Year-end watch or binge guide 2025: Ikkis to The Return of Tiger – biggest Theatrical, OTT & Audio Series releases you shouldn’t miss

As 2025 winds down and the festive mood sets in, audiences are hungry for stories that spark emotion, offer escape, or simply bring the family together. The last stretch of the year brings a rich mix of high-octane audio storytelling, theatrical events, and, buzzy OTT shows, each designed to complement the warmth (and chaos) of the holiday season.

Whether you’re wrapping up the year with a feel-good binge, chasing an edge-of-the-seat mystery, or rediscovering the joy of immersive audio series, here’s a strategic, curated roundup of what deserves a spot on your Christmas-to-New-Year watch or binge time.

1. Ikkis – Theatrical Release

The much-anticipated war biopic Ikkis, featuring Agastya Nanda in the lead role alongside talented actors Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat, will hit theatres on 1st January 2026. Inspired by the bravery of 21-year-old Param Vir Chakra awardee Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the film explores the courage, sacrifice, and emotional weight of the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Ikkis also marks the final on-screen appearance of Bollywood legend Late Dharmendra, a fitting end to a long and celebrated career.

2. Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri – Theatrical Release

If your holiday mood leans warm, sweet, and romantic, Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday’s festive rom-com is purpose-built for you. Arriving in theatres on 25 December 2025, the playful chemistry, cosy winter atmosphere, and uplifting storytelling, the film add a warm Christmas glow to the big screen. Positioned as a joyful, love-filled festive entertainer, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri aims to make Christmas week brighter and end the year on a cheerful, romantic note.

3. The Return of Tiger – Pocket FM

For listeners who crave suspense without screen fatigue, this is the right holiday pick for them.. Pocket FM ramps up the audio thriller landscape with The Return of Tiger, a high-engagement story that has already begun building traction. Following delivery boy Abhinav’s discovery that he is the son of a feared underworld don, the audio series unfolds with razor-sharp pacing, emotional stakes, and an addictive narrative hook.

4. Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders – Netflix

Streaming exclusively on Netflix from 19 December 2025, following its world premiere at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The crime thriller brings back fan-favourite investigator Inspector Jatil Yadav (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) in a darker, twist-filled murder mystery focused on the influential Bansal family, ideal for those who enjoy gritty drama over the holidays.

5. Mrs Deshpande – JioHotstar

Mrs Deshpande turns expectations upside down. What seems like an ordinary woman on the surface, played by Madhuri Dixit, is actually a convicted serial killer. When a copycat starts imitating her chilling crimes, the police seek her help but only if she collaborates with her estranged son, now a detective. Under Nagesh Kukunoor’s direction, the series promises a tense, chilling narrative filled with psychological twists, dark secrets, and a mother-son relationship marred by trauma and distrust. Far from festive cheer, Mrs Deshpande offers edgy, gripping thrills, ideal for viewers who crave a winter-season chill. Streaming on JioHotstar from 19 December 2025

6. Single Papa – Netflix

Netflix’s Single Papa offers a perfect mix of laughs, emotions, and festive cheer. Starring Kunal Kemmu, the series follows a single father as he navigates parenting surprises, messy moments, and heartfelt connections, all wrapped in a warm, feel-good story. With its Christmas-season charm, engaging storytelling, and relatable family dynamics, Single Papa makes for the perfect December binge – comforting, light, and made for cosy viewing. Streaming now!

7. Merv – Amazon Prime Video

Prime Video recently released Merv, which brings warm Christmas charm to the holiday lineup. The story opens with a bittersweet sense of humour as Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox play exes whose breakup leads to an unexpected casualty: their dog, who slips into depression. Forced to reunite for the sake of their pet, the former couple navigates awkward encounters, emotional turbulence, and festive chaos. Blending gentle comedy, heartfelt moments, and a feel-good seasonal atmosphere, Merv lands as a cosy December watch for anyone who enjoys character-driven Christmas stories.