The seven-episode series Daldal follows DCP Rita Ferreira (Bhumi Pednekar) investigating ritualistic murders in Mumbai, with the killer revealed early. It starts as a believable police procedural but devolves into contrived elements involving paedophilia, drug abuse, and bizarre plot strands. Strengths include impactful sensitive themes and strong supporting performances; weaknesses dominate with templated storytelling, lack of nuance, and Pednekar's one-note morose portrayal. Rated 2/5, it offers intriguing opening but eye-roll moments later.

Anurag Kashyap's acclaimed neo-noir thriller Kennedy finally premieres on ZEE5 in India on February 20, 2026, after a celebrated festival run including Cannes Midnight Screenings in 2023 with extended ovation. Rahul Bhat stars as insomniac ex-cop Kennedy operating in Mumbai's underworld, with Sunny Leone as enigmatic Charlie. The film explores guilt, corruption, and redemption in brooding atmosphere enhanced by Prague Philharmonic score. Kashyap calls it a "labour of love," grateful for global journey. Supporting cast includes Mohit Takalkar and Abhilash Thapliyal.

Vaibhav Munjal's debut film Scenes from a Situationship explores the ambiguities of modern relationships through a 90-minute indie feature streaming on YouTube since December 25. Structured as vignettes, it follows two young adults navigating a 'situationship' influenced by dating apps and social media. The story, "based on a ‘true’ situationship," captures Gen Z dilemmas of undefined connections versus desire for clarity. With non-linear storytelling and everyday observations, it reflects urban dating culture in Indian indie cinema, highlighting emotional complexities without labels.

Jeethu Joseph's Valathu Vashathe Kallan, a crime thriller centered on a missing woman case investigated by CI Antony Xavier (Biju Menon), promises intriguing setup but delivers underwhelming obvious twists and weak characterisation. Joju George stands out as grieving father seeking revenge, with Lena providing impactful moments. Strengths include initial hook and select performances; major weaknesses are inorganic twists, abandoned sub-plots like therapist visits, and unintelligent police portrayal undermining genre credibility. Compared to Joseph's hits like Drishyam and Memories, this feels like underdelivery despite competent cast. The film ends as mediocre crime drama failing to impress or sustain tension.

Tharun Bhascker's Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi is a near scene-for-scene Telugu remake of the Malayalam hit Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey, exploring domestic abuse and patriarchy through dark comedy. Eesha Rebba anchors as the resilient Prashanti enduring an entitled husband's casual violence, while Tharun Bhascker plays the insecure "alpha male" Omkar. Strengths include natural humour from everyday observations and relevant themes on women's resistance; weaknesses stem from excessive fidelity to the original, reducing emotional impact and freshness. The film generates laughs in parts but struggles with tonal consistency and underdeveloped arcs, making it engaging for new viewers but underwhelming for those familiar with the source. Overall, it's a passable effort handling sensitive subjects with intent but lacking distinct voice.

Mardaani 3 sees Rani Mukerji's Shivani Shivaji Roy battling human trafficking queenpin Amma (Mallika Prasad) in corrupt system devaluing poor lives. Film critiques indifference power privilege through brisk narrative grounded action unflinching gaze neglected realities. Strengths restraint grim presentation purposeful anger strong performances; weaknesses predictability tropes loopholes familiar module. Rani fierce natural intensity anchors conviction Mallika intimidating sharp. Necessary angry right places flawed usual ways sustains franchise woman-led stories pushing trafficking conversation without softening.

Kishor Pandurang Bele's Gandhi Talks is a bold silent film set in chaotic Mumbai, exploring how money ("paisa bolta hai") shapes morality through contrasting lives of wealth and poverty. Vijay Sethupathi shines as desperate Mahadev, Arvind Swamy impresses in limited role as fallen Boseman, and Aditi Rao Hydari captivates with expressive eyes. Strengths include meditative silence turning therapeutic amid noise, honest performances, textured score with old songs, and meaningful commentary on greed without dialogue. Weaknesses minor in niche appeal. The rebellious format proves silence louder than words, earning loud applause for originality and emotional depth.

Aashiq Abu's Baby Girl starts with promising psychological thriller core exploring trauma and relationships but succumbs to conveniences and predictable twists. Nivin Pauly delivers committed performance as a man grappling past secrets, supported by strong cast including Sangeeth Prathap and Roshan Mathew. Strengths include atmospheric tension and emotional moments; weaknesses dominate with contrived plotting, underdeveloped characters, and resolution lacking impact. The film entertains sporadically but fails to sustain intrigue or depth, feeling like missed opportunity despite solid technical aspects and performances.

Jyoti Deshpande and Jio Studios' Landlord, directed by Mansore, is a raw 1980s-set rural action drama exposing caste-based landlord oppression in Karnataka villages. Debutant Pranav Deshpande shines as a young man fighting systemic injustice, with strong performances from Achyuth Kumar and supporting cast. Strengths include authentic village atmosphere, impactful action, and meaningful messages on education and constitutional rights. Weaknesses involve predictable plotting and occasional pacing dips. The film delivers a powerful social commentary blending emotional depth with rousing resistance, earning praise for its relevance and sincerity.

Border 2, directed by Anurag Singh, serves as a polished sequel inspired by 1971 War events like the Battle of Basantar and INS Khukri story. Sunny Deol anchors with commanding presence and emotional depth, while Varun Dhawan surprises as Major Hoshiar Singh, Diljit Dosanjh brings charm, and Ahan Shetty delivers restraint. The film balances patriotism with human moments, shining in second-half battlefield brotherhood and sacrifices. Strengths include nostalgia from original songs and reflective dialogues; weaknesses involve indulgent first-half backstories, reduced roles for women, and lack of original's rawness. At 3 hours 19 minutes, it's a respectful big-screen salute to service, though playing safe with gloss over grit.