This weekend, movie enthusiasts can look forward to a diverse array of films making their debut on various over-the-top (OTT) platforms. Among the highly anticipated releases is the Hindi political thriller The Diplomat, starring John Abraham, which is now streaming on Netflix. Also joining the lineup are The Royals, featuring Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter, and the Telugu film Robin Hood, along with the Bengali thriller Bohurupi.
The Diplomat is a gripping film that dives into the intricate world of diplomacy and personal sacrifice. Directed by Shivam Nair and written by Ritesh Shah, the movie draws inspiration from the true story of Uzma Ahmed, who was rescued from Pakistan in 2017. While it made waves in theaters, grossing over ₹53 crore globally, the film's digital release on May 9, 2025, is expected to attract a wider audience. Netflix announced the release on social media, encouraging viewers to mark their calendars.
John Abraham, who plays the lead role of Indian diplomat JP Singh, expressed his enthusiasm for the film, describing it as an "emotional, edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller" rather than just another patriotic narrative. He compared it to the acclaimed film Argo, emphasizing that it offers a unique perspective on the complexities of diplomacy and human connections in the backdrop of political tension. Abraham stated, "I didn't do the film just because it's patriotic; I did it because it's an emotional, edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller."
As The Diplomat makes its digital debut, it will be available on Netflix with English subtitles, allowing a broader audience to engage with its compelling narrative. The film features a strong supporting cast, including Sadia Khateeb, Kumud Mishra, and Sharib Hashmi, who all contribute to the film's emotional depth and intensity.
Alongside The Diplomat, viewers can also check out The Royals, a film that explores the lives of a royal family struggling to maintain their legacy. Starring Bhumi Pednekar as Sophia Shekhar and Ishaan Khatter as Aviraaj Singh, this movie offers a blend of drama and family dynamics, and it is now streaming on Netflix as of May 9, 2025.
Another noteworthy release this weekend is Robin Hood, a Telugu-language heist action comedy that hit theaters on March 28, 2025. Despite receiving negative reviews and being labeled a box office bomb, it has found a second life on OTT platforms. Directed by Venky Kudumula, the film features Nithin, Sreeleela, and Rajendra Prasad in pivotal roles.
Finally, Bohurupi, a Bengali-language vigilante heist thriller, is also available for streaming. Directed by Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee, the film is based on real-life events from 1998 to 2005, showcasing the struggles of its characters in a fast-paced narrative.
As audiences prepare for a weekend of streaming, these films offer a mix of genres and stories, catering to diverse tastes. Whether it's the political intrigue of The Diplomat, the royal drama in The Royals, the comedic escapades in Robin Hood, or the thrilling narrative of Bohurupi, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
In conclusion, the weekend's OTT releases highlight the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where stories inspired by real life and rich narratives find a platform to reach wider audiences. With major actors and compelling storylines, these films are set to captivate viewers across the globe.
