Weekend OTT releases: Brown, Gullak 5 and Patriot lead lineup

MUMBAI: Remote controls at the ready, this weekend’s streaming slate is less a watchlist and more a buffet. OTT platforms have rolled out a diverse mix of crime thrillers, family dramas, spy sagas and comedies between 5 and 7 June, giving viewers plenty of reasons to cancel outdoor plans and settle into a marathon viewing session.

Leading the pack is Brown on ZEE5, which marks Karisma Kapoor’s much-anticipated OTT debut. The neo-noir psychological thriller sees her step into the role of Rita Brown, a troubled Kolkata police officer grappling with alcoholism and personal trauma while investigating the murder of a young woman linked to a powerful family. Adapted from Abheek Barua’s novel City of Death, the series swaps glamour for grit, delivering a darker and more layered avatar of the actor.

For those seeking comfort viewing, Gullak Season 5 arrives on SonyLIV with another helping of middle-class nostalgia. The beloved Mishra family returns to navigate fresh challenges, evolving relationships and the everyday chaos of small-town life. While actor Anant V. Joshi takes over the role of Annu Mishra this season, the show’s winning recipe of humour, warmth and relatable family moments remains intact.

Meanwhile, Patriot on ZEE5 brings together Malayalam cinema heavyweights Mammootty and Mohanlal on screen after nearly 18 years. Directed by Mahesh Narayanan, the espionage thriller dives into intelligence operations, national security and covert missions. Backed by an ensemble cast featuring Fahadh Faasil, Nayanthara, Kunchacko Boban and Revathi, the film arrives on streaming following its theatrical run in May.

Netflix is betting on romance with Office Romance, starring Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein. The workplace rom-com follows a successful chief executive whose carefully ordered professional life is disrupted when she develops feelings for her company’s lawyer. Blending boardroom drama with romantic misadventures, the film is positioned as a breezy addition to the weekend lineup.

On Apple TV+, Cape Fear revisits a classic psychological thriller through a modern lens. Javier Bardem stars as Max Cady, a former convict seeking revenge against the lawyer he believes destroyed his life. Expanding on the original story inspired by John D. MacDonald’s The Executioners, the series delves deeper into obsession, vengeance and moral ambiguity.

Comedy fans can revisit an award-winning favourite as Schitt’s Creek lands on Lionsgate Play. Created by Eugene and Dan Levy, the Emmy-winning series follows the wealthy Rose family after they lose their fortune and are forced to rebuild their lives in a town they once purchased as a joke. Across six seasons, the show became a global phenomenon thanks to its sharp wit and surprisingly heartfelt storytelling.

Rounding off the week’s releases is Mexico 86 on Netflix. Starring Diego Luna, the political drama unfolds against the backdrop of Mexico’s preparations for the 1986 FIFA World Cup, using football as a lens to explore the country’s political and social tensions during a pivotal period in its history.

From murder mysteries and family squabbles to international conspiracies and football-fuelled politics, this week’s OTT slate proves there is no shortage of stories competing for screen time.