept under wraps, while its final Netflix release date remains unconfirmed.
5. Hum Hindustani (Netflix | TBA)
Newly independent India faces the enormous challenge of organising its first democratic election. Ordinary citizens and government officials become part of a historic national exercise where casting a vote carries both hope and responsibility for the country’s future. Saif Ali Khan, Pratik Gandhi and Deepak Dobriyal star in this historical drama.
6. Mess (Prime Video | TBA)
A group of robbers breaks into the home of a man with OCD believing they have chosen an easy victim. Their simple plan quickly turns into a strange fight for control when they realise the man inside the house is far more unpredictable than expected. Pratik Gandhi, Ranvir Shorey and Gajraj Rao lead this dark thriller-comedy built around one increasingly chaotic night.
7. Heartland (Netflix | November 13)
Former country music superstar Misty Jones has stayed away from Nashville for years until her rising-star niece Charlie suddenly disappears. Returning home to search for her forces Misty to confront both people from her past and the darker side of the music industry she once knew. Jessica Chastain leads this mystery thriller where almost everyone surrounding the disappearance appears to have something to hide.
8. Steps (Netflix | November 20)
This animated adventure retells the Cinderella story from the viewpoint of her supposedly evil stepsisters. Tired of living in Cinderella’s shadow, Lilith steals the Fairy Godmother’s wand and accidentally helps the scheming Priscilla take control of the kingdom. Lilith must then join forces with Cinderella on a wild journey involving trolls, dangerous enemies and a very different kind of sisterly relationship.
9. Way of the Warrior Kid (Apple TV | November 25)
Marc is struggling with bullying, schoolwork, sports and making friends when his injured uncle Jake comes to stay with his family. Jake, a decorated Navy SEAL, creates an intensive programme called Operation Warrior Kid to help his nephew become stronger and more confident. Instead of simply teaching Marc how to fight, the training gradually becomes a lesson about discipline, courage and facing fears, while Jake confronts problems of his own.
10. The Man with the Bag (Prime Video | December 2)
Christmas is thrown into danger when Santa’s famous red bag is stolen by a rogue elf with a serious grudge. With his biggest night approaching, Santa turns to his Naughty List and recruits thief Vance, who assembles an unusual crew to help recover it. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Alan Ritchson lead this festive action-comedy that turns saving Christmas into one enormous holiday heist.
Bonus: Bad Day (Netflix | December 11)
Cameron Diaz leads this action-comedy as a single mother simply trying to keep one small promise she made to her daughter. Unfortunately, she has chosen what turns into the absolute worst day of her life, with one problem after another pushing her into increasing chaos. The movie also features Danielle Brooks, Rhenzy Feliz, Ben Schwartz, Mark Duplass and Ed O’Neill.
With thrillers, heartfelt dramas, fantasy adventures and light-hearted comedies on the way, these direct-to-OTT movies give streaming audiences plenty to look forward to.