What to watch on OTT: Maareesan, The Alto Knights and more

In this Tamil-language movie, a sly thief targets an old man with Alzheimer’s who needs a ride out of town. But as he attempts to rob his mark, the trip turns outlandish and violent. Directed by Sudheesh Sankar and written by V Krishna Moorthy, Maareesan brings Fahadh Faasil and Vadivelu together on screen after Mari Selvaraj’s ‘Maamanan’. The story of a transformative road trip, ‘Maareesan’ features strong performances by the cast and some interesting twists.

Hot Milk
MUBI

Screenwriter Rebecca Lenkiewicz’s directorial debut Hot Milk, which premiered in competition at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival, is available to stream from August 22. Based on the 2016 Booker shortlisted novel by Deborah Levy, the film stars Emma Mackey (Sex Education, Barbie), Fiona Shaw (Killing Eve) and Vicky Krieps (Phantom Thread, Corsage). “Set in the scorching heat of a Spanish summer, the film follows Rose and her daughter Sofia as they travel to the seaside town of Almería to consult an enigmatic healer who may hold the key to Rose’s mysterious illness, which has left her confined to a wheelchair. But Sofia, trapped till now by her mother’s condition, begins to shed her inhibitions as she is drawn to the magnetic charms of a free spirited traveler, Ingrid,” says its synopsis.

The Alto Knights
JioHotstar

Directed by Barry Levinson and written by Nicholas Pileggi, this American biographical crime drama follows two of New York’s most notorious organised crime bosses, Frank Costello (Robert De Niro) and Vito Genovese (De Niro), as they vie for control of the city’s streets. Once the best of friends, petty jealousies and a series of betrayals place them on a deadly collision course that will reshape the Mafia (and America) forever. The film features Debra Messing, Cosmo Jarvis, Kathrine Narducci, and Michael Rispoli in supporting roles.

Hostage
Netflix

On the verge of a historic meeting with French President Vivienne Toussaint (Julie Delpy), British PM Dalton receives nightmarish news: her husband has been taken hostage, and the kidnappers are demanding that she resign immediately if she wants to see Alex alive again. For Dalton, the choice is a tragic part of the job. In spite of their diametrically opposed politics, Dalton and Toussaint are forced to work together — with the entire world watching. Written by Matt Charman, the five-part show also features Suranne Jones, Corey Mylchreest and Lucian Msamati in the cast.

Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1
Prime Video

Set in a fictionalised Mughal-era India, Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1 – Sword vs Spirit follows the fearless journey of Veera Mallu, a rebel-turned-outlaw entrusted with the task of stealing the prestigious Koh-i-Noor diamond from Emperor Aurangzeb’s fortress. As the first Indian to lead a revolt against the Mughal Empire, Veera Mallu’s story is one of rebellion and relentless pursuit of justice, unfolding in a world where political intrigue, ancient warfare, and moral courage collide. The high-octane Telugu period adventure is directed by Radha Krishna Jagarlamudi and Jyothi Krishna, and is co-written by Sai Madhav Burra, Radha Krishna Jagarlamudi, and Abhimanyu Srivastava. The cast features Pawan Kalyan, Anupam Kher, Bobby Deol, Sathyaraj, Nora Fatehi, Nargis Fakhri, Nassar, and Dalip Tahil.

Woodwalkers
Lionsgate Play

In this fantasy drama directed by Damian John Harper, the 13-year-old protagonist Carag can shapeshift into a puma. He is a Woodwalker, and like all of his kind he must conceal his true nature. At a secret school for young shapeshifters, he is mentored by Andrew Milling, a millionaire benefactor who quickly sees Carag’s extraordinary potential. Alongside new friends Brandon (a shy bisonshifter) and Holly (a cheeky red squirrel-shifter), Carag starts to control his powers, and for the first time he feels a sense of belonging. But his new-found contentment is disrupted when a mining operation threatens to destroy the Woodwalkers’ environment and their community.