The first week of 2026 has kicked off with a bang in the digital world. As the new year settles in, major streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and JioHotstar have unleashed a heavy-hitting lineup of content. From high-voltage spiritual action sequels to gritty historical dramas and light-hearted rom-coms, there is a wide variety of entertainment available for viewers this week. If you are looking for what to watch between January 4th and January 10th, here is your definitive guide to the latest OTT releases. The Week's Biggest Premieres Akhanda 2: Thaandavam (Netflix) Nandamuri Balakrishna’s roar has officially moved from the big screen to digital. Following its massive theatrical run, the highly anticipated sequel Akhanda 2: Thaandavam premiered on Netflix on January 9th. Directed by Boyapati Srinu, the film sees Balayya returning in his powerful Aghori avatar to protect the nation’s spiritual core from a global biological threat. The film is available for streaming in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, and Kannada. De De Pyaar De 2 (Netflix) For those in the mood for light-hearted romance and family comedy, Ajay Devgn and Rakul Preet Singh return with the sequel to their hit film. Premiering on January 9th, De De Pyaar De 2 flips the script as Ashish (Ajay Devgn) travels to Chandigarh to win over Ayesha’s family, only to find himself in a hilarious tug-of-war with his prospective father-in-law, played by R. Madhavan. Freedom at Midnight Season 2 (SonyLIV) History buffs have a major treat with the return of Nikkhil Advani’s acclaimed series. This new season delves into the turbulent aftermath of India’s 1947 independence, focusing on the refugee crisis and the immense political challenges faced by leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and Patel. It continues its reputation as a gripping, emotional dive into the human cost of partition. New on Netflix The streaming giant leads the pack this week with a variety of genres. Along with the big theatrical sequels, Netflix released His & Hers on January 8th, a mystery thriller miniseries starring Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal. Based on the bestselling novel, it follows a journalist investigating a murder in her hometown that unearths dark secrets. Also new is People We Meet on Vacation (Jan 9), a nostalgic romantic drama about two best friends trying to save their relationship on one final trip. New on JioHotstar JioHotstar is keeping the thrill-seekers busy with the premiere of Weapons on January 8th. This horror-thriller, starring Josh Brolin and Julia Garner, explores a series of mysterious disappearances in a small town. Additionally, the platform continues its reality dominance with live updates from Bigg Boss and the medical drama The Pitt Season 2, which sees Noah Wyle returning to the high-stakes world of a trauma center. New on Amazon Prime Video & Others While The Night Manager Season 2 is the big talk of the town (releasing officially on Jan 11), fans can already catch up on the bilingual thriller Balti (Jan 9), featuring Shane Nigam. Meanwhile, SonyLIV has brought back fan favorites Shark Tank India Season 5 and MasterChef India Season 9, both of which premiered on January 5th to huge digital numbers. Regional Highlights: Jigris (SunNXT): A heartwarming Telugu road-trip comedy that arrived earlier in the week. It follows a group of childhood friends reuniting for a final journey to Goa, blending nostalgia with humor. Naanu Matthu Gunda 2 (ZEE5): This soul-stirring Kannada drama (also dubbed in other languages) explores the eternal bond between a man and his loyal dog. It has been a popular choice for families looking for an emotional weekend watch. Honeymoon Se Hatya (ZEE5): For fans of the true-crime genre, this new investigative series focuses on chilling real-life cases of domestic crimes, providing a gritty look at criminal psychology. Constable Kanakam Season 2 (ETV Win): Varsha Bollamma’s investigative thriller is garnering good response. If you missed the first few episodes, now is the time to binge-watch this mystery set in the heart of Telangana. Disclaimer: The news article is written based on information shared by various sources. The organisation is not responsible for the factual nature of them. While we do try to do thorough research at times people could misguide. So, we would encourage viewers' discretion before reacting to them. 

In a major push to nurture sporting talent in India, Dynamic Star Vishnu Manchu who is serving as MAA President today announced a groundbreaking initiative- 100% sports scholarships at Mohan Babu University (MBU) and Sree Vidyaniketan International School (SVIS).   The program, starting from the 2026–27 academic year, aims to provide complete support for young athletes with exceptional potential. This ambitious scholarship program begins with two major sports disciplines- Cricket,Basketball, and Badminton. Under this initiative, selected students will receive full support, covering academics, professional coaching, nutrition, training facilities, and accommodation. The institutions will collaborate with top-tier coaches from India and abroad, ensuring world-class guidance for the athletes. Vishnu Manchu revealed that this mission stems from a deeply personal dream — contributing to India’s sporting future in a significant way. With India preparing and aspiring to host the 2036 Olympics, Vishnu Manchu envisions that MBU should produce Olympians by then. This long-term roadmap reflects his commitment to developing grassroots sports and offering deserving youngsters a platform to shine globally. Speaking about the initiative , he emphasized that many talented children lose opportunities due to financial barriers, lack of mentorship, or inadequate infrastructure. This scholarship program is designed to eliminate all such hurdles and create a structured ecosystem where young athletes can thrive. Interested candidates and parents can reach out for more details at: sports@mbu.asia Disclaimer: The news article is written based on information shared by various sources. The organisation is not responsible for the factual nature of them. While we do try to do thorough research at times people could misguide. So, we would encourage viewers' discretion before reacting to them. 

In a candid discussion about his upcoming Sankranti release, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, director Anil Ravipudi opened up about his creative process and his admiration for Megastar Chiranjeevi. Anil emphasized that the film isn't just about the "Mega" image, but about bringing back the vintage, relatable charm of Chiranjeevi’s classic family dramas. He noted that the star’s playful energy and emotional depth will remind audiences of hits like Annayya and Bavagaru Bagunnara, effectively taking them back in time. It explores a nuanced conflict between a husband and wife, showcasing how they navigate domestic hurdles with a fresh, modern perspective. He highlighted that while the film is packed with entertainment, this emotional core is what makes the story resonate with every family. The director praised Chiranjeevi for seamlessly transitioning between self-satirical comedy and deep sentiment, ensuring the character of "Shankara Vara Prasad" remains grounded and authentic throughout the journey. Furthermore, the director addressed the film’s production ethics. Known for his discipline, Ravipudi revealed that he manages the film’s budget with the same care as a producer would. "I feel like a member of the production family," he said, noting that he receives daily budget updates on WhatsApp to ensure everything stays on track. By prioritizing the safety of his producers—Sahu Garapati and Sushmita Konidela—Ravipudi aims to prove that high-octane star vehicles can be made with financial responsibility without compromising on rich production values. He stated that Victory Venkatesh as Venky Gowda delivered a never-seen-before style character which will be fun to watch along with Chiru. He called the moments that he shared with both of them during the shoot is memorable for him. He thanked Nayanthara for giving him the chance to work with her. He further asked audiences to watch the movie in theatres and bless him again for Sankranti festival on 12th January.  Disclaimer: The news article is written based on information shared by various sources. The organisation is not responsible for the factual nature of them. While we do try to do thorough research at times people could misguide. So, we would encourage viewers' discretion before reacting to them. 

Rebel Star Prabhas’ much-awaited film The Raja Saab hit theatres yesterdayand opened to a blockbuster response across the globe. The film recorded sensational worldwide openings, collecting an impressive ₹112 crore gross on its first day.  With this phenomenal start, The Raja Saab has emerged as the highest-opening film in the horror-fantasy genre to date. The film’s unique blend of horror and fantasy elements has struck a strong chord with youth, children, and family audiences alike. Directed by Maruthi, The Raja Saab has been crafted as an evergreen cinematic experience in the horror-fantasy genre. The film has been produced on a grand global scale by passionate producers T. G. Vishwa Prasad and Krithi Prasad under the prestigious People Media Factory banner.  Leading ladies Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Riddhi Kumar have impressed audiences with their performances and screen presence. With such huge openings, The Raja Saab has begun its box-office journey on a powerful note, and the momentum is expected to grow even stronger during the Sankranthi holiday season, promising a highly successful theatrical run. Disclaimer: The news article is written based on information shared by various sources. The organisation is not responsible for the factual nature of them. While we do try to do thorough research at times people could misguide. So, we would encourage viewers' discretion before reacting to them.