As the third week of August 2025 unfolds, streaming platforms are set to deliver a diverse and compelling lineup of new movies and series, promising a robust entertainment experience for audiences across various genres. From heartfelt dramas and mythological horrors to thrilling reality shows and captivating international stories, this week’s digital releases are poised to keep viewers thoroughly engaged. Major players like Netflix, Prime Video, SonyLIV, and JioHotstar are rolling out highly anticipated titles, solidifying the continuous expansion of digital content consumption.
Diverse Premieres Across Top Platforms
The week kicks off with a mix of emotional family narratives and intense horror. SonyLIV presents the heartfelt family drama, Itti Si Khushi, which premiered on August 18. This series stars Sumbul Touqeer Khan as Anvita, a 21-year-old navigating the complexities of family life in Mumbai’s chawls. Anvita becomes the bedrock of her household, balancing the role of a mother figure to her siblings amidst personal struggles and her father’s challenges, a role also featuring Varun Badola. This story promises to be a relatable and emotionally resonant exploration of sacrifice and resilience.
Netflix, a titan in the global entertainment space, is bolstering its horror catalog with Maa, a mythological horror movie arriving on August 22. This film is a compelling spinoff of the popular 2024 Bollywood movie `Shaitaan`, and it delves deeper into that cinematic universe. Starring Kajol, Ronit Roy, and Indraneil Sengupta, `Maa` tells the chilling story of a mother who transforms into the formidable Goddess Kali to combat a demonic curse threatening her family after a supernatural incident. This mythological horror promises a blend of suspense and supernatural elements that will appeal to fans of the genre.
Global and Regional Entertainment Highlights
Prime Video is set to stream the much-anticipated Tamil romantic-comedy, Thalaivan Thalaivii, from August 22. This film, which enjoyed a successful theatrical run, marks another captivating collaboration between stars Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen. The narrative revolves around Agasaveeran and Perarasi, a married couple whose shared passion for food faces the humorous yet poignant trials of family pressures. The film will be available for streaming in multiple languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada, extending its reach to a wider audience.
For fans of Korean drama, Netflix unveils Bon Appetit, Your Majesty on August 23. This time-travel fantasy romance features Lim Yoon-ah as Yeon Jiyoung, a modern French-trained chef unexpectedly transported back to the Joseon era. There, she finds herself tasked with cooking for the notoriously temperamental King Yeonhui, portrayed by Lee Chae-min. The series is expected to deliver a unique blend of culinary artistry, historical intrigue, and charming romantic chemistry, building on the popularity of K-dramas worldwide.
Reality Television and Beyond
JioHotstar will be the destination for the latest season of one of India’s most iconic reality shows, Bigg Boss 19, premiering on August 24. Hosted by the inimitable Salman Khan for his 16th season, this installment introduces a fresh and intriguing theme: ‘Gharwalon Ki Sarkaar’ (The Housemates’ Government), promising a new ‘democrazy’ dynamic where contestants wield more power. The show, a perennial source of drama and entertainment news, will feature 15 celebrity contestants and is set to air its digital premiere on JioHotstar before its television telecast on Colors TV.
Beyond these highlighted titles, the week of August 18-24, 2025, is rich with other significant digital releases. Netflix also brings the sports documentary series America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys on August 19, exploring the Dallas Cowboys’ history under Jerry Jones. A political thriller, Hostage, will also arrive on Netflix on August 21, depicting the high-stakes abduction of the British Prime Minister’s husband. Additionally, the Tamil mystery crime thriller Maareesan and The Truth About Jussie Smollett documentary are slated for Netflix release on August 22.
Prime Video offers the romantic drama The Map That Leads To You on August 20, a European travelogue of love and self-discovery. Meanwhile, JioHotstar adds more action and true crime with Peacemaker Season 2, starring John Cena, and the heist thriller Eenie Meanie, both on August 22. The true crime documentary series, The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox, also debuts on JioHotstar on August 20.
This week’s diverse slate underscores the robust growth and competitive nature of the OTT landscape, offering a plethora of choices for every taste. Whether viewers seek drama, action, romance, or reality, the leading streaming platforms are delivering a comprehensive movie and series lineup, ensuring a week filled with compelling entertainment.
