This week brings one of the strongest mixes of releases in the early part of 2026, with offerings across cinema halls and major streaming platforms. From big‑budget pan‑India films to historical series, crime stories, reality TV and romantic comedies, there’s something for every kind of viewer.
In this guide, we’ll break down each release, provide context on why it matters, and look at the key draws and expectations that might make them worth your time.
The Raja Saab (January 9): Theatres
Genre: Fantasy horror‑comedy
Lead: Prabhas
Director: Maruthi
Big‑screen fans have one of their first tentpole theatrical films of the year with The Raja Saab, starring Prabhas in a rare genre blend of horror and comedy. The premise follows a charismatic young man trying to sell his ancestral home only to discover it’s haunted by his grandfather’s spirit. Hijinks, supernatural chaos and comedic scares follow.
Why it’s notable
- Prabhas’ versatility: Prabhas is widely known for action roles and fantasy epics, so seeing him lead a horror mix with comedy elements is unusual and unpredictable for audiences.
- Pan‑India appeal: The film is releasing across multiple languages simultaneously, hoping to unify fans from different regions under one big launch.
- Audience buzz: The movie has already sparked social media moments, from fan celebrations to memes, which can amplify opening weekend curiosity.
What to expect
While horror‑comedy can be a tricky balance, if the laughs land and the scares are playful rather than purely intense, this could be a fun mass‑market release. It is least likely to be serious cinema and more likely to be a light, engaging ride for families and Prabhas fans.
Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu (January 9): Theatres
Genre: Action family drama
Lead: Chiranjeevi
For fans of strong hero‑centric cinema, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu continues the trend of star‑led theatrical fare. Chiranjeevi, a towering presence in Indian cinema, plays a retired top intelligence officer pulled back into conflict with past adversaries.
The draw
- Legacy performance: Chiranjeevi’s films often blend action with emotional moments, and his presence guarantees interest from older audiences and his long‑standing fan base.
- Character arc: Expect the veteran hero dealing with personal and professional ghosts from his past, giving both action and exploration of family bonds.
Fans of powerful screen presences and action‑driven storytelling should mark an evening for this theatrical watch.
De De Pyaar De 2 (January 9): Netflix
Genre: Romantic comedy
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Rakul Preet Singh, R. Madhavan
Netflix drops this sequel to the successful romantic comedy that originally hit cinemas in late 2025. The story continues the chaos and charm of family dynamics, this time focusing more deeply on Ayesha’s family in Chandigarh and the comic battle for approval between her progressive father and the lovable but flustered Ashish.
Why it matters
Romantic comedies continue to be among the most streamed genres globally, and this sequel combines familiar faces with light‑hearted exploration of modern relationships and familial conflict. The chemistry among the leads and the script balance between emotions and laughs will determine how well it lands.
Freedom at Midnight: Season 2 (January 9): SonyLIV
Genre: Historical drama
Story: Follows real events of India’s Independence and Partition
Season 2 of Freedom at Midnight arrives on SonyLIV this week, expanding the ground covered in the first season. Based on a well‑respected non‑fiction book, this season delves deep into the turbulent months right after India gained Independence in 1947, including political upheaval, clashes, and the massive social impact of Partition.
What makes it compelling
- Historical depth: Unlike fictional series, this one is anchored in real accounts and documents, and explores the personal costs of epochal change.
- Scale and production: Expect layered set pieces, large ensemble cast moments, and intense drama as leaders and citizens navigate a fractured nation.
- Educational angle: Beyond entertainment, this series can serve as a vivid visual companion for those interested in Indian history post‑Independence.
For viewers who enjoy nuanced period dramas with political weight, Freedom at Midnight 2 is one of the week’s standout OTT releases.
Honeymoon Se Hatya (January 9): Zee5
Genre: True‑crime docudrama
Format: 5 episodes
True crime continues its OTT boom, and Honeymoon Se Hatya brings chilling real‑life stories where newly married wives turn on their husbands with fatal consequences. Zee5 combines narrative telling with investigative elements, focusing on psychological and social motivations behind these crimes.
Why it’s trending
- True stories draw: Real cases that combine relationship drama with crime intrigue tend to attract viewers who enjoy suspense and reality‑based storytelling.
- Five‑episode format: Concise but intense, the story arc for each case promises to be tightly paced and quick to binge.
If you like investigative series that dig beneath motivations and societal pressures, this one fits the bill.
Splitsvilla Season 16 (January 9): JioHotstar
Genre: Reality TV (dating/competition)
Splitsvilla returns with its 16th season, this time with a fresh twist on the perennial theme of love vs money. Contestants will face challenges that test personal connections alongside strategic gameplay for monetary advantage.
Why it’s fun
- Contest format: Relationships clash with greed and strategy, creating unpredictable episodes that make for strong binge watching or water‑cooler talk.
- Youth entertainment: Reality TV retains a loyal audience, especially among younger demographics and social media watchers.
This is a great pick for viewers who enjoy dramatic unscripted television with social dynamics and competitive tension.
People We Meet On Vacation (January 9): Netflix
Genre: Romantic drama
Based on: Bestseller by Emily Henry
This heartfelt Netflix film adapts Emily Henry’s beloved romance novel. Two longtime best friends reconnect on one last vacation to face unresolved feelings after a long estrangement.
Why it appeals
- Warm romance: Soft storytelling with emotional depth and scenic escapades makes this perfect for cozy weekend viewing.
- Novel fans: Readers of the book are likely to tune in to see how this cherished story translates to screen.
If you enjoy slow‑burn romance and character‑driven narratives, this is an ideal OTT weekend watch.
The Night Manager: Season 2 (January 11): Prime Video
Genre: Spy thriller drama
Lead: Tom Hiddleston
This internationally acclaimed series returns with a second season on Prime Video. The story moves beyond the original novel, presenting an original arc with Jonathan Pine now operating under an alias within MI6. When a former adversary’s shadow returns, Pine is pulled into a deeper field assignment.
What to expect
- Global intrigue: Spy narratives with layered conspiracies and emotional depth make this one of the more sophisticated offerings of the week.
- High production value: Prime Video’s track record suggests cinematic quality in visuals and performances.
For audiences who like intelligent thrillers with international stakes and character complexity, this is a standout streaming pick.
Gimbap and Onigiri (January 12): Netflix
Genre: Cross‑cultural romantic drama
This Netflix romance explores a sweet story between a South Korean animation student and a former Japanese track athlete. Their bond over simple comfort foods — gimbap and onigiri — becomes a metaphor for emotional nourishment and cross‑cultural connection.
Why it’s unique
- Cross‑cultural flavor: By embedding the story in Korean and Japanese settings, it brings fresh sensibilities and slice‑of‑life vibes.
- Gentle tone: Rather than high drama, this is a tender, reflective romance perfect for relaxed viewing.
Viewers who enjoy cosy stories with everyday magic and cultural nuance should add this to their list.
Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web (January 14) — Netflix
Genre: Crime thriller
Lead: Emraan Hashmi
Taskaree positions itself as a high‑stakes crime thriller, with Emraan Hashmi portraying a customs officer at Mumbai International Airport tasked with dismantling a global smuggling syndicate led by the notorious Bada Choudhary.
Why it’s intriguing
- Crime vs law: Stories about law enforcement chasing organized crime always have built‑in tension and narrative urgency.
- Lead actor atmosphere: Emraan Hashmi’s presence typically elevates gritty, intense roles with emotional grit and rough edges.
This series looks set to be one of the week’s more engrossing options for fans of crime dramas and procedural thrillers.
Overall Trends in This Week’s Lineup
This week’s slate shows three clear trends:
- Genre diversity: From horror‑comedy and historical political drama to romantic comedies and crime thrillers, viewers can pick moods from light and fun to intense and thought‑provoking.
- Strong OTT presence: Streaming platforms continue to push premieres across a wide range of styles, signalling the ongoing shift in how audiences consume new content.
- International and cross‑cultural stories: Titles like Gimbap and Onigiri and The Night Manager Season 2 bring global sensibilities to Indian OTT audiences, reflecting the blending of influences.
How to Plan Your Viewing This Week
Here’s a simple way to approach the week’s content:
- Friday night (Jan 9): The Raja Saab (theatrical) or De De Pyaar De 2 (OTT) for a fun opening.
- Weekend afternoon: Freedom at Midnight 2 (serious drama) followed by Honeymoon Se Hatya (true crime) for variety.
- Sunday chill: People We Meet On Vacation or Gimbap and Onigiri for softer romance.
- Early week pick: The Night Manager Season 2 for engrossing spy suspense.
- Mid‑week binge (Jan 14): Taskaree to cap off the week with high‑stakes thrill.
This combination balances pacing, tone, and genre so you can enjoy both depth and light entertainment.
