What to watch this week: From Salim-Javed’s story to a comedy caper

This week, celebrate the legacy of two men that put writers on the map of Indian cinema with their blockbusters in the 1970s with Angry Young Men: The Salim-Javed Story, step on the pedal of a classic American road trip adventure with Ethan Coen’s Drive-Away Dolls, follow the the struggling lives of three families coping with loss in The Accident, dive into the story of a man and his family as they step into a world of crime with Raayan, and check into a secluded motel where mysteries unfold with The Frog.

Here are the top picks for your weekend binge:

Angry Young Men: The Salim-Javed Story (English/Hindi)

This captivating three-part docuseries delves into the lives and careers of the legendary writer duo, Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, who changed the way that the Indian film industry looked at writers. 

From hilarious anecdotes to heartfelt revelations, the series has it all, focusing on the formidable partnership that delivered 22 blockbuster hits in the 1970s, redefining cinema writing. After painting their names on film posters to get the due recognition, the duo moved on to share an unparalleled success between the two of them, eventually parting ways. 

The series dives into the story behind the success and failures of the duo, both personal and professional, including interviews with their families, Indian film actors, writers, and filmmakers who were all at some point inspired by the phenomenon that was Salim-Javed. 

Starring: Salim Khan, Javed Akhtar, Salman Khan, Honey Irani, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Drive-Away Dolls (English)

This comedy caper is helmed by one-half of the celebrated director duo, the Coen brothers, Ethan Coen, who co-wrote the script with Tricia Cooke.

The film follows the adventures of two best friends: the free-spirited Jamie and the reserved Marian. 

As Jamie navigates a recent breakup and Marian seeks to loosen up, they embark on a road trip from Philadelphia to Tallahassee. Their journey takes a chaotic turn when a mysterious briefcase is discovered hidden in their car. Crossing paths with criminals throughout their great American road trip, the two friends must now learn to navigate their journey in more ways than one. 

Starring: Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Beanie Feldstein, Colman Domingo

Where to watch: Jio Cinema

The Accident (Spanish)

This gripping Spanish drama series, set in a seemingly idyllic community filled with rich folks, follows the twists and turns in the lives of three families. 

With their lives being irrevocably altered by a tragic incident at a birthday party that leads to the deaths of three children and the disappearance of a young girl, the families must now find a way to grapple with the pain, guilt, and resentment. 

As the close-knit community shatters to its core, the families soon find out that the truth is far more sinister than they could have ever imagined. 

Raayan (Tamil)

This Tamil-language action crime drama, helmed by acclaimed actor Dhanush, follows the life of a fast-food hotel owner in Chennai. 

Dhanush stars as the movie’s titular character, Raayan, who loves his siblings. Their seemingly peaceful lives take a dramatic turn when an unfortunate event plunges the family into the dangerous world of crime. Raayan, determined to protect his loved ones, faces numerous challenges as the situation spirals out of control.

The thrilling movie also marks Dhanush’s 50th film. 

Starring: Dhanush, S. J. Suryah, Selvaraghavan, Kalidas Jayaram

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

The Frog (Korean)

This K-drama series, created by Mo Wan Il, will keep you on the edge of your seat. 

Dive into this suspenseful mystery crime thriller that unfolds in a secluded motel nestled deep within a forest. 

The tranquil atmosphere is shattered by the arrival of a mysterious woman, setting off a chain of strange incidents. Not only does the motel owner’s life become entangled in the mystery, but also those of the people around him. As the plot thickens, a sinister conspiracy emerges, revealing a darker side to the seemingly peaceful motel.

Starring: Kim Yoon Seok, Yoon Kye Sang, Go Min Si, Lee Jung Eun

Where to watch: Netflix