Mirzya, Tutak Tutak Tutiya, Queen of Katwe, Thoppil Joppan: Know your releases

Bollywood Films Mirzya

What’s it about: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Mirzya takes on one of the most iconic tales of star-crossed lovers in India, Mirza-Sahiba, and updates it for a new audienc_e._ Who’s in it: Harshvardhan Kapoor (Anil Kapoor’s son, and Sonam Kapoor’s brother) and Saiyami Kher (Tanvi Azmi’s niece) What may work for it: Rakeysh Mehra’s nuanced filmmaking with fresh faces and a story that dates back centuries. You can’t go wrong with folk love stories. Tutak Tutak Tutiya

What’s it about: A simpleton who wants a glamourous wife, but ends up with a simple one. He then starts to see ghosts of a transformed actress, who looks just like his wife Who’s in it: Tammannah Bhatia, Prabhu Deva, Sonu Sood What may work: The horror-comedy genre Hollywood Films Within

What’s it about: The horror film follows a widower who moves into a perfect house with his daughter and new wife. They band together and investigate the mystery of the previous family who lived there and disappeared. Who’s in it: Blake Jenner (No relation to Caitlyn Jenner), Nadine Velazquez, Michael Vartan and Erin Moriarty. Why it may work: From the looks of it, it looks like a film that mirrors the famous Insidious film trilogy. If you like the ‘house-of-horror’ genre, this is the film for you. Within is directed by Phil Claydon. Queen of Katwe

What’s it about: Director Mira Nair’s new offering is a compelling sports biopic set in the east African country of Uganda. The film explores the rise of a talented young chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi from the Katwe slums of Kampala. Who’s in it: David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’o and 10-year-old Madina Nalwanga plays Phiona. Why it may work: It has all the makings of an uplifting sports drama, it is directed by Mira Nair and the backed by brilliant stars like Oscar winning Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo. Queen of Katwe is directed by Mira Nair. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

What’s it about: Based on Ransom Rigg’s novel of the same name; the film follows the tale of an orphan whose new home is also filled with outcast children with strange powers. The home is run by the eccentric Miss Peregrine. Who’s in it: Eva Green, Samuel L Jackson, Judi Dench, Chris O’Dowd and Rupert Everett. Why it may work: The children’s novel echoes the Harry Potter series because of its magic quotient so it will surely be a hit. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is directed by Tim Burton. Telugu Films Abhinetri

What’s it about: The Telugu version of Tutak Tutak Tutiya, Abhinetri is a horror film laced with comedy. It narrates the travails of Krishna after a spirit takes over his wife Devi, who then transforms into a film actress. Who’s in it: Prabhu Deva, Tamannaah, Sonu Sood and RJ Balaji with a guest appearance by Amy Jackson Why it may work: Prabhu Deva’s must watch dance moves. Abhinetri is directed by AL Vijay. Eedu Gold Ehe

What’s it about: The film narrates the story of Sunil Verma, a relaxed man, after his brother is kidnapped and he is blamed for it. Who’s in it: Sunil, Richa Panai, Sushma Raj Why it may work: It is hard to say if it will work. Sunil’s comedy may be the only redeeming factor. Eedu Gold Ehe is directed by Veeru Potla Jaguar

What’s it about: The bilingual film, releasing in Kannada and Tamil, is a romantic action thriller. Nikhil, a first year MBBS student, goes against the system to prevent illegal functioning of medical colleges and hospitals. Who’s in it: Nikhil Kumar, grandson of former PM HD Deve Gowda and son of HD Kumaraswamy, former Karnataka CM with Deepti Sati. Why it may work: Though it is Nikhil Kumar’s debut film, his acting in the trailer looks promising. The music is composed by popular musician S Thaman. Jaguar is directed by Mahadev. Mana Oori Ramayanam

What’s it about: The film narrates what happens when four individuals — Bujangaiah, a businessman, Susheela, an escort, Garuda, a film director and an auto driver — cross paths. Who’s in it: Prakash Raj and Priyamani Why it may work: The film sees the collaboration of five National Award winners — Prakash Raj, Ilayaraja,Priyamani, film editor Srikar Prasad and art director Shashidhar Adapa. Mana Oori Ramayanam is directed by Prakash Raj himself. Kannada Films Dana Kayonu

What’s it about: Set in a rural background, Dana Kayonu is a romantic comedy film. Who’s in it: Duniya Vijay, Priyamani and Natasha Stankovic Why it may work: Director Yogaraj Bhat has some brilliant films like Gaalipata to his credit. Dana Kayonu is directed by Yogaraj Bhat. Tamil Films Devi(L)

What’s it about: Devi(L) is the Tamil version of Tutak Tutak Tutiya. Malayalam Films Kavi Udeshichathu?

What’s it about: Kavi Udeshichathu? is an out and out comedy film. Who’s in it: Biju Menon, Asif Ali, Narain, Anju Kurien and Sija Rose Why it may work: The music is composed by Jakes Bejoy who had earlier composed for Fahadh starrer Monsoon Mangoes. Kavi Udeshichathu? is directed by Liju Thomas. Thoppil Joppan

What’s it about: The film narrates the story of Thoppil Joppan, a Kabbadi player living in Kattappana, who loves his alcohol. Who’s in it: Mammootty, Andrea Jeremiah and Mamta Mohandas Why it may work: Mammootty will again be seen playing the role of a Kottayam ‘achayan’ clad in his classic juba-mundu with a Ray-Ban glasses. Thoppil Joppan is directed by Johny Antony. Pulimurugan

What’s it about: Puli Murugan is an action entertainer set against the backdrop of a forest. It is said to be about man-animal conflicts in villages bordering the jungles in south India. Who’s in it: Mohanlal, Kamalini Mukherjee and Namitha Why it may work: The highlight of the film is said to be a 20-minute climax action scene shot in the forests of Vietnam between Mohanlal and a real tiger. Pulimurugan is directed by Vysakh