Theatrical releases this Friday: Catch Mufasa, Viduthalai 2, Marco and more on big screen this weekend

Theatrical releases this Friday, December 20: Packed with a cinematic rollercoaster, this week’s theatrical releases on Friday, December 20, promise to tug at your heartstrings, spark your imagination, and keep you on the edge of your seat.

Step back into the Pride Lands with Mufasa: The Lion King, a poignant origin tale of courage and destiny. Viduthalai Part 2 raises the stakes with its hard-hitting exploration of justice and rebellion. Upendra’s UI brings a futuristic spectacle, blending action with social commentary.

Marco flips the narrative, spotlighting a villain’s rise in a gripping Malayalam neo-noir. Rounding off the week, Vanvaas delivers raw emotion with a touching father-son story set against the spiritual backdrop of Varanasi.

Whether you’re looking for action-packed thrillers or heartfelt dramas, this weekend has something for everyone!

Mufasa: The Lion King

Mufasa: The Lion King, directed by Barry Jenkins, delves into Mufasa’s journey from orphaned cub to legendary king. Through Rafiki’s flashback narration to Kiara, viewers witness Mufasa’s complex bond with brother Taka (later Scar).

Mufasa: The Lion Kingis a prequel as well as a sequel to the 2019 remake of the beloved 1994 classic.

The musical drama blends heart, humour, and nostalgia, featuring Timon and Pumbaa’s beloved wit.

Adding to the excitement, powerhouses Shah Rukh Khan and Mahesh Babu have lent their voices to regional dubs, bringing the magic of the Pride Lands closer to Indian audiences.

Viduthalai Part 2

Viduthalai Part 2, directed by Vetrimaaran, continues the powerful saga that captivated audiences in 2023. This gripping sequel delves deeper into Vaathiyar’s (Vijay Sethupathi) past, revealing the beliefs driving his rebellion against injustice. Kumaresan (Soori) faces a moral conflict, torn between duty as a constable and empathy for the oppressed.

With Manju Warrier as Vaathiyar’s wife, the story gains emotional depth, while Bhavani Sre, Gautham Menon, and Anurag Kashyap add authenticity. Ilaiyaraaja’s haunting score and Velraj’s raw cinematography heighten the impact. Viduthalai Part 2 promises a hard-hitting, unforgettable conclusion.

UI

UI, directed by Kannada superstar Upendra, marks his return to filmmaking after nearly a decade – his last project was Uppi 2 in 2015.

Set in a dystopian 2040, the film follows twin brothers born under contrasting circumstances — one raised by a priest, embodying hope, and the other raised by a thief, driven by vengeance. Their ideological clash unfolds against a backdrop of global warming, AI dominance, and societal decay.

Upendra plays dual roles, blending his directorial vision with intense performances. The film critiques caste-based beliefs and exposes societal manipulation by those in power.

UI introduces groundbreaking technology, including VR pipeline shots and a photorealistic CG double of Upendra. With its gripping narrative, technical innovation, and social commentary, UI is a must-watch cinematic experience.

Marco

Haneef Adeni’s Marco is a gripping Malayalam neo-noir action thriller that delves into the origin story of the antagonist from his 2019 film Mikhael.

Starring Unni Mukundan in the titular role, the film spotlights Marco’s rise from obscurity to a feared kingpin, offering a villain-centric narrative. With intense action, raw storytelling, and stunning visuals, Marco redefines Malayalam action cinema.

The stellar cast includes Kabir Duhan Singh, Yukti Thareja, Anson Paul, and Siddique. Ravi Basrur’s electrifying music amplifies the cinematic experience.

Vanvaas

Anil Sharma’s Vanvaas shifts from grand action to an emotional family drama set in Varanasi.

Starring Nana Patekar, Utkarsh Sharma, Simrat Kaur, and Rajpal Yadav, the film portrays a father-son relationship strained by dementia and neglect.

Patekar delivers a heartfelt performance as an ageing father grappling with memory loss, while Sharma plays a son torn between duty and personal desires.

Vanvaas explores love, loss, and familial responsibility, offering a poignant reminder of the importance of caring for elders.