From Thrilling Action to Heartwarming Tales: This Week's Top Movie Releases

Brace yourself for a thrilling movie week as a diverse lineup of films premieres in theaters. From gripping action thrillers and spine-chilling horrors to heartwarming animations and inspiring biographical dramas, there's something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of intense narratives, emotional depth, or simply looking for an entertaining escape, these must-watch movies are sure to captivate and leave a lasting impression.

Chandu Champion: The Man Who Refused to Surrender, directed by Kabir Khan of Ek Tha Tiger and ’83 fame, promises to inspire and captivate audiences. This biographical sports drama stars Kartik Aaryan as Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, chronicling his extraordinary journey from war hero to sporting legend. This is an incredible triumph story of how one man’s courage defied all odds against him. Kartik’s jaw-dropping physical transformation for this role is the talk of the town. It showcases his dedication and adds an added layer of authenticity to his portrayal of Petkar.

Supported by an impressive ensemble cast including Vijay Raaz, Bhuvan Arora, Palak Lalwani, Yashpal Sharma, Aniruddh Dave, and Bhagyashri Borse, Chandu Champion pays tribute to Petkar’s indomitable spirit and resilience. The film highlights Petkar’s journey from paralysis to making history at the 1972 Summer Paralympics, where he sets a world record in the 50-meter freestyle. He also competed in javelin, precision javelin throw, and slalom, becoming a finalist in all three events. In 2018, he was honoured with the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award of the Republic of India. Despite severe injuries in the 1965 Indo-Pak war, Petkar’s life, marked by 12 international gold medals, 34 national golds, and 40 state-level golds, is both inspiring and compelling. Chandu Champion is not just a sports drama but a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Witness this extraordinary hero’s journey and be inspired by Kartik Aaryan’s powerful portrayal in Chandu Champion, hitting theaters worldwide this week.  

Inside Out 2:

Prepare to dive back into the vibrant world of emotions with Inside Out 2, the eagerly anticipated sequel to Disney and Pixar’s Oscar-winning blockbuster masterpiece Inside Out. Directed by Kelsey Mann, the film promises an entertaining and relatable experience for audiences of all ages. Teenager Riley’s mind headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for new emotions. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust have been running a smooth operation, but everything changes when Anxiety shows up, bringing along Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment. As Riley navigates her teenage years, these new emotions add layers of complexity and hilarity to her journey. The new story focuses on coping with anxiety by staying present and letting go of future worries, illustrating the process of managing anxiety as a central theme in this sequel.

Featuring the voices of Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, and Maya Hawke, Inside Out 2 offers a heartwarming and visually stunning adventure. Experience the full force of emotions on the grandest canvas in IMAX, 4DX, SCREEN X and ICE. Experience this emotional rollercoaster hitting theaters across India this week in English and Hindi, with Ananya Panday voicing Riley!

The Watchers

Get set for spine-chilling suspense with The Watchers, a supernatural horror film that marks the directorial debut of Ishana Night Shyamalan, daughter of the renowned Hollywood filmmaker Manoj Night Shyamalan. Starring Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell, and Oliver Finnegan, this haunting tale follows a young artist stranded in a pristine yet eerie forest in Western Ireland. Seeking shelter, she becomes trapped with three strangers, stalked nightly by mysterious creatures. Based on A.M. Shine’s novel of the same name, it brings a fresh perspective to horror, blending modern fables with Irish folklore.

The unseen alien ‘watchers’ observe the trapped individuals, adding layers of terror and intrigue. You can’t see them, but they see everything... beware! Shyamalan Jr. masterfully creates an atmosphere of suspense, drawing from a lifetime of observing her father’s work. The film explores themes of imitation and replacement, as the watchers mimic human behaviour to terrifying effect. With Dakota Fanning leading this supernatural thriller, The Watchers promises a visually stunning and deeply unsettling experience. This gripping horror film, will make you feel the fear in every shadowy corner. And the darkness of the cinema gives it a perfect setting.

Maharaja (Tamil)

Vijay Sethupathi, one of Indian cinema’s most versatile talents, is gearing up for his eagerly awaited 50th film, Maharaja. Known for blockbusters like Master, Vikram, Jawan, Pizza, Vikram Vedha, and 96, Sethupathi is poised to captivate audiences once again with his second major release of 2024. Fresh from his captivating performance opposite Katrina Kaif in Merry Christmas, Sethupathi stars in this intense and intriguing thriller written and directed by Nithilan Swaminathan, of the critically acclaimed thriller Kurangu Bommai fame. Maharaja centers on a barber’s relentless quest for revenge after his home is burglarized and his precious "Lakshmi" is stolen. The mystery deepens as the barber cryptically tells the police about his loss, leaving everyone guessing whether "Lakshmi" is a person or an object. With Anurag Kashyap in a pivotal role, the film also features Mamta Mohandas, Bharathiraja, Abhirami, and Natarajan Subramaniam, promising a riveting narrative filled with intense action, intrigue, and emotional depth. Maharaja is set to be a must-watch thriller as Vijay Sethupathi showcases a new dimension in his illustrious career.

Kudi Haryane Val Di

Directed by Rakesh Dhawan, Kudi Haryane Val Di is a delightful rollercoaster of romance and laughter. The film stars Ammy Virk and Sonam Bajwa, the blockbuster jodi known for superhits like Puaada, Muklawa, and Nikka Zaildar. Ammy, one of Punjab’s top stars, plays a carefree Punjabi Jatt who unexpectedly falls for a spirited Haryanvi Jaatni, portrayed by Sonam, the reigning queen of the Punjabi box office. Their worlds collide in this first-ever cross-cultural love story between Punjab and Haryana.

As Ammy’s character embarks on a humorous yet heartfelt journey to embrace his family’s wrestling legacy to win her love, the film blends romance, comedy, and sports against a family drama backdrop. Kudi Haryane Val Di promises to entertain you with a fun, sporty twist highlighting the two regions' cultural nuances and charming dynamics. Guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings and tickle your funny bone, Ammy Virk and Sonam Bajwa light up the big screen once again this weekend in this latest Punjabi rom-com.<>