Friday OTT Release 3 May: 13 New Shows and Movies Hitting Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ Hotstar

It's that time again! The weekend is upon us, and with it comes a fresh wave of content to devour on streaming platforms. This week, Netflix and Disney+ Hotstar are bringing the heat with a diverse range of offerings, catering to all tastes. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready to explore these exciting new releases:

 

 

Friday Release on Netflix:

 

1. Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar 

Step back in time to pre-colonial India with "Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar," a captivating drama on Netflix by renowned director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The series delves into the lives of courtesans residing in Lahore's famed red-light district, Heeramandi. As India fights for independence, these women navigate a complex world of love, rivalry, and power struggles. 

Image courtesy: Youtube

 

Cast: Manisha Koirala, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, and Sharmin Segal.

Director:  Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Duration: 60 min

Release Date: May 1, 2024

 

2. Shaitaan

Get ready to be spooked with "Shaitaan," a supernatural horror film hitting Netflix on May 3rd. This psychological thriller, directed by Vikas Bahl, is a remake of the Gujarati film "Vash." The story explores the dark side of the human mind, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural.

Image courtesy: IMDb

Cast:  Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, Jyothika and Janki Bodiwala

Director: Vikas Bahl

Duration:  2h 20min

Release Date: May 3rd, 2024

 

3. Postcards

Four journeys converge in "Postcards," a new Netflix series premiering on May 3rd. This cross-cultural drama explores the lives of four Nigerians navigating love, self-discovery, and the challenges of identity in vibrant India. As they face their fears and desires, their paths intertwine in unexpected ways, leading to a captivating story of growth and acceptance.

Image courtesy: Bella naija

Cast: Sola Sobowale,Tobi Bakre,Rajneesh Duggal,Richard Mofe-Damijo,Rahama Sadau,Nancy Isime,Rio Kapadia

Director: Hamisha Daryani Ahuja

Duration: 60 min

Release Date: May 3rd, 2024

 

4. Dead Boy Detectives (Series):

This dark comedy follows two deceased teenagers, Charles and Edwin, who run a detective agency from the afterlife, solving supernatural mysteries. 

Image courtesy: IMDb

  Cast: James Madison Barrett, Jayden Revri

  Director: Steve Shibuya

  Duration: 52-56 mins

  Release date: 25 April 2024

 

5. Tillu Square (Telugu Movie):

This Telugu action-comedy revolves around Tillu, a notorious gangster with a soft spot for his family. When his past catches up to him, he must navigate a web of deceit and violence to protect his loved ones.  

Image courtesy: Cine Josh

  Cast: Sai Dharam Tej, Anu Emmanuel

  Director: Sukumar

  Duration: 145 mins (approx)

   Release date: 26 April 2024

 

6. City Hunter (Japanese Anime Series):

  This classic anime returns, following the adventures of Ryo Saeba, a skilled sweeper who takes on impossible cases for the right price.

Image courtesy: Free press Journal

  Cast:  (Voice Cast) Akira Kamiya,  Mami Koyama

  Director: Kenji Kodama

  Duration: 25 mins per episode (approx)

  Release date: 25 April 2024

 

 

7. The Beekeeper (Mystery Movie): 

This suspenseful thriller follows a disgraced cop who becomes a beekeeper, only to be drawn back into the world of crime when a series of murders rocks his quiet community. 

Image courtesy: OTT play

  Cast:  Jason Statham,  Nicholas Cage 

  Director:  Jeff Fowler

  Duration:  (yet to be disclosed)

  Release date: 26 April 2024

 

Also Read, Horror Movies on OTT 

 

 

Friday Release on Disney+ Hotstar

 

8. Manjummel Boys 

Buckle up for an adrenaline-pumping adventure with "Manjummel Boys," a Malayalam-language survival thriller now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. Based on a true incident from 2006, the film follows a group of friends from a small town near Kochi who embark on a vacation to Kodaikanal. Their lighthearted trip takes a drastic turn when they find themselves lost and facing unexpected dangers in the wilderness.  

Image courtesy: Gulte

Cast: Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Balu Varghese, and Ganapathi S. Poduval

Director:  Chidambaram 

Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes

Release Date:  May 5th, 2024

 

9. Shardlake

Transport yourself to the heart of 16th-century England with "Shardlake," a captivating historical mystery series on Disney+. Based on the popular novels by C.J. Sansom, the show follows the astute lawyer Matthew Shardlake as he navigates the treacherous political landscape of Henry VIII's reign.  While religious reforms sweep the nation, Shardlake's sharp intellect is called upon to investigate puzzling crimes and hidden agendas. 

Image courtesy: IMDb

Cast: Arthur Hughes, Sean Bean

Director:  Justin Chadwick,

Duration:  60 minutes

Release Date:   May 1st, 2024

 

10. Bhimaa (Telugu Movie):

  This biographical drama chronicles the life of Bhima, a legendary Indian wrestler who rose from poverty to become a national icon. 

Image courtesy: 123 Telgu

  Cast:  Nandamuri Balakrishna,  Sai Pallavi

  Director:  V. V. Vinayak

  Duration: 160 mins (approx)

  Release date: 25 April 2024

 

11. Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story (Documentary):

This documentary delves into the iconic rock band Bon Jovi, exploring their rise to fame, greatest hits, and enduring legacy.

Image courtesy: IMDb

  Cast:  (Archival footage of) Jon Bon Jovi,  Richie Sambora 

  Director: Tom Zippiroli

  Duration: 100 mins (approx)

  Release date: 26 April 2024

 

Friday Release on Amazon Prime

 

12. The Idea of You

Dive into a whirlwind romance with "The Idea of You," a contemporary love story based on the acclaimed novel by Robinne Lee. The film follows Solène, a 40-year-old divorced art gallery owner, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Hayes Campbell, the lead singer of the hottest boy band on the planet, August Moon. As their paths collide, an unlikely connection blossoms, forcing Solène to confront her desires and navigate the complexities of fame and age difference.

Image courtesy: IMDb

Cast:  Anne Hathaway, Nicholas Galitzine

Director:  Michael Showalter

Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Release Date: May 2nd, 2024

 

13. Dil Dosti Dilemma (Hindi Series): 

This lighthearted series explores the complexities of modern relationships, following three friends navigating love, life, and the challenges of adulthood. 

Image courtesy: Youtube

  Cast: Anvi Azmi, Anushka Sen, Kush Jotwani,

  Director:  Debbie Rao

  Duration: 30 mins per episode (approx)

  Release date: 25 April 2024

These are just a few of the exciting titles dropping this week. With a mix of genres and languages, there's something for everyone. So, fire up your streaming service, grab your favorite snacks, and get ready for a weekend of binge-worthy entertainment!

 

 

FAQs Related to This Week's OTT Releases!

 

Q1.  Are there any kid-friendly options on this list?

Ans: Absolutely! While the blog highlights series and movies with more mature themes, both Netflix and Disney+ Hotstar offer a wide range of content suitable for children. Explore the "Kids" or "Family" sections on these platforms for animated shows, classic movies, and educational documentaries that will keep your young ones entertained.

 

Q2.  What if I can't decide what to watch?

Ans: Both Netflix and Disney+ Hotstar offer recommendations based on your watch history and browsing habits. Additionally, many review websites and blogs offer suggestions on what to watch next. Check out online resources or explore the "Trending Now" or "Popular on Netflix/Disney+ Hotstar" sections for inspiration.

 

Q3.  Are there any free trials available?

Ans: Many streaming services, including Netflix and Disney+ Hotstar, offer free trial periods. This allows you to explore the platform's content library and decide if it's a good fit for you before committing to a subscription.

 

Q4.  What devices can I use to watch these releases?

Ans: Netflix and Disney+ Hotstar are accessible on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku or Amazon Fire Stick.  Check the platform's website for a complete list of compatible devices.

Happy streaming!