mid-day's OTT recommendations: Five movies and shows that you can binge-watch

Stills from Sara`s, Aanum Pennum, Natkhat and Feels Like Ishq. All pictures courtesy/PR

It's not women's day, but the choices this week, at least most have of them have bordered on the emotions and fears of the fairer sex. Let's be real, no matter how liberated and under the illusion of a free and equal society we live in, the fear of being trampled upon - emotionally or physically -- constantly looms over us. Every girl/woman has experienced this at least once in their lifetime. Be it a toxic relationship or the right to make choices for your own body or the right to refuse sexual advances - this week's choices cover all bases. From Vidya Balan's Natkhat to Jude Anthany Joseph's Sara's to Netflix's Feels Like Ishq -- every story highlights the plight of women that had been normalised. mid-day's OTT recommendations this week are a teaching moment for both men and women.

Sara's - Amazon Prime Video

Why can't men get pregnant? Well, there's an obvious scientific answer to that. But if they don't have the capability to bear children, should they then have the power to decide if women should/should not get pregnant? I think not and that's exactly what Anna Ben, who plays Sara Vincent in Sara's tries to tell with her story. Since childhood, Sara has been averse to the idea of getting pregnant. She dumped every boyfriend until 25 who didn't match her ideology until Jeevan Philip (played by Sunny Wayne) walked into her life. Friendship blossomed to love and without further ado, they tied the knot, all the while with the assurance that like her, Jeevan also didn't wish to have children. But who can avoid the questioning glare of the overbearing and interfering Indian family? After numerous tries, Sara gets the opportunity of a lifetime to direct her own film, but everything goes awry when she accidentally gets pregnant. While Sara is determined to proceed as planned, she is stripped of her husband's support who changes his mind. The Malayalam film is a beautiful portrayal of a woman who chooses to honour her career over parenting. It also subtly highlights the undertones and pressures of living in a male-dominated society. Without over-the-top drama, the outing is a delightful window into a woman's psyche during an accidental pregnancy.

Natkhat -Voot Select

For years, we've blamed women when they got molested or physically abused. The narrative to educate men began much later, although several sections of the society still shirk from the responsibility. Vidya Balan's short film that is part of Voot Select's film festival sheds light on the importance of teaching boys about gender equality. It's almost normal for a young Sonu to see his grandfather, father, uncle, and friends disrespect women. A habit he soon picks up and wears with pride, until he sees the effect of his misdemeanours on his beloved mother. Balan's character explains to Sonu the error of his ways in the guise of a bedtime story. This one should ideally be a must-watch for young kids. As they say, education begins at home. So, instead of normalising patriarchy, if children are taught about gender equality, we may just save a generation from this unending abyss.

Aanum Pennum - Amazon Prime Video

This Malayalam anthology of three stories delves into the life of three women from different eras and their tryst with romantic relationships and sexual intimacy. The first story set in the post-British Raj-era is about Savitri -- a communist comrade on the run. She seeks refuge as a house help only to be leched at by the patriarch of the family. She forms a romantic alliance with a man of her choice and punishes her abusive pursuer to death. The second story is based on a short story by the popular writer Uroob. Rachiyamma is a milkmaid, who showers affection on a plantation officer, while physically keeping him at bay. When the romantic alliance comes to the fore, she tells him about the promise to her dead mother of never crossing the line. Fearing the level of commitment required, he abandons her without a word only to regret it years later. The third story in the collection talks about two new-age lovers. While Roshan Mathew's character is desperate to have sex with his girlfriend, she constantly ponders if their connection is purely sexual. Away from the gaze of his family, he secures a secluded area in the wilderness to take the relationship to the next level. But little did he know that someone is always watching. All three female actors -- Samyuktha Menon, Parvathy Thiruvothu, and Darshana Rajendran - give a crackling performance while keeping it artful. Directors Jay K, Venu, and Aashiq Abu capture raw emotions and showcase the stories with several undertones. A slow watch, but not without depth and rawness.

Feels Like Ishq - Netflix

This anthology of six stories explores the initial sparks between six couples that lend to a relationship. It's a fresh take on romance that makes you grin wide. While the first story doesn't impress, the remaining five leave you hoping for more. From teenage crush during quarantine to budding connection between an aimless traveller and host to the affirmation of love between a lesbian couple to a Tinder date in between a rally - each short explores new dimensions, insecurities, and relationships. With Ayushmann Khurrana crooning in Quarantine Crush to Kabir Das's song Haman hai ishq mastana in Ishq Mastana - every story has something new, innocent, and empowering to offer. So, ensure to add this to your binge-list.

Masters of the Universe: Revelation - Netflix

Did you go into flashback thinking of He-Man? Well, I certainly did. Growing up watching the adventures of He-Man, this five-episode series was nothing short of pure nostalgia. Every ardent fan would resonate with my feelings here. Having said that, the short series, which is already confirmed for another season, is filled with twists and turns. As expected, He-Man is the main character in the show, but creator Kevin Smith shifts focus on Teela. How often do female characters get dominance in a superhero franchise? In this case, there's more than one. Engaging storyline, vivid characterisation, fresh concept, and all this while keeping the characters dipped in nostalgia. Need we say more?