This weekend, audiences can dive into a rich mix of entertainment as a variety of content genres stream on popular OTT platforms. From the lavishly produced Netflix series The Royals to the heartwarming tale in Prime Video's Gram Chikitsalay, viewers have a plethora of choices to indulge in.
The Royals, which premiered on Netflix on May 9, 2025, features a star-studded cast including Ishaan Khatter, Bhumi Pednekar, Zeenat Aman, and Nora Fatehi. Directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, the show explores the often misunderstood lives of royals, emphasizing that not all of them live in luxury. It is produced under the banner of Pritish Nandy Communications and crafted by Rangita Pritish Nandy and Ishita Pritish Nandy.
Despite its impressive lineup, The Royals has not fared well with critics or viewers. Many have taken to social media to express their disappointment. One user tweeted, “SAVE YOUR TIME... The Royals @NetflixIndia – Easily one of the worst shows ever made...Embarrassing script, no substance, and drama so fake it actually hurts.... Bakwas show..why Netflix always agrees to make such a bekar show. Waste of time.” Another user criticized veteran actress Zeenat Aman, questioning her acting skills in the series. “Was Zeenat Aman always a bad actor even in her day or she is particularly at her worst in #TheRoyals?”
In contrast, Free Press Journal's reviewer gave The Royals a more favorable rating of 3 stars, describing it as “frothy, fizzy escapism at its most decadent—slightly absurd, occasionally poignant, and always dressed to the nines.” The mixed reviews raise the question of whether the show will continue to a second season, a common trend for Netflix originals.
On the same day, Prime Video released Gram Chikitsalay, a slice-of-life drama directed by Rahul Pandey. Starring Amol Parashar and Vinay Pathak, the series tells the story of a doctor yearning for change in a world he has never known. With a narrative that promises to resonate with many, this show could be a refreshing alternative for viewers seeking something more grounded.
Additionally, Netflix has also made available the much-anticipated film Good Bad Ugly, which hit the platform on May 8, 2025. Starring Thala Ajith and Trisha Krishnan, this film has already established itself as a blockbuster at the box office. Directed by Adhik Ravichandran, it also features a talented ensemble cast including Arjun Das and Jackie Shroff.
Another noteworthy release is the Bengali thriller Bohurupi, which debuted on Zee5 on May 9, 2025. Featuring Shiboprosad Mukherjee and Abir Chatterjee, the film follows a cop who reinvents himself after being wrongfully imprisoned. This narrative promises to captivate audiences with its intense storyline.
Lastly, the gripping thriller The Diplomat, starring John Abraham and Sadia Khateeb, is now also streaming on Netflix. Having turned out to be a box-office success, it adds to the growing list of engaging content available this weekend.
As the weekend unfolds, viewers have a wealth of options to choose from across these streaming platforms. Whether seeking lavish drama, heartfelt stories, or thrilling narratives, the current offerings cater to diverse tastes, making it an exciting time for entertainment enthusiasts.
