Baar Baar Dekho, Freaky Ali, Sully and Iru Mugan: Know your releases this week

If taking in the latest releases at your neighbourhood multiplex (or single screen) is what makes the weekend perfect for you, then this Friday’s (9 September) offerings should make for some entertaining choices. We have romance (Baar Baar Dekho), comedy (Freaky Ali), drama (Sully), action (Iru Mugan) and sibling bonding (Jyo Achyutananda). So what will you be picking? Scroll through our list and put your money on the film you want to watch most. Film: Freaky Ali

What it’s about: A cricketer by passion, gangster by profession and golfer by chance, Ali’s talent for unerringly hitting a ball towards its target make him an unlikely champion on the greens. However, winning over the world of golf may be about more than just getting a hole in one, Ali learns. Inspired by Adam Sandler's _Happy Gilmore_ . Who’s in it: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Arbaaz Khan, Amy Jackson, Jas Arora, Nikitin Dheer Why it may work: The Freaky Ali trailer showed us that the film has a funny streak a mile wide. Nawaz seems pitch perfect in his avatar as an accidental golfing hero. The supporting cast (with the exception of Jackson and Arora) seem to have slipped into their roles with as much ease as Nawaz and let’s not forget — this film is backed by Salman ‘Sultan’ Khan. Freaky Ali is directed by Sohail Khan. Film: Baar Baar Dekho

What it’s about: Jai is in love with Diya. Just when they’re about to tie the knot, Jai relaises that he isn’t ready to ‘settle down’, that he wants to do a whole lot more before he reconciles to a life of matrimony. So he conveys his feelings to Diya the night before their wedding, and breaks her heart in the process. But the next morning when he wakes up, Jai is stumped: It’s been 10 days since the wedding; subsequently he travels further and further in time until he realises that the day he has ‘jumped’ to is his last. Faced with the prospect of death, Jai must try to mend his relationship with Diya before it is too late. Who’s in it: Sidharth Malhotra, Katrina Kaif, Ram Kapoor, others. Why it may work: The photogenic lead pair. The photogenic settings. The song-and-dance sequences that set #IndianWeddingGoals. ‘Kala Chashma’. all the Dharma Productions hallmarks. Baar Baar Dekho is directed by Nitya Mehra. Film: Ek Kahaani Julie Ki

What it’s about: It began life as a retelling of the Sheena Bora murder case, but with the threat of legal action looming over their heads, we imagine the makers of this film had to make some quick changes to the storyline. So we start with a couple schmoozing in locations both home and abroad, and generally being as lovey-dovey as two lovebirds in love can be. In the midst of their waltzing around, Sawant’s character gets told that she will kill her beau. Shocker! In the meantime, there’s a scheming older woman, a scheming younger woman, and a whole lot of plot twists that will have you wondering just what in the name of Julie is happening. Who’s in it: Rakhi Sawant, Amit Mehra Why it may work: So-bad-they’re-good films have a fan following all their own. We peg this one as an instant classic in that department. Ek Kahaani Julie Ki is directed by Aziz. Film: Sully

What it’s about: We’re surprised this prestige project hasn’t made more noise before its release. Based on the real life story of Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger — the pilot of US Airways Flight 1549, that had to make an emergency landing on the Hudson River after both its engines failed at an extremely lower altitude (there were 155 people on board) — this is a rescue drama that’s sure to have lots of edge-of-the-seat moments. Who’s in it: Tom Hanks, Laura Linney, Aaron Eckhart Why it may work: Like we said, lot of gripping moments here, at least as teased by the trailer. Overseas, the film has earned positive reviews, and Hanks’ turn as Sully is doubtless the main draw. Sully is directed by Clint Eastwood. Film: Iru Mugan (Tamil)

What it’s about: Since Iru Mugan has already released on Thursday, 8 September, it doesn’t exactly count as an ‘upcoming release’ — however, it is one of your choices of new films to watch this weekend, so we’re including it here. There’s a terrorist mastermind who’s threatening to wreak havoc in Southeast Asia. A very special hero muct be brought in to counter the threat. Will he succeed? Who’s in it: Chiyaan Vikram, Nayanthara, Nithya Menen Why it may work: There’s no ‘may’ about it. Iru Mugan is already winning over fans and response to it on Thursday morning was generally positive . With superstar Vikram in a double role, stylised action sequences and more, this ‘package’ entertainer is assured of a good opening weekend. Iru Mugan is directed by Anand Shankar. Film: Jyo Achyutananda (Telugu)

What it’s about: Two brothers fall in love with their beautiful new tenant. A comic caper ensues, even as some emotional journeys are undertaken. Who’s in it: Nara Rohith, Naga Shaurya, Regina Why it may work: The breezy, feel-good tone of the film is a definite plus, as is the chemistry between the lead trio. The pre-release buzz for the film has seen its overseas rights sold for a very high price. Jyo Achyutananda is directed by Srinivas Avasarala.