What to watch this week: From a Mumbai murder mystery to a sci-fi thriller

This week, take a walk through the bustling lanes of Mahim, Mumbai with police officer Shivajirao Jende to unravel a murder mystery in Murder in Mahim, laugh out loud with Fafa’s new avatar in Jitu Madhavan’s Aavesham, take a deep dive into the mystery of Adam and Harry’s chance encounter in All of Us Strangers, and and experience the warping of reality with Dark Matter. 

Here’s a rundown for this week:

Aavesham (Malayalam)

Directed by Jitu Madhavan, this Malayalam action-comedy revolves around three friends – Aju, Bibi, and Shanthan. Their college life takes a wild turn after a run-in with a bully leaves them fuming, and in a desperate bid for revenge, they end up seeking help from a notorious gangster decked in all white clothes, gold chains, and a handlebar mustache. 

Their plan, however, hilariously backfires and lands them in deeper trouble than they ever imagined. 

Starring: Fahadh Faasil, Hipster Pranav Raj, Mithun Jai Shankar, Roshan Shanavas, Midhutty

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

All of Us Strangers (English)

This romantic drama, helmed by Andrew Haigh and based on Taichi Yamada’s 1987 novel of the same name, centers around a screenwriter named Adam, who returns to his childhood home. Still struggling to deal with the decades old loss of his parents, their vision interrupts his thoughts frequently — and eerily — in flashbacks and surreal sequences. The journey back to his old house presents him with an opportunity to heal from the trauma, as he forms a bond with the downstairs neighbor, Harry. 

Starring: Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Jamie Bell, Claire Foy

Where to watch: Disney Plus Hotstar

Bodkin (English)

This chilling series blends dark humor and suspense to create one nail biting thriller. Helmed by creator Jez Scharf, the series unfolds in a picturesque Irish coastal town forever marked by the unsolved cases of three disappearances during a past Samhain celebration. Perfect setting for a true crime podcast. 

Enter Gilbert, an ambitious American podcaster, and his assistant Emmy, determined to crack the cold case with their true crime podcast. They are not alone, though. Seasoned investigative journalist Dove joins them in their quest to uncover the mystery. As they delve deeper, the trio unearths secrets more disturbing than they ever anticipated. 

Starring: Will Forte, Siobhán Cullen, Robyn Cara, David Wilmot, Chris Walley

Where to watch: Netflix

Dark Matter (English)

Created by Blake Crouch, this sci-fi thriller is based on his 2016 novel of the same name. The gripping adventure tale revolves around physicist Jason Dessen, who sees his ordinary life shattered when a kidnapping throws him into a parallel universe. 

Stranded in a labyrinth of alternate realities, each reflecting a different path his life could have taken, Jason desperately searches for a way back to his true family. As he confronts twisted versions of himself, his quest takes a larger turn than anticipated. It becomes a profound exploration of identity, the choices we make, and the lives left behind. In this ultimate test, Jason must face his greatest adversary: himself.

Starring: Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Connelly, Oakes Fegley

Where to watch: Apple TV+

Murder in Mahim (Hindi)

Mumbai’s bustling streets take center stage in this captivating crime-drama, based on Jerry Pinto’s acclaimed novel. 

A shocking murder in a railway station toilet in the Mahim area of Mumbai throws the busy city into a frenzy. A veteran police officer teams up with his old friend, a retired journalist, to unravel the truth. As they go deeper into the rabbit hole, a hidden world emerges, one that may hold the key not only to the case but also to the journalist’s estranged son. 

Starring: Vijay Raaz, Ashutosh Rana, Shivani Raghuvanshi

Where to watch: Jio Cinema