Republic Day Weekend OTT Bonanza: 7 Must-Watch Films From Tere Ishk Mein to Cheekatilo

This Republic Day weekend promises an entertainment extravaganza as streaming platforms unleash their biggest arsenal yet. From intense romantic dramas to gripping crime thrillers, here’s your complete guide to the hottest OTT releases dominating screens from January 23-26, 2026.

OTT Weekend Watchlist Overview

The Big Theatrical Arrivals

Tere Ishk Mein (Netflix – January 23)

Director: Aanand L Rai | Cast: Dhanush, Kriti Sanon, Prakash Raj

The spiritual successor to 2013’s beloved Raanjhanaa reunites Dhanush with director Aanand L Rai for another poetic exploration of unrequited love. Set against the mystical backdrop of Benaras, this haunting romantic drama follows Shankar and Mukti’s intense relationship that transforms both their lives.

The film explores surrender, healing, and heartbreak through an all-consuming romance. After earning ₹161.96 crore worldwide during its November 2025 theatrical run against an ₹85-90 crore budget, the film proved Rai’s magic hasn’t faded. Featuring a screenplay by Himanshu Sharma and Neeraj Yadav, Tere Ishk Mein streams on Netflix delivering the perfect blend of poetry, passion, and pain.

Why Watch: Dhanush’s mesmerizing performance, A.R. Rahman’s soulful music, and Rai’s signature storytelling style make this unmissable for romance enthusiasts.

Gustaakh Ishq (JioHotstar – January 24)

Director: Vibhu Puri | Producer: Manish Malhotra | Cast: Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Naseeruddin Shah

Ace fashion designer Manish Malhotra’s production debut takes viewers to 1990s Old Delhi, where a young poet struggles to revive his father’s printing press while navigating forbidden love with his mentor’s daughter. This poetic romance explores the eternal conflict between artistic passion, romantic desire, and moral loyalty.

Despite earning only ₹2 crore against a ₹25 crore budget theatrically, the film’s intimate storytelling and period authenticity deserve a second chance on streaming. Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh deliver nuanced performances in this slow-burn romance that prioritizes emotional depth over commercial appeal.

Why Watch: Naseeruddin Shah’s veteran presence, stunning 90s Delhi recreation, and a love story rooted in poetry and tradition.

Explore comprehensive entertainment coverage at TechnoSports.

Original OTT Content

Cheekatilo (Prime Video – January 23)

Director: Sharan Koppisetty | Cast: Sobhita Dhulipala

Fresh off her highly publicized wedding, Sobhita Dhulipala headlines this Telugu crime thriller as Sandhya, a determined true-crime podcaster hunting a serial killer across two decades. When her friend dies mysteriously, Sandhya’s investigation uncovers cold-blooded crimes while exploring themes of resilience and silence against patriarchy.

The film draws inspiration from real-life cold cases, offering a gritty, atmospheric thriller that showcases Dhulipala’s range beyond glamorous roles. Her transformation into the obsessed journalist anchors this suspenseful narrative.

Why Watch: Sobhita’s career-best performance, spine-chilling narrative, and social commentary on violence against women.

Space Gen: Chandrayaan (JioHotstar – January 23)

Creator: Arunabh Kumar | Cast: Nakuul Mehta, Shriya Saran

This five-episode dramatized series chronicles ISRO’s emotional journey from the heartbreak of Chandrayaan-2’s failure to the triumphant success of Chandrayaan-3’s historic lunar landing. Featuring Nakuul Mehta and Shriya Saran, the series captures the scientific resilience and human determination behind India’s space program.

Why Watch: Patriotic pride, scientific achievement, and inspiring storytelling perfect for Republic Day viewing.

Mark (Prime Video – January 23)

Director: Vijay Kartikeyaa | Language: Kannada

This action-packed Kannada thriller follows Ajay Markandeya (Mark), a suspended police officer thrust back into action when violent crimes erupt across Karnataka. Investigating brutal murders and child kidnappings, Mark discovers his own family is targeted while uncovering deadly connections between gangsters, child trafficking, drugs, and corrupt politicians.

Produced by Sathya Jyothi Films and Kichcha Creations, this high-octane thriller delivers edge-of-seat suspense.

Why Watch: Intense action sequences, social relevance, and a gripping investigation thriller.

The Entertainment Options

Mastiii 4 (Netflix – January 24)

Cast: Riteish Deshmukh, Aftab Shivdasani, Vivek Oberoi

The fourth installment of the adult comedy franchise returns with its signature formula—friendship-driven plotlines, exaggerated situations, and humor designed for mass appeal. Following the adventures of three friends navigating hilarious predicaments, the film offers lighthearted escapism for viewers seeking pure entertainment.

Why Watch: Nostalgia for franchise fans, comic timing of the lead trio, and mindless fun perfect for weekend unwinding.

Champion (ZEE5 – January 24)

Director: Pradeep Advaitham | Language: Telugu

This period sports action drama follows Michael Williams, a skilled footballer from Secunderabad dreaming of playing in London. Produced by Swapna Cinema in association with Anandi Art Creations and Zee Studios, the film combines sports passion with action-packed sequences.

Why Watch: Underdog sports story, period setting, and inspiring journey of ambition and determination.

International Highlights

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (JioHotstar – Ongoing)

Set a century before Game of Thrones, this fantasy epic follows humble Ser Duncan the Tall and his young squire Egg through a Targaryen-led Westeros, offering grounded, character-driven storytelling.

Zero Day (Netflix – January 20)

Robert De Niro makes his series debut as a former U.S. President investigating a catastrophic global cyberattack threatening modern democracy.

Platform-Wise Breakdown

Netflix Dominance: Tere Ishk Mein, Mastiii 4, Zero Day
JioHotstar Variety: Gustaakh Ishq, Space Gen: Chandrayaan, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Prime Video Thrillers: Cheekatilo, Mark
ZEE5 Sports: Champion

Perfect for Republic Day Long Weekend

This curated slate offers something for everyone—romance enthusiasts can dive into Tere Ishk Mein and Gustaakh Ishq, thriller lovers have Cheekatilo and Mark, comedy fans get Mastiii 4, patriots can celebrate with Space Gen: Chandrayaan, and sports buffs have Champion.

The timing couldn’t be better for binge-watching as the Republic Day long weekend provides perfect opportunity to catch up on these diverse offerings from the comfort of home.

FAQs