May Means Binge Season
As the mercury rises, so does the quality of content landing on our screens. May 2025 is a goldmine for OTT lovers with platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, ZEE5, and Disney+ Hotstar dropping titles that promise intrigue, emotion, and edge-of-your-seat entertainment.
Filmfare summed it up perfectly in a recent column:
“The OTT landscape in 2025 isn’t just expanding it’s thriving with ambition, risk, and cinematic brilliance.”
So, whether you’re nursing your summer iced coffee or planning a weekend watch party, here’s your curated guide to the most talked-about releases this month.
Top Movies/Series That Should Be on Your Radar
1.Costao (ZEE5 – May 1)
Starring: Nawazuddin Siddiqui
In this gritty biographical drama, Siddiqui steps into the shoes of a relentless customs officer battling the gold mafia of 1990s Goa. His performance is understated but deeply impactful, critics are already pegging it as one of his finest turns.
Buzz: Bollywood Hungama calls it “Nawaz’s most restrained yet compelling role in years.”
*Fans are flooding X (formerly Twitter) with #CostaoUnmissable.
2. Another Simple Favour (Amazon Prime Video – May 1)
Cast: Blake Lively, Anna Kendrick
Fashion, deception, and dark secrets return in this sleek follow-up to the 2018 hit. The femme-fatale chemistry is intact, and this time, the stakes are even deadlier.
Watch Count: Over 15 million views in its first 72 hours.
Anna Kendrick teased on IG: “Wilder. Sharper. Deadlier. You’re not ready.”
3. The Royals (Netflix – May 9)
Forget fairy tales. This drama imagines a present-day royal family dealing with tabloid scandals, betrayal, and the burden of tradition. With storytelling that dances between The Crown and Succession, The Royals brings fresh drama behind velvet curtains.
Filmfare’s take: “Surprisingly honest… a mirror held up to monarchy in a social media world.”
4. Black, White & Gray: Love Kills (Disney+ Hotstar – May 2)
This thriller doesn’t hold back. With a mix of new talent and stage veterans, the series probes into a relationship gone dangerously wrong. Themes of moral ambiguity and obsession weave through a narrative that leaves you questioning your own judgments.
Reddit buzz: “Think Delhi Crime meets You haunting, stylish, and addictive.”
5. Dear Hograng (Netflix – May 16)
A rare and refreshing tale set in Northeast India. With its slow-burn storytelling, this family drama explores generational divides, cultural identity, and the meaning of home.
Actor Rajkummar Rao tweeted:
“Shows like #DearHograng are why Indian OTT is punching on a global level now.”
6. The Wild Robot (Netflix – May 24)
Don’t let the genre fool you, this isn’t just for kids. Based on Peter Brown’s bestselling novel and voiced by Lupita Nyong’o, this animated gem follows a robot learning to live and love in nature.
Critics are calling it: “Pixar’s spiritual cousin, tender, intelligent, and unexpectedly profound.”
Honourable Mentions to Bookmark Now
-
Netflix Tudum Global Event (May 31)
Expect a blitz of teasers, including the Stranger Things final season and Squid Game S3 reveals. -
Gehraiyaan 2 (Teaser)
Rumoured to surface mid-May. If the whispers are true, the sequel dives even deeper into fractured emotions and forbidden love.
(Source: Bollywood Hungama)
Also Read:
Final Take: Your Queue Is About to Explode
From political power plays in The Royals to sunlit melancholia in Dear Hograng, May isn’t just delivering content, it’s delivering conversation starters. These shows and films aren’t just here to entertain; they’re here to reflect, provoke, and engage.
As Filmfare rightly puts it,
“OTT is no longer an alternative. It’s where storytelling is being redefined.”
So if you haven’t scheduled your screen time yet, now’s the moment. Plug in. Power down the noise. And let the stories take over.
FAQ – Your May 2025 OTT Watchlist, Simplified
Q1: What’s the top-rated OTT release this month?
A: That depends on your taste. If you love grounded, powerful performances, Costao on ZEE5 is a knockout. For something stylish and twisty, Another Simple Favour on Prime Video is generating serious buzz.
Q2: Are these shows all India-based or international too?
A: It’s a great mix. While titles like Dear Hograng and Black, White & Gray explore Indian stories, international picks like The Wild Robot and The Royals offer plenty of global flair.
Q3: I want family-friendly content. Any suggestions?
A: Absolutely. The Wild Robot on Netflix is a beautifully animated, all-ages film that hits emotional notes for both kids and adults. Dear Hograng is also family-safe, with rich storytelling from Northeast India.
Q4: What are fans talking about the most on social media?
A: Costao is trending big time, especially on X, thanks to Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s return to raw storytelling. The Royals is also stirring debates around privilege, politics, and power.
Q5: How can I watch these shows? Are they paid?
A: Most of them require a subscription on platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, ZEE5, or Disney+ Hotstar. But many offer free trials or discounted plans if you’re signing up for the first time.
