Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx play former spies whose cover is blown in Back In Action. Photo: Netflix
Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx play former spies whose cover is blown in Back In Action. Photo: Netflix
Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx play former spies whose cover is blown in Back In Action. Photo: Netflix
Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx play former spies whose cover is blown in Back In Action. Photo: Netflix

New shows, movies and music to stream, from Pataal Lok season two to Cameron Diaz's first film in 10 years


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Many beloved shows return this week on multiple platforms, from the critically acclaimed Indian series Pataal Lok, back nearly five years after its debut, to Apple TV+’s sci-fi psychological thriller Severance. Plus, Cameron Diaz is making a comeback in her first film since 2014's Annie.

For fans of Mac Miller, his seventh album, Balloonerism, will be the second project to be released since his death in 2018.

Here are some of the latest films, shows and music to stream, as well as new video games to play.

New shows to stream

Pataal Lok, season two (Prime Video)

Jaideep Ahlawat as Hathiram Chaudhary in season two of Pataal Lok. Photo: Prime Video
Jaideep Ahlawat as Hathiram Chaudhary in season two of Pataal Lok. Photo: Prime Video

It has been nearly five years since this Hindi language crime thriller premiered and earned rave audience and critical reviews for its unflinching portrayal of India. The first season centred around a cynical cop, Hathiram Chaudhary (Jaideep Ahlawat), who gets assigned to investigate a high-profile case. Spinning into various threads, it delved into crime, politics, religion and the still-prevalent caste and class systems, all the while delivering a binge-worthy taut thriller.

In season two of Pataal Lok, Hathiram returns to solve another case, but this time in Nagaland, in India's north-east, a region with its own unique people and problem that has rarely been portrayed on screen.

Severance, season two (Apple TV+)

Adam Scott and Britt Lower in season two of Severance. Photo: Apple TV+
Adam Scott and Britt Lower in season two of Severance. Photo: Apple TV+

Debuting in 2022, Severance's original premise and gripping narrative has made it a huge success. In a daring experiment in work-life balance, a biotechnology company separates the consciousness of its employees, splitting them between their work personalities, called Innies, and their outside lives or Outies.

Separation between the two distinct personalities is strictly enforced, meaning all employees experience two completely separate lives. But when one employee, Mark (Adam Scott), begins to notice an overlap between his Innie and Outie personalities, things begin to unravel.

Part-sci-fi, part mystery, season two will hope to unpack many questions raised in the final episode of the first season, including the reappearance of some of the characters believed to be long dead. And Mark and his friends are set to learn the dire consequences of trifling with the severance barrier.

XO, Kitty, season two (Netflix)

Anna Cathcart as Kitty Song Covey, left, and Sang Heon Lee as Min Ho Moon in season two of XO, Kitty. Photo: Netflix
Anna Cathcart as Kitty Song Covey, left, and Sang Heon Lee as Min Ho Moon in season two of XO, Kitty. Photo: Netflix

A spin-off of Netflix's To All the Boys movie franchise, XO, Kitty centres on the film's lead character Lara Jean Song Covey's younger sister Katherine, or Kitty (Anna Cathcart). Set in South Korea, Kitty's mother's country of birth, season one followed the teenager and obsessive matchmaker as she navigated the travails of love, loss and friendships.

In season two, she returns to her school in Seoul, despite being expelled at the end of the first season, armed with much more confidence about who she is as a young woman. Netflix promises plenty of new faces, new crushes and more drama.

Young, Famous & African, season three (Netflix)

South African content creator Kefilwe Mabote in season three of Young Famous & African. Photo: Netflix
South African content creator Kefilwe Mabote in season three of Young Famous & African. Photo: Netflix

From Dubai Bling to Bling Empire, Netflix has monopolised the reality show concept when it comes to the lives of the rich and famous. First released in 2022, Young, Famous & African follows a crew of famous and rich celebrities as they work, play, flirt and feud in Johannesburg, South Africa. And there's enough bling and drama to go around.

New cast members for season three include South African content creator Kefilwe Mabote, Nigerian filmmaker Ini Edo and Ugandan businessman Shakib Lutaaya, who join returning members including Tanzanian music star Diamond Platnumz, Nigerian actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia and Nigerian stylist Swanky Jerry.

New movies to stream

Unstoppable (Prime Video)

Jharrel Jerome as Anthony Robles and Jennifer Lopez as Judy Robles in Unstoppable. Photo: Prime Video
Jharrel Jerome as Anthony Robles and Jennifer Lopez as Judy Robles in Unstoppable. Photo: Prime Video

This Ben Affleck-produced biographical film is about American wrestler Anthony Robles who was born without one leg and who fights adversity to earn a spot on the Arizona State Wrestling team in his quest to become national champion. Jharrel Jerome, best known for his role in the Oscar-winning film Moonlight, plays Robles, while Jennifer Lopez plays his supportive mother. Don Cheadle, Michael Pena and Bobby Cannavale also star.

Back In Action (Netflix)

Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx and Rylan Jackson in Back In Action. Photo: Netflix
Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx and Rylan Jackson in Back In Action. Photo: Netflix

A fitting title to mark Diaz's first film in 10 years. The star of There's Something About Mary and Shrek teams up with Jamie Foxx for this action film in which they play apparently average parents with a big secret: they used to be incredibly skilled secret agents.

Years after giving up life as spies to start a family, Emily (Diaz) and Matt (Foxx) find themselves dragged back into the world of espionage when their cover is blown. The film also stars Glenn Close, Andrew Scott and Kyle Chandler.

The Roshans (Netflix)

Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan, left, with his father, director and actor Rakesh Roshan, centre, and his uncle, music director Rajesh Roshan. AFP
Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan, left, with his father, director and actor Rakesh Roshan, centre, and his uncle, music director Rajesh Roshan. AFP

For decades, Bollywood has been dominated by a few powerful families, and the Roshans are one of them. This documentary series promises an intimate look at the film family, starting with music director Roshan Lal Nagrath, his sons – actor and director Rakesh Roshan and music director Rajesh Roshan – and grandson Hrithik Roshan, one of Bollywood's biggest stars.

Revealing tales of triumph and tragedy, including the assassination attempt on Rakesh Roshan in 2000, the film will feature anecdotes from leading figures in Bollywood, from superstar Shah Rukh Khan to director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

New music to stream

Balloonerism by Mac Miller

Balloonerism is the second album by rapper Mac Miller to be released since his death. 92tilinfinity / Instagram
Balloonerism is the second album by rapper Mac Miller to be released since his death. 92tilinfinity / Instagram

More than 10 years in the making, American rapper Mac Miller's second posthumously-released album is a 14-track offering taken from jam sessions recorded between 2013 and 2014. It features guest appearances by his alter ego Delusional Thomas as well as SZA. The rapper's first posthumous album, Circles, was released in 2020, two years after his untimely death in 2018.

“It is a project that was of great importance to Malcolm – to the extent that he commissioned artwork for it and discussions concerning when it should be released were had regularly, though ultimately GO:OD AM and subsequent albums ended up taking precedence,” read a post on the Instagram account 92tilinfinity, which posts updates from Miller's estate.

“We believe the project showcases both the breadth of his musical talents and fearlessness as an artist. Given that unofficial versions of the album have circulated online for years and that releasing Balloonerism was something that Malcolm frequently expressed being important to him, we felt it most appropriate to present an official version of the project to the world.”

A short animated film based on the album and influenced by the lyrics, has also been released. “It follows a group of school friends who are transfigured by the music of a chord organ and launched into a shadow world. Pursued by the turtle of time, they must plod through the underbelly of adulthood,” reads the film's synopsis.

Born Malcolm McCormick, Miller was 26 when he died of an accidental drug overdose.

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The specs

Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8

Transmission: Eight-speed auto

Power: 575bhp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: Dh554,000

On sale: now

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  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
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  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
It Was Just an Accident

Director: Jafar Panahi

Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr

Rating: 4/5

The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

On sale: Now

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
'Gold'

Director:Anthony Hayes

Stars:Zaf Efron, Anthony Hayes

Rating:3/5

If you go

The flights

There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.

The trip

Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.

The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.

 

Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

Dubai Rugby Sevens

November 30-December 2, at The Sevens, Dubai

Gulf Under 19

Pool A – Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jumeirah College Tigers, Dubai English Speaking School 1, Gems World Academy

Pool B – British School Al Khubairat, Bahrain Colts, Jumeirah College Lions, Dubai English Speaking School 2

Pool C - Dubai College A, Dubai Sharks, Jumeirah English Speaking School, Al Yasmina

Pool D – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Deira International School

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

Updated: January 17, 2025, 6:01 PM`