Thank God, it's Friday! 20 movies releasing on December 20 in theatres; Which one should you watch?

December 20, 2024, Theatrical Releases: The Holiday season is around the corner and what¡¯s better than celebrating it by watching movies in theatres near you? Get your pals and cinephiles together this Friday and give a filmy start to your long weekend. From comedy to horror, animation to suspense, December 20th has over 20 movies spanning across all genres and catering to almost all tastes.

20 movies releasing in theatres on December 20

1. UI (Kannada)

UI is a Kannada movie directed by Upendra, set in a dystopian world in 2040. The story follows a psychological conflict between a king and an extraordinary man who, through cunning plans, takes over the entire town, becoming a ruthless dictator. The world is devastated by famine, caste divisions, and global issues like wars, inflation, and AI. Upendra plays a villainous leader who believes power is more important than protests. The film is a dark commentary on society¡¯s struggles, sparking intrigue with its thought-provoking themes.

2. Bachhala Malli (Telugu)

This one¡¯s a Telugu movie set in the 1990s, following the emotional and action-packed journey of a rural hero, Bachhala Malli (Allari Naresh). The film¡¯s trailer begins with Bachhala Malli lying unconscious in the rain, while a police officer (Rao Ramesh), narrates his reckless behaviour. Despite his wild nature, Malli's life changes when a girl enters it, but her father opposes their relationship. The film focuses on how Bachhala handles this conflict and his transformation from a fierce character to someone who must navigate love and life's challenges.

3. Parab (Odia)

Parab is an Odia movie set in a village caught in a border dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The story follows two IAS officers, Aditya and Ananya, who work to overcome resistance and long-held grudges between the people. As they try to bring unity to the divided village, they use the spirit of a forgotten festival to spark hope and bridge the gap. Directed by Chinmay Das and produced by Deependra Samal, Parab is a heartfelt tale of resilience, humanity, and the belief that "the world is one family" (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam).

4. Mufasa: The Lion King (English)

After the events of The Lion King (2019), Rafiki, the wise mandrill, sits down with Kiara, Simba and Nala¡¯s daughter, to share a special story about her grandfather, Mufasa. Rafiki tells how Mufasa grew up as an orphan, struggling to find his place in the world until he was adopted by a royal lion family. There, he formed a close bond with young Prince Taka, who treated him like a brother. The story explores their friendship, challenges, and how Mufasa grew into the lion everyone came to respect.

5. Viduthalai Part 2 (Tamil)

The film continues the story of Kumaresan (Soori), an honest police constable caught between his duty and his conscience. The police are hunting Perumal (Vijay Sethupathi), the leader of a rebel group fighting for the rights of oppressed villagers. As Kumaresan gets closer to the truth, he realizes the harsh reality of police brutality and corruption. The movie follows his struggle to do what¡¯s right while dealing with intense pressure from his superiors.

6. Xtreme (Tamil)

This action-drama centres on a young girl who, inspired by an actress's bold fashion choices, adopts a similar style. Tragically, she becomes a victim of murder, prompting an extensive police investigation that uncovers deep-seated societal prejudices and the challenges in the pursuit of justice. The film led by Rachitha Mahalakshmi and Ayali Abi Nakshatra is set against the themes of personal freedom, societal judgment, and the fight against injustice.

7. Hashtag Tadev Lagnam (Marathi)

This a light-hearted Marathi film that follows the rollercoaster journey of a young couple figuring out love, family expectations, and the chaos of modern relationships. Set in a vibrant and relatable backdrop, the story revolves around their attempts to balance their dreams and individuality while dealing with quirky relatives, traditional values, and unexpected twists. Packed with humour, heartfelt moments, and relatable scenarios, the movie leads up to a big fat Marathi wedding.

8. Shri Ganesha (Marathi)

Three unlikely friends, one car, and two days on a crazy road trip filled with surprises. This fun-packed adventure is full of laughs, heartfelt moments, and wild twists that show both the best and the worst in each of them. From funny chases and clever plans to fighting and unexpected bonding, the trip becomes a life-changing experience. Starring Prathamesh Parab, Shashank Shende, Sanjay Narvekar, Megha Shinde, and others, watch it in theatres near you.

9. 31st (Gujarati)

31st is a powerful and emotional movie that tells the story of Kinjal, a young woman who becomes a victim of a horrific crime when her boyfriend rapes her on New Year¡¯s Eve, December 31st. After being failed by the justice system and the police, Kinjal tragically takes her own life. Her sister, determined to seek justice, steps up to fight a legal battle to hold those responsible accountable. The film focuses on the emotional and legal struggles as the sister fights for justice for Kinjal, raising important questions about the flaws in the system.

10. Peg, Thrill Par Thrill (Gujarati)

Not much is known about the movie¡¯s plot but it stars Parag Malam, Keyur Khamar and Ancy Koshy in key roles. Written and directed by Harsh Sheth, Peg, Thrill Par Thrill is produced by Ashish Zala and cinematographed by Raj Vyas. Here¡¯s the trailer that might help you choose whether this is to your taste:-

11. Vanvaas (Hindi)

Vanvaas features Nana Patekar as an abandoned father who travels to Varanasi with his family and a group of children, but things take a dramatic turn when he is left alone, struggling with memory issues. Despite being abandoned, he clings to the hope that his children will come back. Utkarsh Sharma plays Veeru, a small-time thief and con artist, who steps in to help the father. Veeru promises to help him reunite with his children. Meanwhile, the father¡¯s children are secretly plotting to take over his property by preparing a fake death certificate for him.

12. The Rabbit House (Hindi)

This is about a woman who feels trapped in her marriage to a man struggling with OCD. While she quietly suffers, trying to find a way out, she begins to wonder if she¡¯ll ever be free ¡ª either through life or death. Set in the beautiful Himachal Pradesh, the film explores the emotional challenges of relationships, mental health, and society¡¯s expectations. The title, The Rabbit House, hints at the idea that her search for freedom is as elusive as a rabbit¡¯s burrow.

13. Outhouse (Hindi)

Outhouse tells the heartwarming story of Aadima, a graphic designer, and her grandson Neel, as they search for a stray dog named Pablo. Pablo ends up finding refuge in the home of Nana, a lonely old man who brings unexpected joy into his life. As Aadima and Neel continue their search for the dog, the film explores themes of closeness, connection, and how one small encounter can change lives.

14. Marco (Malayalam)

Marco is a unique Malayalam film that focuses entirely on the villain, Marco, played by Unni Mukundan. Unlike traditional films, where the story revolves around the hero, this spin-off of the 2019 film Mikhael explores the backstory and character development of the antagonist. It¡¯s a rare move in Indian cinema to dedicate an entire film to a villain. The film delves into Marco¡¯s complex character, providing viewers with an in-depth look at what makes him who he is.

15. Rifle Club (Malayalam)

Rifle Club is a gripping film set in a historic rifle club in the Western Ghats. The story follows a group of expert hunters, united by their shared passion for hunting, who must fight for survival when a vengeful arms dealer and his deadly gang come after them. As the hunters use their skills and the legacy of the club to defend themselves, the film becomes a tense narrative of action, survival, and the preservation of tradition. This is an Ashiq Abu directorial.

16. ED - Extra Decent (Malayalam)

ED is a comedy film about a son who loses his memory and slowly uncovers the dark secrets of his family. As he unveils the twisted truths about his past, he discovers a morally complex family filled with lies and hidden motives. The film blends humor with a tale of revenge and redemption, as the son faces his family's secrets in a hilariously unexpected way. Directed by Aamir Pallikkal, it stars Dilna Ramakrishnan and Suraj Venjaramoodu in lead roles.

17. Khadaan (Bengali)

This movie tells the story of Shyam, a man from a remote village in Purulia, who comes to work as a labourer in the coal mines of the Damodar Valley. Here, he meets Mohan, a Vaishnavite, and the two form a strong friendship. Together, with their determination and unwavering spirit, they strive to change their own destinies and improve the lives of fellow workers, rewriting the fate of those around them. The film holds themes of friendship, perseverance, and social change.

18. Shontaan (Bengali)

Shontaan is a film about a devoted father, played by Mithun Chakraborty, who faces rejection from his son in his old age. Seeking justice, he takes his son to court on charges of neglect. Subhashree Ganguly plays the lawyer who represents the father in the case, while Ritwick Chakraborty portrays the son. The story explores the emotional struggles of the family, as the parents face the pain caused by their son's insensitivity, and the court case raises the question of whether the family can heal or if the divide will only grow deeper.

19. 5 No Swapnamoy Lane (Bengali)

The movie revolves around two cousins who set out on a difficult journey to reclaim their ancestral home, a dream that seems almost impossible. With the help of a determined doctor and a clever lawyer, they face numerous challenges and work tirelessly to achieve their goal. The film beautifully blends the charm of the past with the energy of the present, offering a heartwarming story of persistence, family, and hope, showcasing a true slice of life.

20. Chaalchitro: The Frame Fatale (Bengali)

This Bengali thriller is about four cops from Kolkata Police investigating a string of gruesome murders shaking the city. Senior detective Kanishka and his team uncover chilling similarities to an old case from his past. As the murders become increasingly brutal, the team must solve the mystery while dealing with their own personal struggles. The film follows their intense journey to stop the killer¡¯s twisted plan before it¡¯s too late.

Which of these movies are you planning to watch in theatres this Friday? Tell us @indiatimes.

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