OTT platforms are celebrating a decade of enduring popularity in the country. And this time, two of them have also chosen to offer gifts to viewers in the shape of films for the festive occasion.
Netflix
Netflix, which is one of the ‘OTTs’ with a cream selection all along, is turning up with Dilwali Diwali on 5th November. Starring Mihir Ahuja, Manoj Pahwa, Neelu Kohli and Aurra Bhatnagar, Dilwali Diwali brings together family, festive cheer and the little moments that make a house a home.
Continuing its successful association with Netflix following Greater Kalesh and Musafir Cafe, Terribly Tiny Tales (TTT) brings in both a heartwarming festive family reunion and the wonderfully messy dynamics of intergenerational relationships. Because moving forward does not always mean leaving everything behind; sometimes, it means finding a way to carry the things that matter to you. Dilwali Diwali explores what happens when the desire to give your loved ones the best meets with little emotional curveballs.
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After years of working abroad, Ansh Sikka has done what many children dream of doing for their parents: giving them a better life. He has bought his middle-class Punjabi parents a swanky new high-rise apartment, complete with all the comforts that come with an upgraded address. But when he returns home for Diwali, he discovers that a new home does not necessarily mean a fresh start. Turns out, giving your parents a house upgrade is one thing, but getting them to upgrade their idea of home is quite another.
With Dilwali Diwali, we get a relatable take on the familiar push-and-pull between a parent’s idea of happiness and a child’s idea of success. As the Sikkas come together for Diwali, their differing ideas of what makes a good life spark moments of humor, tenderness and recognition for anyone who has ever tried to do the best for their family, only to discover that the best means different things to different people. Dilwali Diwali is written by Ritu Mago and directed by Ritesh Menon.
Ahuja, who plays Ansh, said, “Ansh’s journey comes from a place of love. I think that’s what makes the story so relatable. We all want to do the best for our families, but sometimes, in trying to give them more, we forget to understand what truly makes them happy. TTT has beautifully captured these nuances with humor and heart, and I’m excited for audiences to see a little bit of their own families in the Sikkas.”
Manoj Pahwa, who plays Ansh’s father, said, “For a parent, home is never just about the walls, the furniture or the address. It’s about the memories you’ve built, the people you’ve shared your life with, and the little things that make a place your own. Children may have a different idea of what makes a good life, but the love behind both perspectives is the same. In Dilwali Diwali, TTT and Netflix bring this familiar generational dynamic to life in a way that is deeply heartfelt. I hope audiences enjoy watching this story with their families and find their own meaning of home in it.”
Dilwali Diwali is a reminder that while a house can be upgraded, the feeling of home is something else altogether.
Sony LIV
This Diwali season, Sony LIV’s original film, Parivarik ManuRanjan, starring Pankaj Tripathi and Aditi Rao Hydari, is set for a digital premiere on November 13.
A shuddh paarivarik (purely familiar) experience, the film promises a mix of romance, humor and wholesome entertainment perfect for a movie night with loved ones.
Pankaj Tripathi said, “What I liked about the film is its simplicity, relatable characters and the little moments of humor that make family stories so special. It has the warmth of family, a touch of romance and the kind of fun that makes for a perfect festive watch. I had a wonderful time being part of this film and look forward to audiences enjoying this delightful ride with their loved ones.”
Aditi Rao Hydari adds, “It’s a film that wraps romance, humor and family drama into one heartfelt package, the kind you want to watch with the people you love. I had such a lovely time with my character, discovering her quirks and the little ways she connects with everyone around her. And sharing the screen with Pankaj-ji for the first time was truly a joy. His humor is so effortless, so natural, that it made every scene feel lighter and far more fun.”
Directed by Varun V. Sharma, with the story and screenplay by (actor) Brijendra Kala, Ali Abbas Zafar and Varun V. Sharma and dialogues by Brijendra Kala, the film is produced by Vinod Bhanushali, Kamlesh Bhanushali, Himanshu Kishan Mehta and Alicia Zafar, with Ali Abbas Zafar as creative producer.
