What to watch this week: The return of The Bear and a Tovino Thomas-starrer

This week brings you an exciting array of television shows and films. The Bear, the much-awaited and highly acclaimed dramedy is back with its third season. Aranmanai 4, the horror film of the year graces our television screens this week, and Jessica Alba-starrer action-thriller Trigger Warning raises the stakes. Rounding off this week are two distinct picks, the Spanish-language crime-thriller Gangs of Galicia, and Nadikar, a Malayalam-language film that centres around a superstar, going through a rough patch. 

Here’s a rundown for this week: 

The Bear: Season 2 (English)

After winning multiple Emmys for its first two seasons, The Bear returns to television this week, as we reconnect with chefs Carmy and Sidney. 

For a show about cooking in a restaurant, The Bear seems to overdo the task at hand and keep the audiences on the edge of their seats, exceeding the expectations one has from the dramedy genre. Packed full of exciting moments and sequences, the show explores new struggles faced by chef Carmy and chef Sidney as they try to run a successful restaurant in their home city of Chicago. 

Starring: Ayo Edebiri, Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Lionel Boyce

Where to watch: Disney Plus Hotstar

Aranmanai 4 (Tamil)

One of the highest grossing Tamil films of the year, this film is the fourth instalment in the Aranmanai series. 

Advocated Saravanan’s world collapses around him with the news of the death of his sister Selvi, supposedly by suicide. Refusing to believe the official explanation, Saravanan embarks on a personal investigation and uncovers some centuries-old supernatural secrets. 

Starring: Sundar C., Tamannaah Bhatia, Raashii Khanna

Where to watch: Disney Plus Hotstar

Trigger Warning (Netflix)

In this action-packed thriller, a Special Forces commando returns to her hometown after her father’s sudden death, and takes ownership of his bar. However, her homecoming turns into chaos at the hands of a local gang, in the throes of violence. 

Determined to find answers, she delves into her father’s death, uncovering a dangerous truth that alters her reality. 

Starring: Jessica Alba, Mark Webber, Anthony Michael Hall

Where to watch: Netflix

Gangs of Galicia (Spanish)

Situated in the idyllic Spanish coastline, this crime-thriller is inspired by a true story that took place in the region about six years ago. 

Following the shocking murder of her father, lawyer Ana discovers a hidden fortune that he left to complete strangers. Driven by her intentions to find the truth, she travels to the seaside town of Cambados, which is overrun by a ruthless drug empire. As Ana travels deeper into the picturesque town, she finds herself tangled in a web of crime and conspiracy, forced to confront her father’s legacy, as well as a powerful crime family. 

Starring:  Clara Lago, Tamar Novas, Nuno Gallego

Where to watch: Netflix

Nadikar (Malayalam)

Tovino Thomas-starrer Nadikar, directed by Jean Paul Lal, tells the story of a fading star grappling with fame. 

Once riding high on three back-to-back blockbusters, the protagonist has succumbed to a hedonistic lifestyle, characteristic of superstars. His arrogance on sets and refusal to hone his skills as an actor have led to a string of flops, a streak that he now must reverse. Facing a bleak future and gnawing self-doubt, he must now confront his demons and rediscover his passion for the craft if he wants to reclaim his place on the silver screen. 

Starring: Tovino Thomas, Soubin Shahir, Althaf Salim

Where to watch: Netflix