Latest Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada OTT releases (January 12 -January 18): New movies and shows on Netflix, JioHotstar, ZEE5 and more

If your January evenings are starting to feel a little too long, South Indian OTT platforms have you covered this week. From gripping crime thrillers and socially charged dramas to light-hearted comedies and devotional stories, the latest slate of Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu releases offers something for every mood. Whether you’re in the mood to solve a mystery, laugh through chaos, or dive into a story rooted in faith and tradition, this week’s OTT line-up is all about variety. Here’s a closer look at the South films streaming between January 12 and January 18, and why each one deserves a spot on your watchlist.

South OTT releases of the week

Kalamkaval – SonyLIV, January 16

Mammootty headlines this Malayalam crime action thriller set in the early 2000s. Directed by Jithin K. Jose, Kalamkaval follows a special police team assigned to investigate a missing person’s case in a tense border village between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. What initially appears to be a single disappearance soon reveals a disturbing pattern involving several missing women.


Mammootty plays SI Jayakrishnan, who leads the investigation as public unrest, community tensions and hidden motives complicate the case. The cast also includes Vinayakan, Rajisha Vijayan, Gayatri Arun and Shruti Ramachandran, making this a solid pick for fans of intense investigative dramas.



Mahasneha – Aha Video, January 13

Tamil film Mahasneha mixes mythology, adventure and thriller elements into a story rooted in faith and tradition. Directed by Dhinesh Kalaiselvan, the film stars Vemal as Senguttavan, a tribal man whose peaceful life is disrupted after a sacred elephant idol is stolen.

As the story unfolds, themes of corruption, belief systems and cultural identity come into focus, with the mythical Yaali playing a key symbolic role. Srushti Dange, Yogi Babu and John Vijay feature in pivotal roles, adding emotional and dramatic layers to this visually rich narrative.

Kirrkan – SunNXT, January 15

Inspired by real events from Kottayam in 2005, Kirrkan is a Malayalam crime thriller that centres on the mysterious death of a young woman named Rachel. What initially looks like a straightforward case takes a dark turn after shocking post-mortem findings.

Directed by Josh, the film stars Vijayaraghavan, Salim Kumar, Kani Kusruti and Anarkali Marikar. With multiple suspects and unexpected twists, Kirrkan slowly peels back layers of deception, making it an engaging watch for true-crime enthusiasts.


Dhandoraa – Amazon Prime Video, January 14

Telugu social drama Dhandoraa tackles themes of caste, oppression and generational conflict. Directed by Muralikanth Devasoth, the film revolves around a rigid landlord whose deep-rooted beliefs are challenged when his children fall in love against societal norms.

Sivaji plays the central character, supported by Manika Chikkala, Navdeep and Bindu Madhavi. The film traces how the landlord’s past shapes his present mindset and how unchecked power can lead to tragic consequences, making it a thought-provoking watch.



Anantha – JioHotstar, January 13

Anantha is a Tamil devotional drama inspired by the teachings of Sathya Sai Baba. Directed by Suresh Krissna, the film interweaves five interconnected stories that explore faith, belief and spiritual transformation.

Jagapathi Babu, Suhasini Maniratnam and YG Mahendra headline the cast. Balancing devotional themes with commercial storytelling, Anantha aims to resonate with viewers looking for meaningful narratives rooted in spirituality.

Gurram Paapi Reddy – ZEE5, January 16, 2026

If you’re in the mood for comedy with a dash of chaos, Gurram Paapi Reddy might be your pick. This Telugu comedy crime caper stars Naresh Agastya and Faria Abdullah and is directed by Murali Manohar.

The story follows Paapi Reddy, a man whose financial troubles push him into an absurd plan involving a dead body and a promised fortune. With actors like Yogi Babu, Brahmanandam and Mottai Rajendran joining the fun, the film leans heavily on humour and situational comedy.

Bha Bha Ba – ZEE5, January 16

Malayalam action-comedy Bha Bha Ba brings together a cast led by Dileep and Vineeth Sreenivasan. Directed by Dhananjay Shankar, the film kicks off with the kidnapping of Kerala’s newly elected Chief Minister by a man who calls himself “the Commoner”.

What follows is a spoof-filled ride involving police investigations, public chaos and quirky characters. Featuring appearances by Mohanlal and SJ Suryah, Bha Bha Ba mixes satire, action and humour in equal measure.

Stay tuned for more updates!