The week of October 14-20, 2025 delivers an exceptional wave of OTT releases across Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar, ZEE5, and Lionsgate Play, perfectly timed for the Diwali festive weekend. From the Oscar-contending Santosh and spine-chilling Final Destination: Bloodlines to Arshad Warsi’s gripping crime thriller Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas and Netflix’s political drama The Diplomat Season 3, this week’s lineup spans Hollywood blockbusters, award-winning international cinema, and homegrown entertainment—ensuring every viewer finds their perfect binge-worthy escape.
Prime Picks: Must-Watch OTT Releases This Week
The standout releases this week span multiple genres, languages, and production scales. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what’s commanding attention across platforms.
| Title | Platform | Release Date | Genre | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santosh | Lionsgate Play | October 17 | Crime Drama | Hindi (with subtitles) |
| Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas | ZEE5 | October 17 | Crime Thriller | Hindi |
| Final Destination: Bloodlines | JioHotstar | October 16 | Horror | English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu |
| The Diplomat Season 3 | Netflix | October 16 | Political Drama | English |
| Culpa Nuestra (Our Fault) | Prime Video | October 16 | Romance | Spanish (with subtitles) |
These releases represent a strategic mix of international award contenders and commercial entertainers, with some films bypassing theatrical releases entirely to reach audiences directly through digital platforms.
Netflix Brings Political Intrigue with The Diplomat Season 3
Netflix returns with the highly anticipated third season of The Diplomat, throwing protagonist Kate Wyler into escalating global crises that test both her professional acumen and personal relationships. The political drama, known for its sharp dialogue and high-stakes international intrigue, drops on October 16 and has already secured renewal for a fourth season.

The series has become a flagship offering for Netflix’s mature content strategy, appealing to viewers seeking sophisticated narratives that blend geopolitical complexity with character-driven storytelling. Kate Wyler continues to balance international diplomacy with personal turmoil as she navigates an escalating crisis that could reshape her alliances.
ZEE5’s Crime Thriller: Bhagwat Chapter One Brings Dark Mystery
One of this week’s most anticipated OTT releases arrives on ZEE5 with Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas, starring Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar in career-defining roles. The psychological crime thriller, directed by Akshay Shere, revolves around Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat investigating the disappearance of a young woman named Poonam, which reveals connections to a local prostitution racket in Robertsganj, Uttar Pradesh.
Star Power and Transformation
| Actor | Role | Notable Aspect |
|---|---|---|
| Arshad Warsi | Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat | Returns to digital space after Asur success |
| Jitendra Kumar | Sameer (Professor) | First negative/psychopath character |
| Ayesha Kaduskar | Supporting | Adds local authenticity |
| Tara Alisha Berry | Supporting | Key role in investigation |
The film marks Jitendra Kumar’s first psychopath and negative character in his career, a stark departure from his beloved roles in Panchayat and Kota Factory. This transformation has generated significant buzz among fans eager to see the versatile actor explore darker territories.
The trailer, released on October 2, 2025, garnered over 2.6 million views on YouTube, with viewers commenting “Asur meets Panchayat… What a trailer!!! Epic!!! Arshad and Jeetu are absolute gems.”
Horror Returns: Final Destination Bloodlines Streams on JioHotstar
Horror enthusiasts have been waiting for this moment. Final Destination: Bloodlines, the sixth installment in the legendary franchise, begins streaming on JioHotstar starting October 16 in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. The film represents a significant addition to India’s OTT landscape, bringing a Hollywood horror blockbuster directly to streaming just months after its theatrical run.
What Makes This Week Special for Horror Fans
The film had its theatrical release on May 16, 2025, and grossed $314.9 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Final Destination movie of all time. More importantly, it features one of the final on-screen appearances of franchise icon Tony Todd, adding emotional weight for longtime fans.
With Halloween season approaching, the arrival of Final Destination Bloodlines on two of India’s most popular streaming platforms gives fans the perfect reason to plan a horror movie night at home.

The supernatural horror follows college student Stefani Reyes, who inherits visions of a 1969 premonition from her dying grandmother Iris. When Death returns to claim Iris’s descendants, Stefani races against time to uncover her grandmother’s notes and break the deadly cycle, mixing psychological horror with supernatural mythology.
Oscar-Bound Drama: Santosh Makes Indian OTT Debut
Perhaps the most critically significant release this week is Santosh, which premieres on Lionsgate Play on October 17, 2025, after being selected as the UK’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards. The film’s journey to streaming platforms represents a fascinating case study in modern content distribution.
Why Santosh Bypassed Theatrical Release
Originally scheduled for theatrical release in India on January 10, 2025, the film was blocked by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over concerns about its depiction of misogyny, Islamophobia, and police brutality. Rather than compromise the director’s vision, producers opted for a direct OTT release.
| Festival/Award | Recognition |
|---|---|
| Cannes Film Festival 2024 | Un Certain Regard section premiere |
| National Board of Review | Top 5 International Films of 2024 |
| BAFTA 2025 | Nominated for Outstanding Debut |
| Academy Awards 2025 | UK’s official entry, made December shortlist |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 100% rating from 58 critics |
The film follows a young widow who becomes a police constable under a government scheme after her husband’s death. When assigned to investigate the rape and murder of a Dalit teenager, Santosh is forced to confront corruption, caste prejudice, and her own moral boundaries.
Director Sandhya Suri crafted this powerful narrative after being inspired by the 2012 Delhi gang rape protests. Lead actress Shahana Goswami delivers what critics call an unforgettable performance that bristles with intensity.
Prime Video’s Romantic Conclusion: Culpa Nuestra
The Culpables trilogy concludes with Culpa Nuestra (Our Fault), reuniting Nick and Noah at a friend’s wedding after their painful breakup on October 16. Despite both characters moving forward in their lives—Nick running his grandfather’s business empire and Noah advancing her career—their undeniable chemistry creates complications.
This Spanish-language romance has cultivated a dedicated following across Latin America and Spain, with fans eagerly awaiting closure to the trilogy’s central relationship. The film promises emotional depth alongside the romance, exploring themes of growth, forgiveness, and second chances.
Additional Noteworthy Releases This Week
Elsbeth Season Returns to JioHotstar
The witty and sharp attorney Elsbeth Tascioni returns for another round of crime-solving in New York City, offering procedural entertainment with a unique protagonist. Now streaming on JioHotstar from October 13, the series continues to build its fanbase with clever mysteries and charismatic performances.
How to Train Your Dragon: Live-Action Reimagining
The live-action reimagining of the 2010 animated classic returns with heart and adventure, featuring breathtaking visuals and a timeless coming-of-age story. Set on the Viking island of Berk, the film follows Hiccup as he befriends a wounded dragon named Toothless, defying his tribe’s ancient beliefs.

Malayalam and Regional Content
Beyond mainstream releases, regional cinema continues to thrive on OTT platforms this week. ZEE5 in particular has invested heavily in diverse language content, offering:
- Aabhyanthara Kuttavaali (Malayalam) – A courtroom drama exploring the misuse of dowry laws
- Kishkindhapuri (Telugu/Tamil) – A horror thriller about fake ghost tours that awaken real spirits
- Madam Sengupta (Bengali) – A mystery thriller following a cartoonist investigating poetic murders
- Elumale (Tamil) – A romantic thriller set against the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border tensions
Platform-Wise Content Strategy This Week
The strategic distribution of content across platforms reveals fascinating insights into how OTT services position themselves during the festive season.
Netflix’s Premium International Focus
Netflix continues to bet on high-quality international series with strong critical acclaim. Beyond The Diplomat, the platform’s October strategy emphasizes prestige content that attracts subscribers seeking sophisticated narratives.
Prime Video’s Genre Diversity
Amazon Prime Video balances its offerings between regional cinema and international romance, ensuring appeal across demographic segments. The platform’s strength lies in serving both mass-market entertainment and niche audiences simultaneously.
ZEE5’s Regional and Original Push
ZEE5’s collaboration with Jio Studios for Bhagwat Chapter One demonstrates the platform’s commitment to producing high-quality original content featuring established stars. The platform continues to strengthen its position as a hub for Hindi and regional language entertainment.
JioHotstar’s Hollywood Integration
By securing Final Destination: Bloodlines and other Hollywood titles, JioHotstar positions itself as the go-to platform for viewers seeking international blockbusters with regional language options. This strategy directly competes with Netflix’s Hollywood catalog while offering better localization.
The Viewing Experience: What This Week Offers Different Audiences
For Crime Thriller Enthusiasts
This week is particularly rich for crime and thriller fans. Both Santosh and Bhagwat Chapter One offer intense procedural narratives that explore moral ambiguity and systemic corruption. While Santosh takes a more art-house approach with international festival credentials, Bhagwat leans into commercial thriller elements with psychological depth.
For Horror Fans
Final Destination: Bloodlines arrives at the perfect moment—just ahead of Halloween season. The franchise’s signature inventive death sequences combined with the emotional weight of honoring Tony Todd’s legacy makes this a must-watch for horror devotees.
For Political Drama Lovers
The Diplomat Season 3 continues to set the standard for intelligent political thrillers on streaming platforms. Viewers who appreciate complex geopolitical narratives with strong character development will find this season delivers on all fronts.
For Romance Seekers
Culpa Nuestra provides closure for a beloved trilogy while delivering the emotional beats romance fans crave. The Spanish production values and passionate performances create an immersive viewing experience.
Technical Considerations and Viewing Tips
| Platform | Recommended Plan | Key Features | Multi-Language Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Premium (₹649/month) | 4K streaming, 4 screens | Strong international content |
| Prime Video | ₹299/month or ₹1,499/year | Free delivery benefits, offline viewing | Excellent dubbing quality |
| ZEE5 | Premium (₹299/month) | Live TV access, original content | Comprehensive regional languages |
| JioHotstar | Premium (₹499/month) | Disney+ library, sports content | Hollywood with Indian languages |
| Lionsgate Play | ₹99/month | International cinema focus | Subtitled content |
Most platforms now offer mobile-only plans at reduced prices, making premium content accessible across economic segments. Additionally, annual subscriptions typically offer 20-30% savings compared to monthly billing.
Looking Ahead: Why This Week Matters
The October 14-20 window represents more than just another week of OTT releases. It demonstrates how streaming platforms have matured in India, offering a sophisticated mix of content that rivals—and in some cases surpasses—theatrical releases in terms of quality and star power.
The direct-to-OTT premiere strategy for films like Bhagwat Chapter One and Santosh signals a shift in how producers and distributors think about content distribution. Rather than viewing digital releases as secondary options, they’re increasingly becoming primary revenue and audience-building strategies.
The festive timing also highlights how OTT platforms have learned to align major releases with holidays and celebrations, maximizing viewership during periods when families gather and entertainment consumption peaks. This week’s lineup ensures that whether viewers prefer Hollywood horror, Indian crime thrillers, international dramas, or romantic conclusions, there’s premium content available at their fingertips.

As streaming continues to evolve, weeks like this demonstrate the medium’s unique ability to serve diverse tastes simultaneously—something theatrical distribution could never achieve. The democratization of content, where an Oscar-contending drama streams alongside a commercial thriller and a Hollywood franchise film, represents the true promise of the OTT revolution.
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FAQs
What are the major OTT releases this week from October 14-20, 2025?
The major OTT releases this week include Santosh on Lionsgate Play (Oct 17), Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas on ZEE5 (Oct 17), Final Destination: Bloodlines on JioHotstar (Oct 16), The Diplomat Season 3 on Netflix (Oct 16), and Culpa Nuestra on Prime Video (Oct 16). Each platform offers distinct content catering to different audience preferences.
Is Santosh available for theatrical release or only on OTT?
Santosh is only available on OTT via Lionsgate Play from October 17. The film was originally scheduled for theatrical release but was blocked by the CBFC over content concerns. Rather than make significant cuts, the producers opted for direct streaming release, making it accessible exclusively on digital platforms.
Can I watch Final Destination: Bloodlines in Hindi on OTT?
Yes, Final Destination: Bloodlines is available on JioHotstar in multiple Indian languages including Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, in addition to the original English version. This multilingual approach makes the Hollywood horror franchise accessible to wider Indian audiences across different regions.
Which OTT platform has the best content this week?
Each platform offers unique value this week. ZEE5 leads with Bhagwat Chapter One for crime thriller fans, Lionsgate Play offers the Oscar-contending Santosh, JioHotstar brings Hollywood horror with Final Destination, Netflix delivers premium international drama with The Diplomat, and Prime Video concludes a beloved romance trilogy. Your choice depends on genre preference.
Are there any free OTT releases this week, or do all require subscriptions?
All major releases this week require platform subscriptions. However, many platforms offer free trials for new users: Lionsgate Play, ZEE5, and others typically provide 7-14 day trials. Additionally, some content may become available on ad-supported tiers after the initial premium window, though specific titles mentioned require paid subscriptions currently.


