As October 2025 concludes, major OTT platforms are unveiling an exciting array of new releases for both global and Indian audiences. From Dhanush’s poignant drama Idli Kadai to Rishab Shetty’s grand mythological prequel Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, this week’s digital offerings cater to diverse tastes—thrillers, action-packed films, and innovative regional narratives. Here’s a closer look at what’s new on Netflix, Prime Video, and JioCinema. Netflix has added Idli Kadai, a Tamil-language film crafted by Dhanush, who writes, directs, and stars in the lead role. The narrative centers on a chef based in Bangkok who returns to his hometown to manage his deceased father’s idli shop.
What starts as a straightforward return evolves into a touching journey of self-discovery as he fights to uphold his family’s legacy against a formidable foe. Featuring Nithya Menen, the film delves into themes of family, tradition, and belonging. With music by G.V. Prakash Kumar and produced by Aakash Baskaran and Dhanush, Idli Kadai, which premiered in theaters on October 1, 2025, is now available on Netflix in multiple languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam. Adding psychological depth to its offerings, Netflix presents Ballad of a Small Player, a thrilling drama directed by Edward Berger, known for All Quiet on the Western Front.
Adapted from Lawrence Osborne’s 2014 novel, the film features Colin Farrell as Lord Doyle, a morally corrupt English lawyer and high-stakes gambler in hiding in Macau. While attempting to evade his past, he meets Dao Ming (Fala Chen), a mysterious woman who could either save him or lead him to ruin. With notable performances by Tilda Swinton, Deanie Ip, and Alex Jennings, the film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival before its global release on Netflix on October 29, 2025. Fantasy enthusiasts can now enjoy The Witcher Season 4, streaming on Netflix. This season marks a significant change, with Liam Hemsworth assuming the role of Geralt of Rivia, taking over from Henry Cavill.
The plot follows Geralt, Yennefer (Anya Chalotra), and Ciri (Freya Allan) as they navigate the challenges of war, personal struggles, and treacherous alliances. Adapting Baptism of Fire from Andrzej Sapkowski’s works, the penultimate season introduces Laurence Fishburne as Regis and Sharlto Copley as Leo Bonhart, promising high-stakes adventure and emotional resonance. Completing Netflix’s lineup is Bad Influencer, a South African crime drama series that explores themes of morality, desperation, and digital deception. The narrative revolves around BK (Jo-Anne Reyneke), a single mother burdened with debt, and Pinky (Cindy Mahlangu), a self-serving social media influencer. Together, they embark on an illegal venture selling counterfeit luxury handbags online.
As their business expands, they attract the scrutiny of gangsters and law enforcement, unaware that BK’s new romantic interest, Themba, is an undercover cop. Sharp, darkly humorous, and socially insightful, Bad Influencer provides a compelling commentary on the ramifications of ambition in the age of social media. One of India’s most anticipated OTT releases, Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, has finally debuted on Prime Video. Written, directed, and led by Rishab Shetty, this visually striking prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara transports viewers to the 4th century AD during the Kadamba dynasty. The plot follows Berme, a guardian of divine powers and protector of the land, as he confronts a tyrannical king and his daughter Kanakavathi.
Through themes of devotion, nature, and cosmic balance, the film uncovers the origins of the mystical land of Kantara and its sacred deities, Panjurli and Guliga. Featuring Rukmini Vasanth as the female lead, the film’s captivating visuals and grounded storytelling make it a must-watch in all Indian languages. Also available on Prime Video is Baaghi 4, an action-packed drama starring Tiger Shroff, Sanjay Dutt, Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu, Sonam Bajwa, and Shreyas Talpade. Directed by A. Harsha and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, the film follows Ronnie (Tiger Shroff), a fighter who awakens from a coma with no recollection of his past—except for fleeting memories of his lost love, Alisha.
Despite his brother’s claims that Alisha never existed, Ronnie’s quest for the truth pulls him into a web of illusions and secrets. An unofficial remake of the Tamil film Ainthu Ainthu Ainthu, the movie combines emotional drama with high-octane action, appealing to fans of the genre. An ambitious new cinematic universe has emerged with Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra, the first Malayalam female-led superhero film. Directed by Dominic Arun and Santhy Balachandran, the movie merges folklore with a gritty contemporary narrative. Kalyani Priyadarshan stars as Chandra, a mysterious woman endowed with supernatural abilities who becomes embroiled in an organ trafficking ring run by the corrupt Inspector Nachiyappa Gowda (Sandy Master).
The film reinterprets Chandra as Kalliyankattu Neeli, a potent spirit rooted in Kerala’s mythology. In a climactic showdown, Chandra overcomes her adversaries before disappearing into the shadows, hinting at a return when needed. Set in a stylized urban environment, Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra distinguishes itself with its strong female lead, cultural richness, and genre-defying narrative. From Dhanush’s soulful Idli Kadai to the dark intrigue of Ballad of a Small Player, from the mythic splendor of Kantara to Lokah’s daring reimagining of folklore—this week’s OTT lineup encompasses a variety of cultures, emotions, and cinematic styles. Whether you’re seeking introspective drama, thrilling action, or an adventure through fantasy and faith, these releases guarantee something new for every type of viewer.