The first weekend of 2026 is set to be a blockbuster for streaming enthusiasts across India. A diverse and exciting slate of fresh content, spanning major theatrical releases and highly anticipated original series, is scheduled to premiere on various OTT platforms starting 9 January 2026. From Bollywood comedies and high-octane Telugu action to intriguing thrillers and historical dramas, there is something for every viewer to enjoy from the comfort of their home.
Blockbuster Theatrical Hits Make Their Digital Debut
Leading the charge are several major films that audiences have been eagerly waiting to stream. Headlining the list on Netflix is the Hindi romantic comedy De De Pyaar De 2, starring Ajay Devgn and Rakul Preet Singh. The sequel continues the story of an older man navigating a relationship with a much younger woman, this time facing the ultimate test: meeting her parents. The film also features R. Madhavan and Gautami Kapoor.
Also premiering on Netflix is the Telugu mega-action spectacle Akhanda 2 - Thaandavam. Nandamuri Balakrishna reprises his role as the powerful Aghori warrior, this time tasked with protecting the nation and the Maha Kumbh Mela from a sinister biological war. The film promises divine battles and a fight for dharma, with a cast including Samyuktha Menon and Aadhi Pinisetty.
Fresh OTT Originals and Regional Gems
Alongside the big-screen hits, a wave of original series and regional films are ready to captivate audiences. Netflix is launching the romantic original People We Meet on Vacation, based on the popular novel. It follows the story of polar opposites Poppy, a free spirit, and Alex, a planner, who begin to confront their hidden romantic feelings after years of summer trips together. The series stars Emily Bader and Tom Blyth.
Amazon Prime Video and MX Player will host the Malayalam sports drama Balti. This film tells the story of four talented kabaddi players from a border town whose lives spiral into danger after entanglements with ruthless gangsters, testing the limits of their friendship. The cast features Shane Nigam and Shanthanu Bhagyaraj.
Fans of Malayalam cinema can look forward to the investigative thriller Kalamkaval on Malayalam Z5, starring the legendary Mammootty. The plot follows Kerala Police as a routine inquiry in a quiet village uncovers a chain of unsettling mysteries from the past.
More Notable Releases Across Platforms
The weekend offers a rich variety beyond the major highlights. The Tamil thriller Mask arrives on Tamil Z5, featuring Kavin as a greedy detective caught in a dangerous web while chasing a stolen ₹440 crore. For Bengali mystery lovers, Kaalratri Season 2 premieres on Lionsgate Play and Hoichoi, promising to unveil the dark secrets behind a murder in the Roy Barman family.
History buffs have two significant series to dive into. Freedom at Midnight Season 2 continues on Sony Liv, dramatizing India's tumultuous post-independence period from 1947-1948, including the integration of princely states and Gandhi's assassination. From the US, The Pitt Season 2 arrives on HBO Max a day earlier, on 8 January 2026, returning to the intense world of a Pittsburgh trauma center during a chaotic holiday weekend.
This expansive lineup underscores the continued growth and diversity of content on Indian OTT platforms, offering viewers an unparalleled choice of entertainment to kick off the new year.
