OTT platforms have introduced us to content from world over, and we are not complaining. The sheer affordability and the convenience at which one can watch the genre of their choice makes this form of viewing a firm contender as far as the future of entertainment is concerned. This week, here’s all that got netizens talking.
The Crown
Netflix’s opulent drama about the life and times of Queen Elizabeth II released its fourth and most anticipated season. This one finally introduces one of the key figures in the 20th century--Diana, Princess of Wales--and covers a very tumultuous period for the Royal family. It is the first time we foray into the destined-for-disaster romance and marriage of Prince Charles and Diana, the divisive and controversial politics of Margret Thatcher, and of course, the Queen in an avatar we are more used to in modern times. It’s exciting, it’s sad, it will divide the audience, and in the end, you will be clamouring for more.
Mirzapur (Season 2)
Everything you’ve loved about season one of Amazon Prime’s Mirzapur only serves to elevate the show in season two. Yes, it’s without beloved Bablu (Vikrant Massey) and loveable Sweety (Shriya Pilgaonkar) but it picks up from where the makers left off in season one, and hits the ground running. From watching Guddu (Ali Fazal) and Bulbu climb the ladder, threatening Munna Tripahti’s throne (played by Divyendu Sharma), to watching the former brawns of the equation slowly plot his revenge for the murder of his younger brother and pregnant wife in season one, every episode will leave you wanting more. What we love is the fact that women have given stronger roles in an otherwise misogynistic Mirzapur, as seen by Golu’s genius (Shweta Thripathi) in dealing with rival gangs across the state in their battle for territory. Whether you’ve watched season one or not, we’d recommend adding this to your watch list, even if to understand the mindset of a large population of the country, and watch crimes being swept under that proverbial carpet. Our recommendation: pack a strong stomach for all the bloodshed and gore you’ll encounter.
Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story
Strong writing, check. Effortless performances, check. Clever editing, check. Engaging locations, check. The web series by Hansal Mehta traces the journey of Harshad Mehta who single-handedly crashed the Bombay Stock Exchange in 1992. The story starts off with Mehta’s meteoric rise into becoming the ‘Big Bull’ of Mumbai’s Dalal Street. Mehta then goes on to siphon funds to the tune of ₹1,000 crore, which eventually leads to the infamous scam. No denying that this one’s a story waiting to unfold on screen, but it is the team’s execution (acting and direction) that makes this one a riveting watch.
The Queen’s Gambit
You don’t have to be a chess aficionado to realise that the hottest new show on Netflix is The Queen’s Gambit. The seven-episode limited series explores the male-dominated world of chess through the eyes of chess prodigy, Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Harmon. Beth’s engrossing tale is of a gifted orphan who goes on to become one of the best chess players in the world despite the odds is one that lends itself to an engaging narrative. It stars Anya Taylor-Joy—and her performance, is riveting, especially the parts where we see her tackle addiction. Watch it, you can thank us later.
Somebody Feed Phil
If you’re a food show lover, or should we say, are in love with Phil Rosenthal’s characteristic style of hosting his show, well, it’s back with Season 4. Travel along with him to places around the world as he tries local food and makes friends along the way. Yes, travel without social distancing existed at one point of time. Sigh!