Yearly Archives: 2026

Netflix’s most talked-about Indian anthology is back for a third round. Lust Stories 3 brings together four acclaimed filmmakers and a stacked ensemble cast for a fresh set of stories about love, desire, and everything that goes beautifully and painfully wrong in modern relationships. Here’s everything you need to know about the release date, cast, story, and trailer of Lust Stories 3.

Lust Stories 3 Release Date

Lust Stories 3 premieres on Netflix on September 18, 2026. The film will stream exclusively on the platform, marking the third instalment of the franchise since it first launched in 2018. The first look was unveiled on February 3, 2026, as part of Netflix India’s 2026 content slate announcement, and the official trailer dropped on September 9, 2026, just over a week ahead of the premiere.

Lust Stories has become one of Netflix India’s most consistent anthology franchises, and this milestone makes it the platform’s first Indian anthology to reach a third season.

Mirzapur The Movie Review: Is It Worth Watching? Story, Cast, Ending and Box Office Verdict

Lust Stories 3 Cast

The film features a genuinely stacked ensemble cast, including:

• Radhika Apte
• Konkona Sen Sharma
• Vijay Varma
• Abhishek Banerjee
• Ali Fazal
• Radhika Madan
• Aditi Rao Hydari
• Siddharth
• Gurfateh Pirzada
• Sana Thampi

Who’s Directing Lust Stories 3?

Unlike a conventional multi-starrer, Lust Stories 3 is structured as four standalone short films, each directed by a different filmmaker with their own storytelling style:

• Vikramaditya Motwane (known for Lootera, Udaan) directs a segment starring Radhika Apte and Konkona Sen Sharma.
• Shakun Batra (known for Kapoor & Sons, Gehraiyaan) directs a story starring Ali Fazal and Radhika Madan.
• Kiran Rao (known for Laapataa Ladies) helms a segment introducing Gurfateh Pirzada and Sana Thampi.
• Vishal Bhardwaj (known for Haider, Maqbool, Omkara) directs a story led by Aditi Rao Hydari.

This mix of established auteurs and distinct cinematic voices is exactly what has made the Lust Stories format stand out. Instead of one director’s singular take on romance, viewers get four very different perspectives in a single watch.

Lust Stories 3 Story: What’s It About?

Netflix describes the anthology as an exploration of love, desire, sex, and the complexities of human connection. True to the franchise’s format, the four segments each look at intimacy and relationships from a different angle, ranging from playful chemistry to uncomfortable conversations, emotional distance, and deeply personal choices.

Despite the title, the Lust Stories franchise has never been about desire in isolation. It’s consistently used physical attraction as a lens to explore vulnerability, power dynamics, unspoken expectations, and the compromises people make in relationships. Early reactions to the trailer suggest this installment continues that tradition, leaning into emotional texture and contrast rather than shock value. There’s longing, but also discomfort, tenderness, danger, and irony woven through the four stories.

Lust Stories 3 Trailer

The official trailer, released on September 9, 2026, is intentionally restrained, trading big reveals for charged looks, uneasy silences, and flashes of confrontation between characters. Rather than spelling out each story’s conflict, it leaves audiences curious about how the four pairings will play out. A moody, atmospheric track in the second half adds a sensual, restless energy to the promo without giving away too much.

Where to Watch Lust Stories 3

Lust Stories 3 will stream exclusively on Netflix, available to subscribers worldwide starting September 18, 2026, in Hindi with subtitle and dubbing options across regions, as is standard for Netflix’s Indian original films.

Final Thoughts

With four acclaimed directors, a cast full of proven performers, and a franchise legacy that includes an International Emmy nomination, Lust Stories 3 is shaping up to be one of the bigger Indian streaming releases of September 2026. If the earlier instalments are anything to go by, expect a mix of tones, some segments tender, some uncomfortable, some quietly devastating, all built around the same question the franchise keeps returning to: what do people really want, and what does it cost them to admit it?

Mark your calendars for September 18. Lust Stories 3 drops exclusively on Netflix.

One of India’s most beloved crime-drama franchises has finally made the leap from streaming to the big screen. Mirzapur: The Movie, directed by Gurmmeet Singh and backed by Excel Entertainment and Amazon MGM Studios, released in cinemas worldwide on September 4, 2026 — bringing Kaleen Bhaiya, Guddu Pandit, and Munna Bhaiya back together for a new, standalone story. If you’ve been searching for an honest Mirzapur The Movie review before booking your ticket or planning a watch, here’s everything you need to know: story, cast, ending, and how it’s performing at the box office.

Whether you’re watching in a multiplex in Mumbai or Delhi, catching a Hindi-language screening in the US, UK, Canada, or Australia, or waiting for it to hit Prime Video later, this review covers what actually works — and what doesn’t.

What Is Mirzapur The Movie About?

The film is set in 2018, placed within the timeline of Mirzapur Season 1 (between episodes 6 and 7), which means it isn’t a direct continuation of where the web series left off. Instead, it tells a fresh, self-contained story about power, loyalty, and betrayal in the same violent underworld fans already know.

The core conflict kicks off when a new player, Babban Yadav (Ravi Kishan), joins forces with Kaleen Bhaiya’s old rival, Rati Shankar Shukla of Jaunpur. Babban has his eyes set on the throne of Mirzapur and uses a business deal as cover for a much bigger plan — eliminating Kaleen Bhaiya and taking control of the region for himself.

Around this central plot, familiar dynamics play out: Munna Bhaiya (Divyenndu) is still desperate for his father’s approval, Guddu (Ali Fazal) and Bablu Pandit (Jitendra Kumar, stepping into the role previously played by Vikrant Massey) remain caught between family loyalty and old rivalries, and Beena Bhabhi (Rasika Dugal) makes her own power moves that add fresh tension to the story.

Cast of Mirzapur The Movie

• Pankaj Tripathi as Kaleen Bhaiya
• Ali Fazal as Guddu Pandit
• Divyenndu as Munna Bhaiya
• Jitendra Kumar as Bablu Pandit
• Ravi Kishan as Babban Yadav (the new antagonist)
• Rasika Dugal as Beena Tripathi
• Shweta Tripathi as Golu
• Shriya Pilgaonkar as Sweety
• Sonal Chauhan as Mumtaz Bibi
• Sheeba Chaddha as Vasudha Pandit

The ensemble also includes Mohit Malik, Abhishek Banerjee, Rajesh Tailang, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Sushant Singh in supporting roles, giving the film the scale of a proper big-screen event rather than a stretched-out streaming episode.

Mirzapur The Movie Review: Story, Pacing & Performances

Most reviews agree on one thing: the film’s biggest strength is the world itself. The tension between Guddu, Munna, and Bablu, and Kaleen Bhaiya’s quiet-but-dangerous presence, still land even for viewers who haven’t rewatched the series recently. Ravi Kishan’s Babban Yadav is widely being called a standout — his swagger and screen presence bring real energy to a franchise that needed a strong new antagonist.

That said, this isn’t a flawless outing. The first half spends a lot of time on setup and character reintroduction, which works for newcomers but drags for existing fans. Reviewers have pointed out that the post-interval portion feels stretched, some romantic sub-plots feel forced, and Babban’s motive for going after Kaleen Bhaiya isn’t as airtight as it should be. The good news is that the last 40–45 minutes — the pre-climax and climax — are consistently praised as the film’s strongest stretch, delivering the tension, action, and payoff fans came for.

Verdict: It’s a solid, fan-service-heavy entertainer rather than a genre-redefining film — closer to a “must-watch for franchise fans, enjoyable but not essential for newcomers.”

Mirzapur The Movie Ending Explained (Spoilers Ahead)

Spoiler warning: the next two sections reveal major plot details, including the climax and post-credit scene.

In the web series, Munna Bhaiya was killed by Guddu in Season 2 — so the biggest question going into the movie was whether that rivalry would play out the same way. It doesn’t.

As Babban Yadav’s forces close in on Kaleen Bhaiya for a final showdown in Jaisalmer, Guddu and Munna set aside their years-long hostility to save him. Along with Bablu, they fight back against Babban’s gang, and all three — Guddu, Munna, and Kaleen Bhaiya — survive the confrontation. It’s a deliberate departure from the show’s timeline, giving the film its own identity instead of simply retreading familiar beats.

But the story doesn’t fully close there. A post-credit scene brings Guddu and Munna’s rivalry back into focus: the two realize they’re both interested in the same woman, and the scene ends abruptly with them firing at each other — leaving the outcome unresolved. It’s a clear setup for a potential sequel, though the makers haven’t confirmed anything officially yet.

Mirzapur The Movie Box Office Collection

The film has had a strong opening weekend, especially notable given that Mirzapur built its fame as a streaming franchise rather than a theatrical one.

• Day 1: ₹25–30 crore net (India)
• Day 2: ₹32–38 crore net, a solid jump over opening day
• Day 3: ₹36–40 crore net, pushing the three-day India net total past ₹90 crore
• Worldwide gross: Crossed ₹130 crore within the opening weekend, including a strong overseas contribution

Trade analysts have called it one of the biggest Hindi openings of 2026, and the day-on-day growth (rather than a decline) suggests strong word-of-mouth is pulling in audiences beyond the franchise’s existing fanbase — a good sign for its overall theatrical run.

7 Best New Movies & Shows to Watch This Week: Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar & MoreC

Where to Watch Mirzapur The Movie

Mirzapur: The Movie is currently running exclusively in theatres in India, released in both Hindi and Telugu. For audiences in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, the film is also playing in select cinemas with large South Asian audiences. No official streaming or OTT release date has been announced yet, though given Prime Video’s deep ties to the franchise, a Prime Video release is widely expected once the theatrical run ends.

Final Verdict: Is Mirzapur The Movie Worth Watching?

If you’re a fan of the show, this is a no-brainer big-screen watch — the callbacks, character dynamics, and climactic showdown deliver exactly what the franchise is known for. If you’re new to Mirzapur, the film still works as a self-contained crime drama, though you’ll get more out of it by catching up on the series first. It’s not a perfect film — pacing issues and a somewhat weak villain motivation hold it back from being a genre classic — but as a theatrical love letter to one of India’s biggest streaming franchises, it delivers.

Rating: 3.5/5 — A solid, entertaining watch for fans, with a climax strong enough to justify the ticket price.

This weekend (August 21–23, 2026) is stacked with genuinely fresh arrivals — from Thalapathy Vijay’s emotional last film before politics to the series finale of a Netflix teen-drama phenomenon. Here are the seven best new movies and shows to watch this weekend across Netflix, Prime Video, ZEE5, JioHotstar, SonyLIV, and more.

1. Outer Banks Season 5 (Netflix)

The Pogues’ seven-year journey comes to an end. All 10 episodes of the final season dropped on Netflix on August 20, picking up right after JJ’s devastating death in the Season 4 finale. John B, Sarah, Kiara, Pope, Cleo — and even Rafe — team up for one last revenge-and-treasure mission chasing the stolen Blue Crown.

Why watch it: It’s the full and final send-off for one of Netflix’s biggest teen-drama hits, dropped all at once for an uninterrupted binge.

5 Best Movies & Shows to Watch This Week: New Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max and OTT Releases

2. Jana Nayagan (ZEE5)

Directed by H. Vinoth, this is Thalapathy Vijay’s last film before he steps away from acting to focus on his political career, arriving on ZEE5 on August 21. Vijay plays a former police officer, Vetri Kondan, who trains a friend’s daughter to join the army while taking on a corrupt system, alongside Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, and Prakash Raj.

Why watch it: A mass-entertainer action drama carrying real emotional weight as Vijay’s farewell to the screen.

3. Pyaar Prema Kalyanam (Netflix)

This Tamil romantic comedy, streaming on Netflix from August 21 (with a Telugu dub also available), offers a breezy, feel-good take on modern marriage and family dynamics — a solid pick if you want something light this weekend.

Why watch it: A contemporary rom-com that’s easy, warm, and perfect for a relaxed weekend watch.

4. Chennai Love Story (SonyLIV)

A Telugu romantic drama starring Kiran Abbavaram and Sri Gouri Priya, making its OTT debut on SonyLIV on August 21 after a theatrical run. It’s being praised for its emotional core and grounded storytelling.

Why watch it: A heartfelt romance for anyone in the mood for a slower, feelings-first drama.

5 Best Movies & Shows to Watch This Week: New Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max and OTT Releases

5. Unmadham (SonyLIV)

This Malayalam psychological crime thriller, also arriving on SonyLIV this weekend, stars Kunchacko Boban and Lijomol Jose in a tense mystery that’s been earning strong reviews since its theatrical release.

Why watch it: A gripping, well-reviewed thriller if you want something darker and more suspenseful.

6. Facing El Chapo (Netflix/OTT documentary)

A gripping crime documentary releasing this weekend that goes inside the rise and capture of the notorious drug lord, told through firsthand accounts and archival footage.

Why watch it: True-crime fans get a fresh, detailed look at one of the most infamous cartel stories of our time.

7. Lanterns (JioHotstar)

DC’s newest series, which premiered in India on JioHotstar on August 17, is still a top watch this weekend. It follows veteran Green Lantern Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and rookie John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) investigating a murder in small-town Nebraska, with a grounded, detective-drama tone rather than typical superhero spectacle.

Why watch it: A moody, character-driven take on a classic DC property that’s still fresh in its first week on Indian streaming.

5 Best Movies & Shows to Watch This Week: New Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max and OTT Releases

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Quick Picks Summary

Title	Platform	Genre
Outer Banks Season 5	Netflix	Teen Drama/Finale
Jana Nayagan	ZEE5	Action/Political Drama
Pyaar Prema Kalyanam	Netflix	Romantic Comedy
Chennai Love Story	SonyLIV	Romantic Drama
Unmadham	SonyLIV	Psychological Crime Thriller
Facing El Chapo	Netflix/OTT	Crime Documentary
Lanterns	JioHotstar	Superhero Drama

That’s this weekend’s genuinely fresh lineup of new movies and shows to watch across Netflix, Prime Video, ZEE5, JioHotstar, and SonyLIV. From a franchise finale to a superstar’s farewell film, there’s plenty to add to your watchlist right now. Check back next week for another round of the latest streaming picks.

5 Best Movies & Shows to Watch This Week: New Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max and OTT Releases

Another week, another stack of new streaming releases fighting for a spot on your watchlist. From a hard-hitting action comeback to a genre-bending DC series and a slow-burn literary adaptation, this week’s lineup across Netflix, Prime Video, and HBO Max has something for every mood. Here are the five best movies and shows to watch this week.

1. Reacher Season 4 (Prime Video)

Alan Ritchson returns as the towering ex-military investigator in the fourth season of Prime Video’s hit action series. This time, Reacher witnesses a woman’s death on a Philadelphia subway and teams up with a local cop and the victim’s brother to uncover what really happened — all while dodging the CIA. If you love pulpy, high-octane thrillers with a larger-than-life lead, this is your pick of the week.

Why watch it: Non-stop action, a twisty conspiracy plot, and Ritchson’s magnetic screen presence make this one of Prime Video’s most reliable franchises.

2. Lanterns (HBO Max)

DC’s newest small-screen entry pairs veteran Green Lantern Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) with rookie John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) as they investigate a mysterious murder in small-town Nebraska. It trades typical superhero spectacle for a moodier, detective-drama tone, drawing comparisons to prestige crime series rather than typical comic-book fare.

Why watch it: A fresh, grounded take on a classic DC property with strong lead performances.

3. One Hundred Years of Solitude, Season 2 (Netflix)

Netflix’s ambitious adaptation of Gabriel García Márquez’s magical-realist masterpiece continues with its second season, diving deeper into the multigenerational saga of the Buendía family. Lush visuals and a faithful literary tone make this a standout for anyone craving something more atmospheric and character-driven.

Why watch it: Gorgeous production design and a rare, faithful take on one of literature’s most celebrated novels.

4. Normal (HBO Max)

Bob Odenkirk headlines this action comedy directed by Ben Wheatley, now streaming on HBO Max after its theatrical run. Expect Odenkirk’s signature blend of dry wit and unexpected physicality, in a story that leans into dark comedic chaos rather than straight drama.

Why watch it: A quirky, offbeat action-comedy for fans of Wheatley’s stylish direction and Odenkirk’s everyman charm.

5. Mother Mary (HBO Max)

Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel star in this psychological thriller, newly available to stream on HBO Max. The film explores tense, unraveling dynamics between its two leads, with both actors delivering the kind of committed performances that elevate a slow-burn thriller into must-watch territory.

Why watch it: A tightly wound psychological drama anchored by two powerhouse performances.

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Quick Picks Summary

Title	Platform	Genre
Reacher Season 4	Prime Video	Action Thriller
Lanterns	HBO Max	Superhero Drama
One Hundred Years of Solitude S2	Netflix	Magical Realism Drama
Normal	HBO Max	Action Comedy
Mother Mary	HBO Max	Psychological Thriller

That’s this week’s roundup of the best movies and shows to watch across Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, and other OTT platforms. Whether you’re in the mood for an adrenaline-fueled thriller or a slow-burn character study, there’s plenty to queue up this week. Check back next week for another fresh batch of streaming picks.