Rejuvenation of big-screen movies in 2023 didn't deter streaming platforms from making their presence felt with some standout OTT-exclusive movies. Here’s our top 10 picks from the films that had a direct-to-digital premiere this year.
1. Gulmohar on Disney+ Hotstar
Cast: Manoj Bajpayee, Sharmila Tagore, Simran
The Batra family has resided in a house called Gulmohar for several decades. With their villa slated for demolition to make room for a towering structure, the family, under the guidance of matriarch Kusum Batra (Sharmila Tagore) and her son Arun (Manoj Bajpayee), gathers for a final celebration before the packing and moving process commences. Amid the backdrop of ghazals and informal conversations, the dissonant chords of their relationships become evident, drawing us into the complexities of their tumultuous present and turbulent past.
2. Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga on Netflix
Cast: Yami Gautam, Sunny Kaushal, Sharad Kelkar
Yami Gautam plays Neha, a flight attendant, and Sunny Kaushal takes on the role of conman Ankit Sethi in this gripping heist thriller. The couple, who fall in love on a flight, hatch a daring plan to steal diamonds during a flight. But their plan goes awry leading to a high-stakes hostage situation. With a blend of suspense and drama, Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
3. Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai on ZEE5
Cast: Manoj Bajpayee, Adrija Sinha, Vipin Sharma
Manoj Bajpayee delivers a powerful performance as advocate PC Solanki in Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai. The film revolves around his relentless pursuit of justice in a child abuse case involving a minor and a fraudulent godman. Available on ZEE5, this legal drama is a testament to the resilience of truth.
4. Lust Stories 2 on Netflix
Cast: Tamannaah Bhatia, Tillotama Shome, Mrunal Thakur, Amruta Subhash, Kajol
Lust Stories 2 weaves together four unique tales, each exploring the complexities of sex, love, and sensuality in the lives of Indian women. A bold and thought-provoking anthology, this Netflix exclusive features stellar performances and narratives that challenge societal norms.
5. Friday Night Plan on Netflix
Cast: Babil Khan, Aditya Jain, Ninad Kamat
Sibling bonding takes centre stage in Friday Night Plan as two brothers, Siddharth (Babil Khan) and Aditya (Amrith Jayan), put their differences aside for a night of adventure. With their mother (Juhi Chawla) away on business, the brothers unite to sneak into the year's biggest party, leading to a series of unexpected events.
6. Jaane Jaan on Netflix
Cast: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Vijay Varma
Kareena Kapoor Khan steals the show in Jaane Jaan, a gripping tale of a single mother entangled in a criminal investigation. With the assistance of a skilled math teacher (Jaideep Ahwalwat) and the relentless pursuit of a determined police officer (Vijay Varma), the movie unfolds into a riveting crime drama.
7. Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery on Netflix
Cast: Sanya Malhotra, Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav
In the semi-rural landscapes of Uttar Pradesh, Mahima Basor (played by Sanya Malhotra), a police inspector, finds herself on a mission to locate two jackfruits stolen from the residence of the local MLA (Vijay Raaz). What begins as a seemingly absurd quest unfolds into a more significant investigation involving crimes against women. This forces inspector Basor to navigate the intricate web of local political dynamics as she strives to protect the future of a young girl.
8. Bloody Daddy on JioCinema
Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Diana Penty, Rajeev Khandelwal
Shahid Kapoor stars as an alcoholic police officer thrust into a dangerous confrontation with a crime boss after disrupting a drug operation. Bloody Daddy explores themes of sacrifice and protection, delivering a thrilling experience.
9. Mast Mein Rehne Ka on Amazon Prime Video
Cast: Jackie Shroff, Neena Gupta, Monika Panwar
Kamath (Jackie Shroff) is a retired widower caught in the routine of a solitary existence. Despite his isolation, he is resolute in seeking companionship. His life takes a turn when he encounters Mrs. Handa (Neena Gupta), a vivacious woman. Together, they forge a robust friendship, woven through shared adventures and meaningful moments spent in each other's company. This Amazon Prime Video exclusive explores the joy of rediscovering life's simple pleasures.
10. Kho Gaye Hum Kahan on Netflix
Cast: Ananya Panday, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Adarsh Gaurav
Siddhant’s Imaad, Ananya’s Ahana, and Adarsh’s Neil, best friends since school, grapple with personal struggles intertwined with social media dependencies in this Netflix movie. Ahana faces heartbreak when her boyfriend moves on, Imaad finds genuine connection but struggles with commitment, and Neil's secret relationship ends publicly. Conflict arises among the friends, but they eventually confront their issues.
