The first week of January 2026 is set to be a major treat for fans of South Indian cinema and digital content. Starting January 7, a diverse slate of new films and series in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam will premiere on leading Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms. From high-octane action sequels to poignant social dramas and reality TV, subscribers to Netflix, JioHotstar, Amazon Prime Video, Zee5, SonyLIV, and SunNXT have a packed watchlist ahead.
Major Movie Premieres to Watch Out For
Leading the charge is the much-anticipated sequel, Akhanda 2: Thaandavam, starring the legendary Nandamuri Balakrishna. The plot revolves around a nation under threat from bio-warfare, with the titular hero stepping in to save India and restore faith. The film, which also features Samyuktha Menon, Aadhi Pinisetty, and Harshaali Malhotra, begins streaming on Netflix from January 9.
In a starkly different narrative, the Tamil film Angammal promises a powerful performance by Geetha Kailasam. It tells the story of a rural Tamil Nadu widow whose personal choice to not wear a blouse creates conflict with her educated son, who is trying to impress his wealthy girlfriend. Co-starring Saran Sakthi, this socially relevant drama will be available on SunNXT from January 9.
Another intriguing Tamil release is the thriller Mask. Starring Kavin and Andrea Jeremiah, the film delves into a world of greed and intrigue following a massive theft of ₹440 crore. The story follows a desperate seven-day race to recover the stolen money. Audiences can catch it on Zee5 from January 9.
Series, Reality TV, and Multi-Lingual Offerings
For those who enjoy historical drama, Freedom at Midnight Season 2 continues to explore India's struggle for independence. Featuring Siddhant Gupta, Chirag Vohra, and Rajendra Chawla, the series will be accessible in Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu on SonyLIV from January 9.
The sports drama Balti, set in a border town of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, follows four talented Kabaddi players whose entanglement with local goons pulls them into the crime world. Their friendship, love, and loyalty are put to the test. With a cast including Shane Nigam and Shanthnu Bhagyaraj, it premieres on Amazon Prime Video on January 9.
Reality TV enthusiasts can continue to follow the drama in the Bigg Boss Tamil Season 9 house. Hosted once again by popular actor Vijay Sethupathi, the season which began on October 5, 2025, features contestants like T. Diwagar, Aurora Sinclair, and VJ Parvathy. The ongoing season streams on JioHotstar.
Where and When to Stream
This week's releases are spread across all major platforms, ensuring something for every subscriber. Here is a quick summary of the key releases:
- Akhanda 2: Thaandavam (Telugu) – Netflix, January 9
- Angammal (Tamil) – SunNXT, January 9
- Mask (Tamil) – Zee5, January 9
- Freedom at Midnight Season 2 (Multi-language) – SonyLIV, January 9
- Balti (Malayalam/Tamil) – Amazon Prime Video, January 9
- Bigg Boss Tamil Season 9 (Tamil) – JioHotstar, Ongoing
The diversity in genres—from action and thriller to historical drama and social commentary—highlights the rich storytelling coming from the South Indian film industries. This weekly OTT dump provides convenient access for audiences nationwide to enjoy these productions from the comfort of their homes, marking a strong start to the year's digital entertainment calendar.
