New OTT releases to stream this August

Not that we've been blown away by the array of new shows in June and July that saw many not get up from their seat, couch, bed, or well any place you can potato, expect much more of the same this month as August promises some of the most-awaited titles of the year. We’re talking about popular series like Emily in Paris that sees its fourth season drop in the middle of the month; The Umbrella Academy, a documentary on one of the most celebrated directors in Indian cinema; Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba; and more. 

Batman: Caped Crusader 

We’ve lost count of the number of Batman shows and movies there have been till date. Well, here’s one more with an animated series dropping on the very first day of the month. Produced by JJ Abrams, Matt Reeves (director of The Batman), and Bruce Timm (creator of Batman: The Animated Series), Batman: Caped Crusader features Hamish Linklater as the voice of Batman, Christina Ricci as Catwoman, Jamie Chung as Harley Quinn, and Diedrich Bader as Two-Face. The official synopsis reads, “"Welcome to Gotham City, where the corrupt outnumber the good, criminals run rampant and law-abiding citizens live in a constant state of fear. Forged in the fire of tragedy, wealthy socialite Bruce Wayne becomes something both more and less than human—the Batman. His one-man crusade attracts unexpected allies within the GCPD and City Hall, but his heroic actions spawn deadly, unforeseen ramifications."

Release date: August 1 on Amazon Prime Video 

Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli 

SS Rajamouli has redefined Indian cinema with his grand storytelling and groundbreaking visual effects, mastering multiple crafts along the way. From creating Baahubali, one of India’s most expensive films, to setting new records and bringing home an Oscar with RRR, his achievements are limitless. Netflix, Applause Entertainment, and Film Companion Studios partner for an upcoming biographical documentary feature titled Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli. Through an immersive journey and interview with Rajamouli, behind-the-scenes footage, and captivating narratives, this collaboration endeavors to encapsulate the filmmaker's creative universe, showcasing his profound influence on Indian and international cinema, his enduring legacy, and his innovative contributions to filmmaking. 

Presented by Anupama Chopra, the documentary also features insights from global luminaries like James Cameron, Joe Russo, and Karan Johar, as well as close friends and colleagues such as Prabhas, Jr NTR, Rana Daggubati and Ram Charan.

Release date: August 2

Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes

As per the synopsis, the documentary allows Elizabeth Taylor’s own voice to narrate her story, inviting audiences to rediscover not just a mega-star of Hollywood’s Golden Age but a complex woman who navigated lifelong fame, personal identity, and public scrutiny on a global stage from early childhood. Through newly recovered interviews with Taylor and unprecedented access to the movie star’s personal archive, the film reveals the complex inner life and vulnerability of the Hollywood legend while also challenging audiences to recontextualise her achievements and her legacy.

Release date: August 3 on HBO

The Umbrella Academy, Season 4

Based on the comic series of the same name by Gerard Way, The Umbrella Academy premiered in 2019 and follows a group of estranged siblings with superpowers who are reunited after the death of their father. It revolves around the seven Hargreeves siblings adopted by the eccentric Sir Reginald Hargreeves as part of a plan to save the world. While they’ve stopped the apocalypse from taking place numerous times in the past, the upcoming season will see them have to do it one more time, probably the last time, after the fight at Hotel Oblivion last season. In addition to the main cast, which includes Elliot Page and Tom Hopper, this season will also feature appearances from real-life couple Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally as Dr Gene and Jane Thibedeau and David Cross as Sy Grossman.

Release date: August 8 on Netflix

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba

One of our favourite twisted and scheming couples are back in business with Taapsee Pannu and Vikrant Massey reprising their roles as Rani and Rishu Saxena in Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba, a sequel to the 2021 romantic thriller Haseen Dillruba. The film follows the duo, who are on the run after successfully plotting a murder at the end of the first film. The trailer reveals that the pair are looking to put their past behind them only to land in further trouble. New characters, such as Abhimanyu played by Sunny Kaushal, who plays Rani’s love interest put their plans on the backseat. Another new face on the show is Jimmy Shergil who plays officer Mritunjay or Montu Chacha, a man who’s made it his life’s mission to expose them. 

Release date: August 9 on Netflix

Emily in Paris, Season 4: Part 1

Lily Collins is back again with the popular Netflix original returning for its fourth season. With the last season ending on a cliffhanger showing the love triangle between Emily, Camille, and Gabrielle, one can’t wait to see how things pan out this time around. The official synopsis for Emily in Paris Season 4, as revealed by Netflix, reads, “After the dramatic events of Camille and Gabriel’s misbegotten wedding, Emily is reeling: She has strong feelings for two men, but now Gabriel’s expecting a baby with his ex, and Alfie’s worst fears about her and Gabriel have been confirmed.” 

At work, Sylvie is forced to confront a thorny dilemma from her past for the sake of her marriage, and the Agence Grateau team navigates personnel shakeups. Mindy and the band prepare for Eurovision, but when funds run dry, they’re forced to get thrifty. Emily and Gabriel’s chemistry is undeniable as they work together towards a Michelin star, but two big secrets threaten to undo everything they’ve dreamed of,” it adds.

The fourth season of the show will consist of 10 episodes in total, with five episodes each in parts 1 and 2 (that’s out on September 12).

Release date: August 15 on Netflix

Lead image: Netflix

Also read: Lily Collins talks heirlooms, style and, of course, 'Emily in Paris'

Also read: Lucien Laviscount of 'Emily in Paris' on exploring Indian Cinema