Timed with the Republic Day long weekend, the third week of January brings a compelling slate of South and regional OTT releases that celebrate the diversity, conscience, and creative freedom of Indian storytelling. Spanning Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Bengali cinema, this week’s digital premieres move beyond escapism to reflect ideas of justice, identity, faith, and social responsibility—values closely aligned with the spirit of the Republic.
Headlining the lineup are Mark, Sirai, Cheekatilo, 45, and Kaalipotka, films that interrogate power structures, moral choice, belief systems, gender dynamics, and caste realities through gripping narratives. Several titles also push formal boundaries, blending mythology with realism, folklore with political commentary, and action with philosophical inquiry—underscoring how regional cinema continues to evolve as a powerful cultural voice during a moment of national reflection.
Here is a curated look at the most notable South and regional OTT releases arriving this week.
South & Regional OTT Releases – This Week at a Glance
| Title | Language | Genre | Release Date | Platform | What It’s About |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark | Kannada | Action, Crime Thriller | Jan 23 | JioHotstar | A suspended cop races against time to dismantle a child trafficking network as the case turns deeply personal. |
| Sirai | Tamil | Crime, Courtroom Drama | Jan 23 | ZEE5 | A routine prisoner escort becomes a moral reckoning amid systemic injustice and religious bias. |
| 45 | Kannada | Fantasy, Action, Spiritual Drama | Jan 23 | ZEE5 | A software engineer is given 45 days to live by a god-like figure, forcing a confrontation with karma and redemption. |
| Cheekatilo | Telugu | Psychological Crime Thriller | Jan 23 | Prime Video | A podcaster investigates a serial killer case that collides with her own trauma and puts her life at risk. |
| Kaalipotka | Bengali | Thriller, Noir | Jan 23 | ZEE5 | Four women unite to uncover the truth behind a mysterious death while evading law and criminals alike. |
| Mahasenha | Telugu | Folklore, Action, Eco-Drama | Streaming Now | aha | A mythical idol, a sacred forest, and tribal resistance collide against greed and exploitation. |
| Anantha | Multilingual | Spiritual Anthology | Streaming Now | JioHotstar | Stories inspired by devotees explore faith, miracles, and inner transformation. |
| Dhandoraa | Telugu | Social Satire, Drama | Streaming Now | Prime Video | A village death exposes caste politics, hypocrisy, and performative grief over one chaotic day. |
| Gurram Paapi Reddy | Telugu | Crime, Psychological Thriller | Streaming Now | ZEE5 | A strange exhumation job spirals into paranoia, guilt, and moral collapse. |
| Kirkkan | Tamil | Crime Investigation | Streaming Now | Sun NXT | A child murder case reveals unsettling truths buried in overlooked details. |
| Bandook | Malayalam | Rural Drama | Streaming Now | Lionsgate Play | A marginalised boatman’s quest for dignity pushes him toward violence and moral decay. |
Why This Week Stands Out
Strong moral themes dominate the slate, especially around justice, conscience, and institutional failure
Women-led narratives such as Cheekatilo and Kaalipotka bring psychological depth and agency to the forefront
Mythology and spirituality are reimagined through contemporary lenses in 45, Mahasenha, and Anantha
Regional realism remains central, with village-set and caste-focused stories offering sharp social critique
As OTT platforms continue to prioritise regional originals and post-theatrical premieres, this week’s lineup reflects not just entertainment value, but also the evolving cultural and political conversations shaping Indian storytelling today.
