From adrenaline-pumping action to magical adventures, this week's lineup of theatrical releases promises to add more fun to your Christmas and New Year celebrations. Here’s everything you need to know.

Baby John (Hindi)

Directed by: Kalees

Cast: Varun Dhawan, Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jackie Shroff, Rajpal Yadav

Directed by Kalees and produced by Atlee, the film is an adaptation of Atlee’s 2016 Tamil blockbuster Theri. Starring Varun Dhawan in the titular role, the film tells the story of a fierce cop who goes into hiding to protect his daughter but is forced to confront his dark past when an old adversary resurfaces. Varun has two avatars in the film: a no-nonsense cop and a ruthless vigilante. Jackie Shroff takes a menacing turn as Babbar Sher, a ruthless villain. Baby John also marks the Bollywood debut of National Award-winning actress Keerthy Suresh and a cameo by Salman Khan.

Max (Kannada)

Directed by: Vijay Kartikeyaa

Cast: Kichcha Sudeep, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Samyukta Hornad, Sukrutha Wagle, Anirudh Bhat

For fans of high-octane action, Max delivers in spades. Kichcha Sudeep plays Arjun Mahakshay, a suspended cop thrust back into action after two months of suspension. He is thrust into a high-pressure scenario where he must rely on both his intelligence and physical strength to safeguard his team and resolve a critical crisis within 12 hours. The ensemble cast includes Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Samyukta Hornad, Sukrutha Wagle, and Anirudh Bhat, while Ajaneesh Loknath has composed the score for the film.

Barroz: Guardian of Treasures (Malayalam)

Directed by: Mohanlal

Cast: Mohanlal, Maya Rao West, Cesar Lorente Raton, Ignacio Mateos, Kallirroi Tziafeta, Nerea Camacho, Tuhin Menon.

Malayalam actor Mohanlal marks his directorial debut with 3D adventure film Barroz: Guardian of Treasures. Adapted from Jijo Punnoose’s novel of the same name, the film revolves around Barroz (Mohanlal), the 400-year-old guardian of Vasco da Gama’s hidden treasures. Bound by an oath, Barroz waits for the rightful heir, and his mission takes a turn when 13-year-old Isa (Maya Rao West) enters the picture. As their paths intertwine, the film unfolds into an epic journey that will alter their destinies.

Winter Film Festival

Rounding off the week is the Winter Film Festival, a celebration of holiday classics running from December 27, 2024 to January 2, 2025 at PVR-Inox theatres across 22 cities. Featuring timeless favorites like Home Alone (1990), Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), The Holiday (2006), and Frozen (2013), the festival promises a nostalgic flare for audiences.