What to Watch this Week in Theaters & OTT: From 'Sitaare Zameen Par' to 'First Copy' & more

Sitaare Zameen Par

Aamir Khan returns to the big screen with Sitaare Zameen Par, a thematic companion to his 2007 film Taare Zameen Par, but this time with a twist. Set in a school for specially abled children, the film follows a group of young kids as they’re prepared for a national-level basketball tournament. Enter Gulshan, played by Khan himself, who brings all the charm of a tough-love coach with a hardened exterior and a rocky past. While he begins as the classic grump who'd rather be anywhere else, Gulshan gradually finds purpose and unexpected affection in the company of his spirited team. The film doesn’t overplay its emotional notes but keeps you engaged with its sharp writing and a surprisingly light touch on heavy subjects.

Directed by RS Prasanna, who previously helmed Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, the film brings an ensemble of fresh young faces and an uplifting score. There’s no digital release announced as of now, so if you’re planning on catching this one, your friendly neighborhood theater is the only option. You can read our review here.

Elio

Disney and Pixar are back with Elio, a film that trades talking toys and cars for outer space communication. The story revolves around a lonely and imaginative boy named Elio who mistakenly gets transported to the "Communiverse", an intergalactic council where Earth is yet to be represented. Believed to be Earth's ambassador, Elio is suddenly faced with the task of defending the planet’s honor among alien civilizations.

This one’s directed by Adrian Molina, who co-directed Coco, and leans into themes of identity, courage, and connection along with Domee Shi and Madeline Sharafian. While Elio marks a more conceptually playful addition to Pixar’s resume, its heart remains in the right place, dealing with the loneliness of misfit kids in very cosmic ways. It’s a theatrical exclusive for now, with Disney+ streaming expected later this year. You can read our review here.

Kuberaa

Sekhar Kammula’s Kubera finally hits theaters and brings together a fascinating cast. Dhanush plays a beggar navigating the treacherous divide between poverty and wealth, caught in a conspiracy that spirals into an all-out class conflict. Nagarjuna plays a CBI officer who is wrongfully jailed but comes out with a huge favor on his head. Rashmika Mandanna and Jim Sarbh round out the cast in what’s essentially a cinematic showdown between the street and the skyscraper.

Set against the backdrop of a financial empire, the film looks at power, dignity, and the illusion of control. Unlike the loud template of masala cinema, Kuberaa relies more on slow-burn intensity. It also marks the first collaboration between Dhanush and Kammula, and though the film isn't being touted as a box office juggernaut, it’s being appreciated for its strong performances and intriguing setup. You can catch this one in Tamil, Telugu, and dubbed Hindi versions across theaters. You can read our review here.

NOW STREAMING

First Copy - Streaming on Amazon MX Player

Munawar Faruqui makes his full-fledged acting debut in First Copy, a darkly comic look at the film industry’s underbelly. The show follows a small-town boy who lands a job at a struggling production house. What begins as a dream soon turns into a nightmare as he’s pushed around, humiliated, and eventually driven into a world of video piracy.

This satire peeks into everything from inflated egos to exploitative working hours. But what makes it tick is its refusal to treat the lead as either hero or villain. With supporting turns by actors from the indie comedy circuit and Faruqui’s distinct screen presence, First Copy is an unusual mix of workplace drama and commentary on the cost of ambition. Currently streaming on Amazon MX Player, it's a decent binge if you're in the mood for something a bit off-center.

Detective Sherdil – Streaming on ZEE5

Diljit Dosanjh steps into the shoes of a homespun detective with a flair for theatrics in Detective Sherdil. Set in rural Punjab, the film follows a bizarre murder case that soon turns into a hunt involving ancient legends, buried family secrets, and a chicken that refuses to cooperate.

While the premise sounds outlandish, the film manages to strike a balance between laughter and suspense. Dosanjh’s comic timing is intact, and there’s an old-world charm in how the mystery unfolds. With visuals drenched in mustard fields and sly gags sprinkled in every few minutes, Detective Sherdil is a fun whodunnit for a laid-back evening. It’s now available to stream on ZEE5.

We Were Liars S1 – Streaming on Amazon Prime Video

Based on the best-selling novel by E. Lockhart, We Were Liars is the kind of show that starts as teen drama but quickly swerves into psychological mystery. The story centers on Cady Sinclair, a seventeen-year-old heiress who spends every summer on her family's private island. After a traumatic head injury, she returns to uncover the truth behind a fateful incident involving her cousins and childhood friends.

This one’s loaded with flashbacks, twists, and a coastal setting that’s both picturesque and quietly haunting. The first season covers the events of the novel in full, and while fans of the book might notice some tweaks, the emotional core remains largely untouched. If you’re a sucker for unreliable narrators and buried secrets, add this one to your list. It’s now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Ground Zero – Streaming on Amazon Prime Video

Emraan Hashmi’s latest action thriller, Ground Zero, was expected to light up the box office but fell short of expectations. Directed by Tejas Vijay Deoskar, the film takes place in Kashmir and follows an intelligence officer navigating a murky world of betrayal, duty, and buried trauma.

Critics noted the film’s uneven pace and tonal shifts, but some also praised its grounded performances and use of real locations. Now that it’s on Prime Video, the film may get a second wind. It’s worth a one-time watch if you're into military thrillers or curious to see Hashmi in a more restrained avatar. You can read our review here.

The Great Indian Kapil Show Season 3 – Streaming on Netflix from June 21

Kapil Sharma and his entourage are back, this time with a new season on Netflix. The Great Indian Kapil Show Season 3 sees the return of some familiar faces including Kiku Sharda, Krushna Abhishek, and of course, Archana Puran Singh. But this time, Navjot Singh Sidhu rejoins the couch for the first time since 2019, adding another layer of nostalgia to the proceedings.

The first episode drops with none other than Salman Khan as the guest, setting the tone for a season that promises equal parts celebrity candor and chaos. Expect banter, impromptu musical bits, and Kapil’s usual digs at Bollywood’s favorite stars. If you’ve missed the weekend TV ritual, this one’s going global, streaming every Saturday on Netflix.