South Indian cinema—encompassing the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada industries—continues to captivate audiences with innovative storytelling and cultural depth. This December, these film industries promise an exhilarating lineup featuring high-octane action thrillers, soul-stirring dramas, laugh-out-loud comedies, and awe-inspiring fantasy adventures. With A-list stars and compelling narratives, these films are set to deliver a cinematic experience that transcends regional boundaries. Here's your guide to the must-watch South Indian movies being released in December 2024. 12 Must-see South Indian Movies Coming in This December . Pushpa 2: The Rule / Telugu Epic Action / December 5, 2024 Produced by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings, this action drama boasts Sukumar as the director and writer. Dialogues crafted by Srikanth Vissa, this thriller marks the second chapter of the Pushpa franchise, serving as the sequel to the blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise (2021). The stakes escalate as Pushpa and Bhanwar Singh's fierce rivalry takes center stage in this epic finale, delivering a dramatic conclusion to the two-part saga of crime and action. Allu Arjun returns to his previous role as the titular character. Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Dhananjaya, Sunil, Ajay Ghosh, Rao Ramesh, Anasuya Bharadwaj, and the remaining cast from the first installment have returned to reprise their original roles. New cast members include Jagapathi Babu and Prakash Raj.  Read more: Top 10 Bollywood Movies to Watch in December 2024 Bachchala Malli / Telugu Action / December 20, 2024 This action drama, starring Allari Naresh as the title character, flourishes with Subbu Mangadevi as its writer and director. Vipparthi Madhu and Viswanetra craft the screenplay from the story penned by Subbu Mangadevi. Set against the rustic charm of the 1990s, the narrative delves into the life of a rural hero, weaving together intense drama and romance. The action-packed journey explores his struggles, triumphs, and personal evolution in a deeply evocative setting. The drama film features Amritha Aiyer as the lead female artist, supported by Rao Ramesh, Rohini, Sai Kumar, Dhanraj, Hari Teja, Rajsekhar Aningi, and Viva Harsha. Credit for producing the movie goes to Balaji Gutta and Razesh Danda under the banner of Hasya Movies. Read: December 2024 Amazon Prime Originals Streaming Lineup: Binge-worthy Watchlist Magic / Telugu Teenage-Drama / December 21, 2024 Written and directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, this musical film stars Sara Arjun, Siddharth Tanuku, Anmol Kajani, and Aakash Srinivas. This teenage movie centers on four students collaborating to create an original song for their college fest. As the coming-of-age tale unfolds, the journey of the young protagonists is filled with nostalgic moments, capturing the innocence and camaraderie of youth. The musical drama thrives with Suryadevara Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya for Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas as its producers. 2K Love Story / Tamil Romantic-Comedy / December 13, 2024 Bankrolled by Vignesh Subramanian under City Light Pictures, the director and writer Suseenthiran brings this comedy-drama to fruition. The newcomer artist Jagaveer takes on the lead role with co-artist Meenakshi Govindarajan. The supporting roles include Antony Bhagyraj, Bala Saravanan, Vinodhini Vaidyanathan, Jayaprakash, and G.P. Muthu. Read more: Top 10 Netflix English Originals to Binge-Watch in December 2024 The romantic film intricately weaves love, friendship, and life’s complexities through the experiences of a lively group of youngsters. At its heart is Karthik, a seasoned cricketer who spent 12 years playing for an Australian county club and now represents Pondicherry. Monica, on the other hand, is a talented pre-wedding photographer. Viduthalai Part 2 / Tamil Crime Thriller / December 20, 2024 As a direct sequel to the 2023 film Viduthalai Part 1, this period movie highlights the direction, co-writing, and co-production of Vetrimaaran. This is the second film of a two-part adaptation of Thunaivan, a short story by B. Jeyamohan, who also co-wrote the screenplay. The production brings together Vetrimaaran and Elred Kumar, who helm the project under Grass Root Film Company and RS Infotainment The intense crime thriller follows the confrontation between a determined police constable and the formidable leader of a separatist group, promising a tale of high-stakes tension. Soori, Manju Warrier, Vijay Sethupathi, Anurag Kashyap, Bhavani Sre, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Rajiv Menon, Balaji Sakthivel, Ilavarasu, Saravana Subbiah, Munnar Ramesh, and Chetan reprise their roles from the first film. Read more: Exploring the Best of Mostofa Sarwar Farooki: Iconic Films and Drama Series Bottle Radha / Tamil Drama / December 20, 2024 Radha’s life spirals into turmoil when his wife sends him to rehab for alcohol addiction without his consent, igniting his resolve to escape. As he succumbs to isolation from his family, he finds himself drawn back to destructive habits, making him deeply poignant and unsettling. With this story in the backlog, Dhinakaran Sivalingam’s directing and writing shape Bottle Radha. Starring Guru Somasundaram, John Vijay, Sanchana Natarajan, Anbarasi, J.P. Kumar, Pari Elavazhagan, and Arumugavel, the drama film boasts production by T.N. Arun Balaji and Pa. Ranjith. Read more: Korean Dramas on Netflix for November 2024

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is set to star in an epic period drama under the direction of Atlee, following the immense success of Jawan. The upcoming project, tentatively titled A6, is generating significant excitement as it promises to be a high-octane action thriller, featuring both historical and contemporary storylines. Directed by Atlee, known for his mastery in action-packed, emotionally charged narratives, A6 is being hailed as a two-hero saga, with the possibility of either Kamal Haasan or Rajinikanth being cast in the parallel lead role. Although casting has yet to be confirmed, the prospect of such iconic actors joining forces with Salman Khan has sparked considerable anticipation in the industry. Sources close to the film reveal that A6 will weave a reincarnation-driven plot, set across two distinct time periods – past and present. Salman Khan’s character will portray a fierce warrior in the historical timeline, a role which promises to deliver intense action and drama. The details surrounding the modern-day narrative are still under wraps, but the film’s period elements are expected to take center stage, with a significant focus on high-stakes conflict and a fantasy world full of breathtaking visuals. Atlee, who has been working on the script and development for over a year, is committed to creating a cinematic experience that will captivate audiences. The film’s budget is expected to be substantial, supporting cutting-edge visuals and an immersive storyline that will transport viewers to a world of intense drama. The project will be produced by Sun Pictures and is set to be a major release in 2026. Two Hollywood films, “Wicked” and “Red One”, set to premiere in Bangladesh Filming for A6 is scheduled to begin in Summer 2025, with Atlee aiming to finalize the cast by the end of this year. The collaboration between Salman Khan and Atlee is anticipated to push the boundaries of Indian cinema, particularly in the reincarnation genre, where Khan will be making his return to the theme after his iconic role in Karan Arjun (1995). Apart from A6, Salman Khan will also appear in an extended cameo in the upcoming Christmas 2025 release Baby John, starring Varun Dhawan, ensuring that fans will be treated to his presence on the big screen in the near future. With A6 already creating buzz and expectations running high, this collaboration between Atlee and Salman Khan is set to be one of the most anticipated films in Indian cinema. Source: Indian media  

Star Cineplex is gearing up to bring two much-anticipated Hollywood films to Bangladeshi screens this Friday, November 22: the epic musical fantasy “Wicked” and the Christmas-themed action-comedy “Red One”. Directed by Jon M. Chu, “Wicked” stars Cynthia Erivo and Grammy-winning pop sensation Ariana Grande in lead roles. The supporting cast boasts a star-studded lineup, including Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. The film is an adaptation of the Broadway musical of the same name, which was itself inspired by Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel. This is the first of a two-part cinematic adaptation produced by Universal Pictures and Marc Platt. The decision to split the story into two parts ensures no key plot points or songs from the stage production are excluded. “Wicked” premiered on November 3 at the State Theatre in Sydney, Australia, where it received positive reviews. Critics have praised Ariana Grande's performance, with many calling it one of the standout elements of the film. For those seeking festive cheer with an action-packed twist, “Red One” offers a fresh take on Christmas. Directed by Jake Kasdan and written by Chris Morgan, the movie features Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and “Captain America” star Chris Evans in lead roles. The plot centers on an ambitious mission to rescue Santa Claus, played by Academy Award winner J.K. Simmons, after his abduction on Christmas Eve. Johnson portrays Callum Drift, the head of North Pole security, while Evans takes on the role of Jack O'Malley, a notorious hacker turned bounty hunter. Together, they navigate a high-stakes adventure to save Christmas. The film also features Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Nick Kroll, Kristofer Hivju, and Wesley Kimmel in key roles. Produced by Amazon MGM Studios in collaboration with Seven Bucks Productions and Chris Morgan Productions, “Red One” has been touted as the beginning of a potential holiday franchise. Released internationally on November 15 by Warner Bros. Pictures, the film has already garnered attention for its unique premise and dynamic performances. Star Cineplex anticipates that both films will captivate Bangladeshi audiences in the coming weeks. With “Wicked” offering a sweeping musical narrative and “Red One” delivering a festive action-comedy spectacle, moviegoers are in for a treat this holiday season.  

Bollywood is set to end 2024 on a high note with an exciting lineup of Hindi films scheduled for release this December. From action-packed blockbusters to laugh-out-loud comedies, gripping historical dramas, and even thought-provoking documentaries, the variety promises something for everyone. Teasers and trailers have already ignited buzz, showcasing stellar performances, unforgettable dialogues, and captivating music. Here's a closer look at the most anticipated Bollywood films hitting the screens in December 2024. Must-watch Hindi Movies Releasing this December . Agni / Action Thriller / December 6, 2024 Directed and written by Rahul Dholakia, the action movie boasts production by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani under Excel Entertainment in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios. Divyenndu, Pratik Gandhi, Saiyami Kher, and Jitendra Joshi take on the lead roles while the additional cast includes Pramod Pathak, Udit Arora, and Kabir Shah. The narrative unfolds in a city gripped by a mysterious fire surge, where chaos threatens to consume Mumbai. At its heart are Vithal, a fearless firefighter, and Samit, his headstrong yet resourceful brother-in-law who serves as a police officer. United by duty but divided by personal discord, the duo must race against time to uncover the truth behind the devastation. Read more: December 2024 Amazon Prime Originals Streaming Lineup: Binge-worthy Watchlist Zero Se Restart / Documentary / December 13, 2024 Vidhu Vinod Chopra presents this documentary focusing on the behind-the-scenes of his renowned ‘12th Fail’ movie. This inspiring 2023 biographical drama is based on Anurag Pathak’s acclaimed 2019 nonfiction book of the same name. It chronicles the extraordinary journey of Manoj Kumar Sharma from a poor family to ultimately achieving his dream of becoming an IPS officer. ‘Zero Se Restart’ takes viewers on a poignant journey of rediscovery, weaving nostalgic visuals with themes of forgotten aspirations and rekindled dreams. Vikrant Massey and Medha Shankar will be seen again on screen as their respective characters- Manoj Kumar Sharma and Shraddha Joshi. Jaskunwar Kohli, who steers the creative helm, collaborates with Chopra, who wears multiple hats as the film’s writer and producer. Read more: Top 10 Netflix English Originals to Binge-Watch in December 2024 Irani Chai / Drama Thriller / December 14, 2024 This thriller, which features Zakir Hussain, Ananth Mahadevan, and Govind Namdeo in lead roles, thrives under the writing and directing of Manoj Srivastava. Akhilendra Mishra, Aditya Lakhia, and Ezzatollah Ramazanifar play supporting roles. ‘Irani Chai’ spins a mesmerizing tale of an Iranian woman who receives nightly visits from men, each bearing a story of pain, hope, or longing. Piecing together these fragmented stories, she uncovers a path that leads to a treasure. Production credit goes to Goutam Kumar Bhakat, Samid Gupta, Sandeep Sen, and Kunal Srivastava. Badass Ravikumar / Musical Action / December 20, 2024 Directed by Keith Gomes, this musical movie excels with Himesh Reshammiya as its lead actor, story writer, and music composer. Himesh also co-produced the film with Manoj Srivastava and contributed to the screenplay in association with Kushal Ved Bakshi. Bunty Rathore wrote the dialogues and Sonia Kapoor, doubling as the lead actress, channels her artistry into writing song lyrics. Read more: Exploring the Best of Mostofa Sarwar Farooki: Iconic Films and Drama Series This sequel to the 2014 hit ‘The Xpose’ delves deeper into the franchise’s thrilling universe, with Ravikumar taking on an ensemble of 10 formidable villains, The action film also stars Prabhu Deva and Kk Taharpuriya in important roles. Vanvaas / Comedy Drama / December 20, 2024 Starring Nana Patekar and Utkarsh Sharma, this comedy movie thrives with Anil Sharma as its writer, producer, and director. Amjad Ali and Sunil Sirvaiya jointly contributed as co-writers with Sharma. The narrative resonates with the eternal struggle between duty and desire, echoing the profound wisdom of an ancient tale. It explores how choices driven by honor and responsibility shape the trajectory of life. Read more: Korean Dramas on Netflix for November 2024 The supporting cast includes Rajpal Naurang Yadav, Simrat Kaur, Khushbu Sundar, and Ashwini Kalsekar.

Bangladeshi film director, producer, and screenplay writer Mostofa Sarwar Farooki ushered in a new wave in the Bangladeshi drama and film industry in the early 2000s. His vision redefined storytelling, breaking away from traditional screenplays and conventions. His works, from advertisements to feature films, captivated audiences and reshaped industry norms. He also paved the way for Bangladeshi cinema’s emergence on the global stage. Let’s explore the iconic films and dramas that defined Farooki's career in the creative sector. Top 10 Films & Dramas by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki  . Bachelor | 2004 Written by acclaimed writer Anisul Hoque, this comedy-romantic movie marks Farooki's directorial debut. Through witty humor, the film depicts the lives, loves, and emotions of a group of bachelors, each representing the essence of modern youth. The cast features celebrated actors like Humayun Faridi, Ferdous Ahmed, Shabnur, and Ahmed Rubel. It also introduced talents like Aupee Karim, Jaya Ahsan, and Marzuk Russell to Bangladeshi cinema. Recognized internationally, ‘Bachelor’ was officially selected at the New Jersey Independent South Asian Cine Fest, Third Eye IFF in Mumbai, and Italy’s Asiatica Filmmedia. Made in Bangladesh | 2006 Based on the novel ‘Jimmi’ by Anisul Hoque, this political satire captures the frustrations of Bangladesh’s disillusioned youth. Farooki crafts a bold narrative through the character of Khorshed, an unemployed young man played by Zahid Hasan. He confronts the pervasive corruption and social injustice that affect every aspect of life. Shahiduzzaman Selim, Rosey Siddique, Tariq Anam Khan, Srabosti Dutta Tinni, Tania Ahmed, Jayanto Chattopadhyay, Hasan Masood, Marzuk Russell, and Fazlur Rahman Babu round out the cast. Praised for its daring commentary, this movie received a Special Mention from the Jury Board at the 2008 Dhaka International Film Festival. Carrom-1 and 2 | 2006 This two-episode telefilm, co-written by Farooki and Kochi Khondokar, brings humor and heart to the tale of Shafiqul, who has a physical ailment–an issue with his finger. He faces ridicule from neighbors who doubt his ability to win at the carrom game. He accepts the challenge of defeating Tapan, a renowned local player.  ‘Carrom’ featured Mosharraf Karim, who charmed audiences with his quirky and heartfelt performance. The cast also includes Nusrat Imrose Tisha, Rifat Chowdhury, Kochi Khondokar, Bappi Ashraf, and Ishtiaq Ahmed Rumel. 420 | 2007-2008 With a compelling portrayal of local politics, this drama series is one of Farooki's most celebrated works on television. The comedy serial centers on two brothers from a rural background who find themselves unintentionally involved in the city’s political scene. As the brothers rise to influence, they quickly discover the murky compromises and ethical challenges. Starring Mosharraf Karim and Lutfur Rahman George as the central duo, the series boasts actors including Tisha, Sohel Khan, Marzuk Russell, Rifat Chowdhury, Kochi Khondokar, and Siddiqur Rahman. Their performances, combined with Farooki’s insightful writing and direction, made 420 a cultural touchstone for Bangladeshi audiences. Sixty Nine | 2008-2009 Jointly created by Anisul Hoque and Farooki, this popular family drama series provides an authentic look at a family, where traditional bonds test modern life’s demands. The storyline revolves around a family with six children who live together in a single apartment building, yet they struggle to spare quality time amid their busy lives.  The drama series features an ensemble cast that includes Tisha, Shahiduzzaman Selim, Hasan Masood, Jaya Ahsan, Srabosti Dutta Tinni, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Ahmed Rubel, Marzuk Russell, and Rifat Chowdhury. Farooki’s direction shines as he balances lighthearted storytelling with insights into family dynamics, creating a series that resonates with audiences of all generations.

Salman Khan is currently shooting his upcoming movie, Sikandar, at Hyderabad's Falaknuma Palace Hotel, with a section of the property cordoned off exclusively for the film’s team. Despite receiving a new threat, Salman remains focused on his work. The actor is under a heightened four-tier security arrangement, with additional safety measures in place to protect him. According to Midday, the production team has secured the entire hotel, turning it into a fortified location. While guests can still book rooms, they must undergo two levels of screening—one by the hotel and the other by Salman’s security team. Access to the filming area is restricted to those with prior permission, and all staff are subject to daily screenings. There is also a strict no-swapping policy in place. Salman has recently faced another threat, reportedly from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The new threat, received late Thursday night, warned of serious consequences for a songwriter associated with a song that allegedly ties Salman to the incarcerated gangster. This marks the fifth threat against Salman in recent weeks, prompting authorities to increase security measures. The Mumbai Police are taking the threat seriously, investigating both the source and motive behind it, reports Indian media. On November 5, a similar threat from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang gave Salman the option to either apologize or pay ₹5 crore to ensure his safety.          

Bollywood is set to captivate audiences once again in November 2024 with an exciting lineup of films across romance, comedy, horror, thriller, and action genres. Featuring star-studded casts and gripping stories, these highly anticipated releases are sure to thrill Hindi movie lovers both in India and worldwide. Let’s explore the top 10 must-watch Bollywood movies hitting theaters this month! 10 Most-hyped Bollywood Films Releasing This November . Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 | Comedy Horror | November 1, 2024 Under the direction of Anees Bazmee, this movie serves as the third installment of the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise. Bankrolled by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, and Murad Khetani, the horror movie showcases the writing prowess of Aakash Kaushik. Kartik Aaryan returns to reprise his fan-favorite role from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. Vidya Balan and Rajpal Yadav step back into their iconic characters, Manjulika and Chhota Pandit, respectively. Triptii Dimri and Madhuri Dixit join the ensemble, along with seasoned actors Rajesh Sharma, Vijay Raaz, Ashwini Kalsekar, Manish Wadhwa, and Sanjay Mishra. In the latest chapter, Rooh Baba finds himself in a haunted mansion in Kolkata, facing off against two vengeful spirits, each insisting they are the real Manjulika. Read more: October 2024 Bollywood Release Lineup: Top 10 Hindi Movies to Watch Singham Again | Action Drama | November 1, 2024 Besides directing, Rohit Shetty debuts as a writer with this action film, marking a direct sequel to Singham Returns (2014) and the fifth installment in his Cop Universe. Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shroff, Ranveer Singh, and Dayanand Shetty return to reprise their iconic roles, reuniting with the rest of the original cast. Tiger Shroff, Deepika Padukone, Arjun Kapoor, and Shweta Tiwari round out the cast. Adding to the excitement, Salman Khan makes a special cameo appearance as his beloved character Chulbul Pandey. This time, Bajirao Singham embarks on a gripping quest, unraveling clues hidden within the Ramayana to rescue his wife, Avni, who has been abducted by the ruthless terrorist Danger Lanka. The film makes its way to theaters courtesy of producers Rohit Shetty Picturez, Devgn Films, Reliance Entertainment, and Jio Studios. Read more: Netflix English Originals Coming in October 2024: 10 Most-hyped Releases Vijay 69 | Sports Comedy | November 8, 2024 Starring Anupam Kher in the titular role, this slice-of-life narrative boasts Akshay Roy as the director and writer. The comedy movie cast also includes Chunky Pandey, Guddi Maruti, Mihir Ahuja, Vrajesh Hirjee, Kunal Vijaykar, Sulagna Panigrahi, Ravish Desai, Dharmendra Gohil, Ketika Sharma, Pawan Chopra, and Adrija Sinha. ‘Vijay 69’ presents an uplifting tale of a 69-year-old man defying societal norms as he embarks on an inspiring journey to train for a triathlon. Produced by Maneesh Sharma under the banner of Yash Raj Films Entertainment, the sports drama goes for streaming on Netflix. Read more: Akshay, Karan Johar’s film on C Sankaran Nair to release in March The Sabarmati Report | Drama Thriller | November 15, 2024 Based on a real-life event, this thriller was initially directed by Ranjan Chandel before being taken over by the film’s dialogue writer, Dheeraj Sarna. The story centers around a fateful morning in Gujarat, where a tragic incident takes place aboard the Sabarmati Express. It highlights the chaos that erupted near Godhra station on February 27, 2002. Arjun Bhandegaonkar and Avinash Singh Tomar jointly contributed to the screenplay of the story by Aseem Arora. The thriller movie features Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna, and Riddhi Dogra in the lead roles. The production credit goes to Ekta Kapoor, Amul V Mohan, Anshul Mohan, and Shobha Kapoor. Read more: Govt announces committees to facilitate film grants for FY 2024-25 Match Fixing | Political Thriller | November 15, 2024 Produced by Pallavi Gurjar under Artarena Creations, this political movie thrives with Kedaar Prabhakar Gaekwad as its director. With a script penned by Anuj S. Mehta, the thriller film delves into a provocative political landscape inspired by ‘The Game Behind Saffron Terror’ a controversial book by Kanwar Khatana. The narrative uncovers the murky depths of political conspiracies, examining the alleged collusion between intelligence agencies from India and Pakistan. Vineet Kumar Singh, Manoj Joshi, and Anuja Sathe take on the pivotal roles in the movie. Read more: 'Boli' to represent Bangladesh at the 97th Oscars

Actor Kajol, who is set to star in the upcoming film Do Patti, has opened up about a pivotal moment in her early career when she considered quitting acting.  In an exclusive interview with India Today, Kajol shared that it was none other than superstar Shah Rukh Khan who encouraged her to persevere in the industry. In Do Patti, Kajol will be seen in a groundbreaking role as a police officer, a character that marks her first experience wearing a uniform on screen. Known for her dynamic performances over the decades, Kajol revealed that portraying this role required a different approach to her craft. Reflecting on her journey, Kajol recalled a moment after filming Udhaar Ki Zindagi, her third film, when she felt completely burnt out. India’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’ Sets Sights on Oscar for Best International Feature Film "I was very new, probably around 17 or 18 years old at the time. I remember finishing the film and feeling utterly exhausted. I told my mother, 'You know, mum, I’m done. At the tender age of 18-and-a-half, I cannot move anymore. I cannot cry anymore. I cannot put glycerine on my eyes anymore. I don’t want to do these films. I want to do, you know, four scenes, ten songs.' That's when I signed up for more commercial films like Gunda Raj and Hulchul," she said. Kajol recounted Shah Rukh Khan's advice during that formative period: "He said, 'You know, you just have to learn how to act.' At that time, I thought, what is he talking about? Of course, I'm doing a fabulous job! But it was a wake-up call that led me to discover the true technique of acting." With her upcoming role in Do Patti, Kajol is ready to showcase her versatility once again, proving that sometimes, the journey to mastering one’s craft requires resilience and the right encouragement. Source: India Today   

Indian cinema has a long history of making its mark at the Oscars, from classic nominations like ‘Mother India’ (1957) to recent successes such as ‘RRR’ (2022). While competition remains fierce, hopes are high again as ‘Laapataa Ladies’ prepares to enter the race for the Best International Feature Film title. Let’s take a close look into the rising buzz surrounding the film. The Journey of ‘Laapataa Ladies’: From Theatrical Miss to Netflix Success Produced by Jio Studios, Aamir Khan Productions, and Kindling Pictures, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ premiered on September 8, 2023, at the Toronto International Film Festival. After its theatrical release on March 1, 2024, the initial reception was unfavorable. However, the satirical film found new life following its Netflix debut on April 26, garnering widespread acclaim. The movie was directed by Kiran Rao. The production credit goes to Rao, Aamir Khan, and Jyoti Deshpande. The cast features Pratibha Ranta, Nitanshi Goyel, Chhaya Kadam, Sparsh Shrivastava, Abhay Shankar Dubey, Geeta Aggarwal Sharma, Ravi Kishan, and Durgesh Kumar. Read more: October 2024 Bollywood Release Lineup: Top 10 Hindi Movies to Watch ‘Laapataa Ladies’ Sets Its Sights on the Oscars On Monday, September 23, the Film Federation of India announced ‘Laapataa Ladies’ as its official entry for the 97th Academy Awards. This film will compete for a nomination in the Best International Feature Film category, representing India on the global stage. The selection committee, consisting of 13 members and chaired by acclaimed Assamese director Jahnu Barua, has made this decision. The selection process saw the movie outshine 29 notable contenders, including Cannes winner ‘All We Imagine as Light’, the Bollywood hit ‘Animal’, and the Malayalam film ‘Aattam’. As per Oscar rules, only one film from each country can be submitted for the Best International Feature Film category. A shortlist of 15 films is created from entries submitted worldwide, from which 5 will be nominated for the final event. Read more: Must-watch South Indian Films Releasing in October 2024

Hindi films' unique draw is their ability to craft stories that blend emotion, drama, and spectacle, where filmmaking truly shines through captivating narratives and striking visuals. Cinephiles eagerly await these films, drawn by the anticipation of powerful performances and memorable dialogues. With each release, they look forward to a blend of talent and storytelling that keeps the magic of Bollywood alive. Here’s a comprehensive exploration of the top 10 Bollywood movies to watch in October 2024. 10 Must-watch Bollywood Films Debuting this October CTRL | Thriller | October 4, 2024 This movie thrives under the direction of Vikramaditya Motwane, who also serves as the screenwriter alongside Avinash Sampath, with dialogues written by Sumukhi Suresh. The story revolves around Nella and Joe, the quintessential influencer couple. Their idyllic relationship is shattered when Joe's infidelity drives Nella to use an AI app to erase him from her life. Meanwhile, the frightening aspect is that the app begins to exert its control. The prime roles are starred by Vihaan Samat and Ananya Panday. On the other hand, the supporting cast features Devika Vatsa, Kamakshi Bhat, Suchita Trivedi, Samit Gambhir, Ravish Desai, and Aparshakti Khurana. Read more: September 2024 Amazon Prime Originals List: Exclusive Shows, Films, and Series The production credit goes to Arya Menon and Nikhil Dwivedi under the banners of Andolan Films and Saffron Magicworks. Shahkot | Drama | October 4, 2024 With dialogues penned by Davinder Virk, this drama movie is shaped by the writing and directing of Rajiv Dhingra. ‘Shahkot’ follows Iqbal Singh, a resolute Punjabi youth with dreams of going abroad, whose journey takes an unforeseen twist, altering the course of his life in unexpected ways. Starring Isha Talwar, Raj Babbar, Guru Randhawa, and Seema Kaushal, the film’s production is spearheaded by 751 Films, Aim7Sky Studios, and Rapa Nui's Films. Read more: September 2024 Netflix English Originals: Must-watch Films, Series, and Shows Bihu Attack | Action | October 9, 2024 This pulse-pounding action drama excels with Suzad Iqbal Khan as its director and writer. Besides starring in the leading role- Major Raj Kunwar of the Indian Army, Dev Menaria also produced the movie on behalf of PKS Films Production. The supporting cast includes Arbaaz Khan, Rahul Dev, Daisy Shah, Raza Murad, Shahbaaz Khan, and Hiten Tejwani. This film details Azhar Masood's illegal activities, including arms trafficking and orchestrating terrorist attacks on Assam's Bihu festival, with support from China and Burma. Jigra | Action Thriller | October 11, 2024 Satya, a young woman marked by a troubled past, clings to the last person in her life- her brother, imprisoned and tortured overseas. With no other recourse, Satya must rise to the challenge and undertake a daring rescue mission to free him and ensure his safety. Read more: Amazon Prime Originals August 2024 Lineup: Most-hyped Movies, Web Series, Shows With this plot, ‘Jigra’ highlights the direction of Vasan Bala, who also penned the script with Debashish Irengbam. This is a modern adaptation of Dharma Productions' 1993 classic, ‘Gumrah’. The action movie boasts production by Alia Bhatt, Karan Johar, Soumen Mishra, Apoorva Mehta, and Shaheen Bhatt under Dharma Productions, Eternal Sunshine Productions, and Viacom 18 Motion Pictures. This thriller film stars Vedang Raina and Alia Bhatt, accompanied by Aditya Nanda, Manoj Pahwa, and Rahul Ravindran. Vicky Vidya Ka-Woh Wala Video | Comedy Drama Film | October 11, 2024 Featuring Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri in the title roles, this comedy movie is directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa, who contributed to the story and screenplay with Yusuf Ali Khan. The screenwriter team also includes Ishrat Khan and Rajan Agarwal. Read more: Top Hindi Films to Watch: August 2024 Bollywood Releases The film tracks Vicky and Vidya, a newlywed couple who plan to capture their first night together on video as a cherished memory. Their plans are upended when the CD containing their intimate footage is stolen. It leads to a comedic adventure as they scramble to recover it before their situation spirals further. The movie is brought to fruition by producers Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Ekta Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor, Vipul D. Shah, Ashwin Varde, Rajesh Bahl, Vimal Lahoti, and the director Shaandilyaa.