What to watch this Diwali: Top shows and movies for the whole family

What to watch this Diwali: Top shows and movies for the whole family

Festivals bring families together, and few things capture that mood better than watching great stories unfold on screen. Whether your home prefers thrillers, comedies, or emotional dramas, this Diwali’s OTT lineup offers something for everyone. From high-octane action to reflective satire, here are the standout releases across platforms like ZEE5, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video that promise perfect family viewing.

Bhagwat – Chapter 1: Raakshas (ZEE5)
Arshad Warsi returns in a gripping new avatar in Bhagwat – Chapter 1: Raakshas. The film follows Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat as he investigates the disappearance of a young woman in Uttar Pradesh, only to stumble upon a web of trafficking and corruption. Jitendra Kumar, best known for Panchayat and Kota Factory, takes a darker turn as a professor with secrets of his own. The thriller balances crime and conscience, asking how far one should go in pursuit of justice. Streaming on ZEE5 from October 17, it’s an intense yet thoughtful watch.

Veduvan (ZEE5)
This Tamil series blurs the line between acting and reality. Kanna Ravi stars as Sooraj, a struggling actor whose method preparation for a cop role begins to consume his real life. What starts as art soon turns into obsession, pulling him into a vortex of deceit and danger. Veduvan explores the psyche of an artist caught between truth and performance — a slow-burn thriller best enjoyed with the family once the lights dim and sweets are done.

War 2 (Netflix)
Big-screen spectacle meets living-room comfort with War 2. Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR headline this Yash Raj Films production directed by Ayan Mukerji. Combining sharp choreography, globetrotting visuals, and emotional stakes, it expands the YRF Spy Universe while introducing Kiara Advani in a pivotal role. It’s pure blockbuster energy — the kind of film that makes popcorn taste better.

Bads of Bollywood (Netflix)
Aryan Khan’s directorial debut lands on Netflix with surprising confidence. Featuring Bobby Deol and a sharp ensemble, the series skewers Bollywood’s glamorous yet cutthroat world. It’s bold, witty, and self-aware — a satire that doubles as a coming-of-age tale about ambition and self-worth. Released on September 18, it’s already a fan favorite for its humor and heart.

Coolie (Amazon Prime Video)
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie gives Rajinikanth another powerful role — that of Deva, a union leader drawn back into conflict after a friend’s mysterious death. With cameos by Aamir Khan and Pooja Hegde, this action-packed entertainer delivers emotional punches alongside explosive set pieces. A perfect mix of nostalgia and adrenaline for festive nights.