This Independence Day promises to be a cinematic treat for movie enthusiasts, with nine films set to hit theaters on August 15. Whether you prefer Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, or Telugu films, there’s a diverse selection to enjoy over the weekend.
Stree 2 (Hindi)
Directed by: Amar Kaushik
Cast: Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana
A sequel to the 2018 hit horror-comedy *Stree* and the fifth installment in the supernatural universe created by Maddock Films, *Stree 2* introduces a new ghost named Sarkata. As women become the target of this malevolent entity, the residents of Chanderi—led by Vicky (Rajkummar Rao), Bittu (Aparshakti Khurana), Jaana (Abhishek Banerjee), and Rudra (Pankaj Tripathi)—turn to Stree for help in combating the evil.
Vedaa (Hindi)
Directed by: Nikkhil Advani
Cast: John Abraham, Sharvari Wagh, Abhishek Banerjee, Tamannaah Bhatia
This action drama centers on Vedaa (Sharvari), a young woman who stands up against an oppressive caste system and faces off against a formidable antagonist (Abhishek Banerjee). John Abraham plays Abhimanyu, an ex-soldier who was court-martialed, and who becomes Vedaa’s mentor. Tamannaah Bhatia portrays John’s love interest.
Khel Khel Mein (Hindi)
Directed by: Mudassar Aziz
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Ammy Virk, Taapsee Pannu, Vaani Kapoor, Fardeen Khan, Aditya Seal, Pragya Jaiswal
A remake of the 2016 Italian film *Perfect Strangers*, this comedy-drama follows seven friends who gather one evening and decide to play a unique game: everyone must place their phones on the center table, with all texts and calls being shared openly with the group. The night takes a dramatic turn as hidden secrets come to light.
Thangalaan (Tamil)
Directed by: Pa. Ranjith
Cast: Chiyaan Vikram, Malavika Mohanan, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Daniel Caltagirone
Set in the British Raj, *Thangalaan* is an action-adventure film that revolves around a tribe and its leader (Chiyaan Vikram) as they assist a British general, Lord Clement (Daniel Caltagirone), in searching for gold in their village. Their quest angers Aarathi (Malavika Mohanan), a mysterious sorceress, leading to a fierce confrontation.
Raghu Thatha (Tamil)
Directed by: Suman Kumar
Cast: Keerthy Suresh, M.S. Bhaskar, Ravindra Vijay, Devadarshini
Raghu Thatha follows the journey of a young woman (Keerthy Suresh) as she fights to protect the identity and rights of her people. Set against the backdrop of the language protests in Tamil Nadu after India’s independence, Keerthy’s character, a police cadet, challenges societal norms.
Double iSmart (Telugu)
Directed by: Puri Jagannadh
Cast: Ram Pothineni, Sanjay Dutt
A follow-up to *iSmart Shankar*, this film centers on Big Bull (Sanjay Dutt), a notorious assassin who seeks immortality by transferring his memories into Shankar (Ram Pothineni), who already carries another person’s memories. This sets the stage for an epic confrontation.
Mr. Bachchan (Telugu)
Directed by: Harish Shankar
Cast: Ravi Teja, Bhagyashri Borse, Jagapathi Babu, Sachin Khedekar
An official remake of the Ajay Devgn-starrer *Raid* (2018), *Mr. Bachchan* is based on the real-life income tax raid on industrialist Sardar Inder Singh. The story follows Mr. Bachchan (Ravi Teja), a dedicated income tax officer, as he tracks down a longtime tax evader (Jagapathi Babu).
Padatik (Bengali)
Directed by: Srijit Mukherji
Cast: Chanchal Chowdhury, Monami Ghosh, Korak Samanta, Samrat Chakrabarti
Padatik is a biopic on the legendary filmmaker Mrinal Sen, directed by Srijit Mukherji. Featuring Bangladeshi actor Chanchal Chowdhury as Sen, the film explores the various stages of his life, highlighting his challenges, achievements, and profound impact on the world of cinema during times of significant political change.
Babli (Bengali)
Directed by: Raj Chakrabarty
Cast: Subhashree Ganguly, Abir Chatterjee, Sauraseni Maitra
Based on Buddhadeb Guha’s novel, Babli is a poignant love story directed by Raj Chakrabarty. This romantic drama marks the first on-screen collaboration between Abir Chatterjee and Subhashree Ganguly. The story follows Abhi Chowdhury, a forest officer stationed in Manipur, as he forms a bond with Damayanti, also known as Babli, a relative of his superior.
