10 Best Movies Released In October From Indian And World You Must Watch (If You Haven’t Already)

10 Best Movies Released In October You Must Watch (If You Haven’t Already)

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The month of October, often coinciding with major global film festivals and festive holidays like Diwali and Vijayadashami in India, has consistently delivered some of the most memorable and high-impact movies of the year. From record-breaking Indian blockbusters to hotly anticipated Hollywood sequels and critical masterpieces, the autumn releases often set the tone for the Oscar and Filmfare seasons.

If you’re looking to catch up on the must-see cinema you missed, here are 10 of the best movies released in October from Indian and World cinema over the last couple of years that you absolutely need to watch. This list balances global critical acclaim, immense star power, and defining cultural moments.

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10 Best Movies Released In October You Must Watch

The list blends the most impactful releases from October 2024 and the timeless, critically acclaimed hits from October 2023.

The Global Blockbusters of October 2024

October 2024 was defined by a cinematic clash of genres, featuring high-stakes Indian dramas, a controversial political biopic, and the return of a psychological powerhouse.

1. Vettaiyan (India)

• Genre: Action Drama / Social Thriller
• Stars: Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil
• Release Year: 2024

This Tamil-language action drama, helmed by T.J. Gnanavel (director of the critically acclaimed Jai Bhim), marked one of the biggest multi-starrers in Indian cinema history, featuring the legendary reunion of Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan after decades. The film casts Rajinikanth as SP Athiyan, a celebrated encounter specialist, and Amitabh Bachchan as Judge Sathyadev, a vocal advocate for human rights who questions the morality of police killings. The movie’s core plot revolves around Athiyan’s moral dilemma after he accidentally kills an innocent person in a staged encounter, using the commercial masala format to tackle sensitive subjects like police brutality and the corruption within the education system. While some critics noted a mixed narrative that struggled to balance Rajinikanth’s superstar image with the director’s social commentary, the film’s high-octane action, star power, and strong political messaging made it a must-watch experience.

2. Joker: Folie à Deux (World)

• Genre: Psychological Musical Thriller
• Stars: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga
• Release Year: 2024

A sequel to the 2019 global hit Joker, this film brings back Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck in the confines of Arkham State Hospital, where he begins a dark and romantic relationship with a fellow inmate, Dr. Harleen “Lee” Quinzel (played by Lady Gaga). The “jukebox musical” element, featuring reimaginings of famous songs, sets it apart, blending musical sequences with the grim reality of Gotham. Despite its poor critical reception compared to its predecessor, its sheer ambition, the Oscar-winning lead performances, and its status as one of the most anticipated sequels of the decade cemented it as a major cultural moment of October 2024 that had to be seen to be believed.

3. Lucky Baskhar (India)

• Genre: Period Financial Thriller
• Stars: Dulquer Salmaan, Meenakshi Chaudhary
• Release Year: 2024

Dulquer Salmaan delivers a standout performance in this Telugu drama-thriller set in the late 1980s and early 1990s Mumbai. The story follows Baskhar, an ordinary, middle-class bank employee who gets drawn into a complex financial scam, loosely inspired by the era of the Harshad Mehta scandal. What starts as a simple way to earn extra cash spirals into a high-stakes game of money laundering and survival as he transforms from an underdog into a formidable player. Critics praised Dulquer Salmaan’s nuanced portrayal of the morally complex protagonist and the film’s gripping first half, positioning it as a fresh take on the financial thriller genre in Indian cinema.

4. The Apprentice (World)

• Genre: Biographical Drama
• Stars: Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong, Maria Bakalova
• Release Year: 2024

This politically charged biographical drama offers a deep dive into the early career of Donald Trump (Sebastian Stan) in the 1970s and 1980s, focusing on his formative and tumultuous relationship with the ruthless attorney Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong). The film chronicles how Cohn served as a mentor, teaching the young real estate mogul the ruthless “rules” of success: “Attack, attack, attack,” and “Admit nothing, deny everything.” Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, the movie generated immediate controversy and critical discussion due to its frank exploration of the birth of the persona that would eventually define a global political figure. For those interested in political history and powerful acting, this October release is essential viewing.

5. Jigra (India)

• Genre: Emotional Action Thriller
• Stars: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina
• Release Year: 2024

Jigra (translates to “courage” or “heart”) sees Alia Bhatt take on her first major action role in a story driven by a fierce sister-brother bond. The plot centers on Satya (Alia Bhatt), a young woman who embarks on a desperate and dangerous mission to rescue her younger brother, Ankur, who is wrongfully incarcerated in a foreign prison. Praised for its emotional core and Alia Bhatt’s powerful, versatile performance as the resolute sister, the film stood out for blending intense action sequences with a heart-wrenching emotional narrative. Directed by Vasan Bala, the movie was considered a critical win for Alia Bhatt, solidifying her status as a leading actress capable of anchoring a female-led action thriller.

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Timeless Classics: October 2023 Must-Watch Movies

These films from the previous year have already achieved classic status, earning major awards and dominating box offices globally.

6. 12th Fail (India)

• Genre: Biographical Drama / Inspirational
• Stars: Vikrant Massey, Medha Shankr
• Release Year: 2023

Arguably one of the most celebrated Indian films of recent times, 12th Fail is an inspiring biographical drama based on the true story of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who failed his 12th-grade exams but overcame poverty, corruption, and immense personal struggle to become an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the film was a massive sleeper hit, earning widespread critical acclaim for its raw honesty, realistic portrayal of the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam struggle, and Vikrant Massey’s breakout, National Award-winning performance. It’s a powerful narrative about resilience and the principle of “Restart.”

7. Leo (India)

• Genre: Action Thriller / Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU)
• Stars: Vijay, Trisha, Sanjay Dutt
• Release Year: 2023

Part of the increasingly popular Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), Leo is an adrenaline-fueled action thriller starring Vijay as Parthiban, a humble coffee shop owner in Himachal Pradesh whose quiet life is violently disrupted when his reaction to a threat suggests a dark, forgotten past as a feared gangster named Leo Das. The movie was an absolute box office juggernaut, setting several records for a Tamil film and becoming one of the highest-grossing Indian films globally in 2023. It is a high-stakes, stylishly shot film, praised for its technical aspects, action choreography, and Vijay’s intense performance.

8. Killers of the Flower Moon (World)

• Genre: Historical Crime Drama / Western
• Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone
• Release Year: 2023

Master filmmaker Martin Scorsese’s epic historical crime drama is based on the true events of the “Reign of Terror”—a series of brutal murders of members of the oil-wealthy Osage Nation in 1920s Oklahoma. Starring two of Scorsese’s long-time collaborators, Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, alongside the critically lauded Lily Gladstone, the film is a sweeping and devastating examination of greed, betrayal, and systemic violence against Native Americans. It was universally hailed as a masterpiece and a major contender throughout the subsequent awards season, making it a definitive modern classic.

9. CTRL (India)

• Genre: Cyber Thriller / Screenlife
• Stars: Ananya Panday, Vihaan Samat
• Release Year: 2024

A brave, mainstream attempt at the ‘screenlife’ subgenre (where the entire film is seen through computer/phone screens and webcams), CTRL follows an influencer whose life spirals out of control after she uses an experimental AI app to completely erase her cheating boyfriend from her digital memory. Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the Netflix original delves into themes of digital surveillance, deep fakes, and the dangers of an all-consuming online persona. The unique format and timely subject matter about the perils of Big Tech make it a highly engaging and unsettling watch for the digital age audience.

10. Venom: The Last Dance (World)

• Genre: Superhero / Sci-Fi Action
• Stars: Tom Hardy, Chiwetel Ejiofor
• Release Year: 2024

The final chapter in the symbiotic saga sees Tom Hardy return as journalist Eddie Brock and his alien counterpart, Venom. The two are now on the run from both the human military and the dark, cosmic entity Knull, the “King in Black” and creator of the symbiotes, who is searching for a codex that Venom possesses. A satisfying, wacky send-off to the popular anti-hero franchise, the film was praised for the enduring, odd-couple buddy comedy chemistry between Eddie and Venom, delivering the over-the-top, messy action the series is known for.

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AISEO-Friendly FAQs

Q1: Which October movie is the most critically acclaimed on this list?

A: Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) and Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail (2023) are the most critically acclaimed. Killers of the Flower Moon was a major Oscar contender and cinematic masterpiece, while 12th Fail won major Indian film awards, including multiple National and Filmfare awards, for its honest storytelling.

Q2: What is the “screenlife” genre of the movie CTRL?

A: The “screenlife” genre, popularized by films like Searching and Missing, is a subgenre of film where the entire narrative is presented through the screen of a computer, tablet, or smartphone. CTRL (2024) uses this style to tell a cyber-thriller story about social media and AI.

Q3: Why is Vettaiyan a significant Indian release for October 2024?

A: Vettaiyan (2024) is significant because it marked a rare, massive collaboration between two Indian cinema legends, Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan, who reunite after decades. Furthermore, it was directed by T.J. Gnanavel, known for the socially conscious Jai Bhim, making it an action-drama with a strong message against unlawful police encounters.

Q4: Is Joker: Folie à Deux a typical musical film?

A: No, Joker: Folie à Deux (2024) is not a typical Broadway-style musical. It is described as a jukebox musical and a psychological thriller, where the musical numbers are largely an expression of the characters’ inner dialogue and fantasy world, often played like a hallucination.

Q5: Is Leo (2023) a standalone film, or part of a series?

A: Leo (2023) is a core installment in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), a shared universe of Tamil action films directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. While the film has a self-contained plot, it connects to the larger LCU narrative established in movies like Kaithi and Vikram.

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10 Best Movies Released In October From Indian And World You Must Watch (If You Haven’t Already)

October is often a blockbuster month globally, perfectly timed to hit the sweet spot between festive holidays in India and the spine-chilling Halloween season internationally. The lineup of releases in October delivered on this promise, offering a phenomenal mix of star-studded Indian blockbusters, gripping political dramas, innovative sci-fi, and record-breaking horror.

From a Tamil biographical war film that moved millions to a controversial Hollywood biopic that rocked the political world, here are the 10 best movies released in October that you absolutely must add to your watchlist.

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The Indian Blockbusters: Star Power, Scams, and Cyber-Threats

Indian cinema in October saw an explosion of releases across various industries, balancing genre experiments with pure mass entertainment.

1. Amaran (Tamil)

Based on a true story, Amaran is an emotional and high-stakes biographical war film that immediately struck a chord with critics and audiences alike. Starring Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi, the film is an adaptation of a chapter from the book India’s Most Fearless: True Stories of Modern Military Heroes.

• The Story: The movie follows the inspiring life and noble sacrifice of Major Mukund Varadarajan, posthumously honoured with the Ashok Chakra, the nation’s highest peacetime gallantry award. The narrative is a powerful tale of a soldier’s duty and his profound love for his country and his wife.
• Why You Must Watch: It was a massive commercial success, earning over ₹300 crore worldwide and receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews for its poignant storytelling, action sequences, and the stellar performance by Sivakarthikeyan. It stands as a significant cinematic tribute to the armed forces.

2. Lucky Baskhar (Telugu)

Dulquer Salmaan delivers one of the most celebrated performances of the month in this engaging period crime thriller. Released on the occasion of Diwali, the film was a significant box office winner and received critical acclaim.

• The Story: Set in Bombay during the late 1980s and early 1990s, the film follows Baskhar, an honest but struggling lower-middle-class bank cashier buried in debt. Driven to the edge by his financial struggles, he decides to use his position and intellect to engage in sophisticated financial scams, transforming from a simple man to a shrewd, arrogant banker.
• Why You Must Watch: Critics hailed it as director Venky Atluri’s best work, with the film captivating audiences by blending a nostalgic, retro backdrop with a tense tale of human ambition and resilience. It proved to be the most successful film of Dulquer Salmaan’s career, surpassing ₹111.90 crore at the box office.

3. Vettaiyan (Tamil)

The sheer star power of this action drama makes it a must-know October release. Directed by T. J. Gnanavel, the film saw the reunion of cinematic legends Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan after more than three decades.

• The Story: The plot centers on Athiyan, a senior police officer known for his “encounter specialist” methods, who investigates a complaint of drug abuse. His methods create a sharp conflict with Justice Sathyadev (Amitabh Bachchan), who fiercely advocates for human rights and due process, highlighting the ethical dilemma of extrajudicial killings.
• Why You Must Watch: Despite receiving mixed reviews on its storyline and pacing, the film’s massive scale and cast—which also includes Fahadh Faasil and Rana Daggubati—ensured a strong audience reception. It grossed over ₹249.5 crore worldwide, demonstrating the unshakeable box office might of its lead stars.

4. CTRL (Hindi – Netflix)

A departure from traditional Indian thrillers, this screen-life film, largely told through the perspective of web browsers and social media feeds, garnered praise for its unique format and timely subject matter.

• The Story: Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the cyber-thriller stars Ananya Panday as Nella Awasthi, a social media influencer. The story begins when Nella uses a new AI-based app to erase all traces of her cheating boyfriend, only to find the technology spiralling out of control and revealing a dark conspiracy that blurs the lines between digital and real life.
• Why You Must Watch: Critics praised the film’s ambitious attempt at the cyber-horror genre and its commentary on data privacy, influencer culture, and the vulnerability that comes with the permeation of AI in modern life. It is a thought-provoking watch for anyone concerned about their digital footprint.

5. Jigra (Hindi)

This action thriller marked a significant moment for lead actor Alia Bhatt, who took on her first full-fledged action role. The film, directed by Vasan Bala, centres on an intense, emotional bond between siblings.

• The Story: The plot follows a troubled young woman who must undertake a perilous mission to rescue her brother from a foreign prison after he is incarcerated for a crime he did not commit.
• Why You Must Watch: While it had a modest commercial performance, the film received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, specifically earning praise for Alia Bhatt’s commitment to the action genre and Vasan Bala’s distinct directorial style. It is noteworthy for being one of the highest openers for a female-led action film without a major male co-lead in Bollywood.

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The World Hits: Biopics, Thrillers, and Horror Phenomena

The global releases in October dominated headlines, driven by high-profile sequels and critically acclaimed dramas.

6. The Apprentice (USA/Canada)

One of the most talked-about films of the year, The Apprentice is a biographical drama detailing the early life and career of Donald Trump.

• The Story: Set in the 1970s and 1980s New York, the film charts the evolution of a young Donald Trump, played by Sebastian Stan, as he learns the ropes of deal-making from his mentor, the ruthless lawyer Roy Cohn, portrayed by Jeremy Strong. The film explores the origin of the “win at all costs” mentality that came to define his public persona.
• Why You Must Watch: It was critically praised, holding a high score on Rotten Tomatoes, with particular acclaim given to the transformative performances of Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong. Despite a modest box office, its highly controversial subject matter and political timeliness made it an essential cultural talking point.

7. Conclave (USA/UK)

Based on the novel by Robert Harris, Conclave is a high-tension political thriller that takes place behind the secretive walls of the Vatican.

• The Story: Following the sudden death of the Pope, the world’s cardinals are summoned to the Vatican for a secret conclave to elect the new leader of the Catholic Church. Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is charged with overseeing the process but quickly finds himself navigating a complex web of scheming, political rivalries, and long-held secrets among the major candidates.
• Why You Must Watch: The film received positive reviews, lauded for its brisk, tense, and intelligent script, as well as the superb ensemble cast, which includes Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow alongside Fiennes. It offers a fascinating, albeit fictionalised, peek into the archaic and high-stakes process of a papal election.

8. Terrifier 3 (USA)

In a shock box office win, this low-budget slasher sequel dominated the charts in its opening week, proving that extreme, independent horror has a dedicated audience.

• The Story: Art the Clown, the franchise’s iconic slasher villain, returns to wreak ultra-gory havoc on Christmas Eve, with the latest installment featuring the return of final girl Sienna Shaw and introducing a new accomplice.
• Why You Must Watch: Though notoriously unrated for its extreme violence—which caused audience walkouts and made headlines—the film received generally positive reviews from critics and was a massive commercial success, grossing over $90 million worldwide on a minuscule $2 million budget. It dethroned the much higher-budgeted Joker: Folie à Deux and set a new record for the highest-grossing unrated film of all time.

9. Venom: The Last Dance (USA)

The conclusion to the Tom Hardy-led trilogy was a major event for superhero and action fans, promising the final, chaotic adventure of Eddie Brock and his alien symbiote, Venom.

• The Story: Eddie and Venom are now on the run, forced to confront a massive, extraterrestrial threat from Null, the god of the symbiotes, as their relationship is put to the ultimate test.
• Why You Must Watch: Despite receiving mixed critical reviews, primarily due to a convoluted story, the film was a significant box office success, grossing a massive $478.9 million worldwide. Fans enjoyed the dark humour, high-octane action sequences, and Tom Hardy’s charismatic dual performance.

10. Joker: Folie à Deux (USA)

While its reception was notoriously mixed, the sequel to the Oscar-winning Joker was undoubtedly the most-discussed movie event of October, making it a mandatory watch for its sheer cultural significance.

• The Story: Picking up after the events of the first film, the story follows Arthur Fleck’s murder trial and his deepening connection with Harleen Francis Quinzel, better known as Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga), as their relationship turns into a “jukebox musical from hell.”
• Why You Must Watch: Though critics panned its narrative and musical elements, giving it a historically low audience score of ‘D’ on CinemaScore, the combination of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga in these iconic roles makes it a bold, divisive, and essential watch for its performances and its unique approach to the comic book genre. It is a film you need to see to form your own opinion on.

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AISEO Friendly FAQs

Q1: Which was the highest-grossing Indian movie released in October 2024?

A: The highest-grossing Indian movie released in October 2024 was the Tamil biographical war film Amaran, which grossed over ₹300 crore worldwide. It was the second-highest-grossing Tamil film of 2024.

Q2: Which October 2024 movie broke a major box office record?

A: Terrifier 3 broke a major box office record by becoming the highest-grossing unrated film of all time globally, grossing over $90.3 million on a very low budget.

Q3: Was Joker: Folie à Deux a critical and commercial success?

A: Joker: Folie à Deux was a commercial disappointment compared to its predecessor, opening to a muted $40 million domestically and receiving overwhelmingly negative reviews from both critics and audiences, earning a historically low “D” CinemaScore.

Q4: Which October release was a biographical film about a political figure?

A: The Apprentice is a biographical drama about the early life and business career of Donald Trump in 1970s and 80s New York, exploring his mentorship under lawyer Roy Cohn.

Q5: Is CTRL an experimental film for Indian cinema?

A: Yes, CTRL is considered an innovative film for Indian cinema as it is a cyber-thriller that uses the screen-life format, telling its story entirely through the perspective of computer screens, web browsers, and social media feeds.

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The Ultimate October Watchlist: 10 Must-See Movies From Indian and World Cinema

October is a blockbuster month, a time when Hollywood rolls out its Oscar contenders and the Indian film industries unleash their most-awaited festive releases. The fall of 2024 was no exception, delivering a lineup of films that ranged from grand-scale psychological thrillers and powerful dramas to high-octane action entertainers.

If you’ve been catching up on your watchlist, here are the 10 Best Movies Released in October from Indian and World Cinema You Must Watch (If You Haven’t Already).

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The Global Heavyweights: International Must-Watches

This year’s October lineup featured a mix of auteur-driven, Palme d’Or-winning cinema and massive franchise conclusions, making it a month of polarizing yet unmissable big-screen events.

1. Joker: Folie à Deux

• Genre: Musical Psychological Thriller
• Release Date: October 4, 2024

Todd Phillips’ sequel to the 2019 phenomenon sees Joaquin Phoenix return as Arthur Fleck, now institutionalized in Arkham Asylum. The introduction of Lady Gaga as Harleen “Lee” Quinzel, a fellow inmate who becomes his musical soulmate, transforms the sequel into an ambitious, and often baffling, musical experience.

The plot revolves around the question of Arthur’s sanity as he awaits trial, with his growing relationship with Lee plunging them into elaborate, sometimes jarring, musical fantasies that blend the chaos of their minds with the grit of Gotham. While critics had a divisive reaction, calling it an “absolute mess” by some and “impressively odd” by others, it remains a daring, must-watch cinematic event that demands to be seen.

2. Anora

• Genre: Romantic Comedy-Drama / Screwball Comedy
• Release Date: October 18, 2024 (US Limited Release)

Sean Baker, the director known for The Florida Project, won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for this darkly comedic modern-day Cinderella story. The film follows Anora “Ani” Mikheeva (Mikey Madison), a New York-based stripper who marries Ivan, the wildly wealthy, if immature, son of a powerful Russian oligarch, on a whim in Las Vegas.

The whirlwind romance quickly turns into a frantic chase when Ivan’s parents, who are determined to annul the marriage quietly, send a trio of Russian henchmen to track the couple down. Hailed by critics as perhaps Baker’s best film to date, it’s a brilliant, raucous, and ultimately deeply emotional film about power, class, and the true price of a fairy tale.

3. The Apprentice

• Genre: Biopic / Political Drama
• Release Date: October 11, 2024

This controversial and highly talked-about biopic chronicles the early life and career of Donald Trump (Sebastian Stan) in the 1970s and 1980s. The core of the film explores his toxic and formative relationship with the ruthless lawyer Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong), who becomes his dark mentor, teaching him the three rules of business: “Attack, attack, attack.”

The film, which generated headlines and legal threats before its release, received generally favorable reviews, with Sebastian Stan’s nuanced portrayal of a young Trump being widely praised. It’s an essential, character-driven story for anyone interested in the origins of modern political and business ruthlessness.

4. We Live in Time

• Genre: Romantic Drama
• Release Date: October 11, 2024 (US Limited Release)

A powerful and tear-jerking romantic drama, We Live in Time features an electrically charming pairing in Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh. The story focuses on the relationship between Tobias (Garfield), a reserved sales representative, and Almut (Pugh), a witty chef, after a seemingly random accident brings them together.

The film uses a non-linear narrative to jump through the highs and lows of their decade-long romance, which is eventually threatened by a devastating health crisis. Critics widely praised the “palpable chemistry” of the lead actors and its unflinchingly honest take on mortality and grief, making it a tender and heartbreaking watch.

5. The Outrun

• Genre: Drama
• Release Date: October 4, 2024

Based on Amy Liptrot’s acclaimed memoir, this atmospheric drama stars Saoirse Ronan as Rona, a young woman who returns to her remote childhood home on the Orkney Islands off the coast of Scotland to recover from a destructive battle with alcohol addiction in London.

The film is a stark, honest, and beautifully shot portrayal of recovery, weaving together Rona’s hedonistic past with her quiet, difficult present. Ronan’s performance as the central, tormented figure was called one of her most “transcendent,” capturing the allure of addiction as much as the agonizing process of getting sober. It’s a compelling, critically celebrated film that breaks the clichés of the addiction drama genre.

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Indian Cinema: Pan-India Blockbusters & Star Vehicles

October proved to be a diverse, high-stakes month for Indian cinema, with a mix of pan-India action thrillers and major star-driven genre pieces hitting the screens.

6. Vettaiyan (Tamil)

• Genre: Action Drama / Investigative Thriller
• Release Date: October 10, 2024

This massive Tamil action drama unites cinematic legends Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan on screen after over three decades. Rajinikanth plays SP Athiyan IPS, an “encounter specialist” known for delivering swift, extrajudicial justice. The film’s conflict arises when his methods are scrutinized by Justice Sathyadev (Amitabh Bachchan), a human rights advocate.

The core plot follows Athiyan’s investigation into the rape and murder of a sincere school teacher, which uncovers a larger scandal involving the education system. While some critics felt the star power slightly overshadowed the rooted script, the film was praised for its strong social commentary and Rajinikanth’s magnetic screen presence, offering a commercial entertainer with a social conscience.

7. Jigra (Hindi)

• Genre: Action Thriller / Prison Break Drama
• Release Date: October 11, 2024

Alia Bhatt headlines this emotional action thriller as Satya, a fiercely protective elder sister determined to save her younger brother, Ankur, who has been wrongfully implicated in a drug case and sentenced to death in a fictional Southeast Asian country, Hanshi Dao.

The film is a tense prison-break drama that sees Satya—a woman with no professional combat experience—team up with a retired gangster and an ex-cop to infiltrate the high-security prison. While the script received mixed feedback for predictability in the later half, Alia Bhatt’s raw, spirited performance in her first full-length action role was widely appreciated, carrying the film’s emotional weight.

8. Lucky Baskhar (Telugu / Hindi)

• Genre: Period Crime Thriller
• Release Date: October 31, 2024

Starring Dulquer Salmaan, Lucky Baskhar is a crime drama set in early 1990s Bombay, exploring the world of financial scams during a turbulent era in the Indian economy. Dulquer Salmaan plays Baskhar Kumar, a seemingly simple lower-middle-class bank employee who turns to a life of calculated financial fraud—exploiting the banking system—after facing humiliation and struggling to support his family.

The film was a major win for its director, Venky Atluri, who received praise for blending an intriguing crime story with a strong emotional core. Critics appreciated the film’s stylish retro backdrop, the use of the fourth wall break, and Salmaan’s nuanced performance as a morally ambiguous protagonist.

9. Venom: The Last Dance

• Genre: Superhero / Action-Comedy
• Release Date: October 25, 2024

Though it was critically panned, no “must-watch” list of the month is complete without acknowledging this major audience-pleaser. Tom Hardy returns as Eddie Brock and his alien symbiote, Venom, for their final chaotic adventure. This time, the duo is on the run, being hunted by the military and, more significantly, by a formidable alien threat linked to the Knull mythology.

While critics called the story “convoluted” and the humor “shopworn,” fans of the franchise embraced the film for Hardy’s watchable charisma and the pure, unadulterated, over-the-top antics of the symbiote duo. If you loved the first two, this one is an absolute must-watch for closure.

10. Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video (Hindi)

• Genre: Comedy Drama
• Release Date: October 11, 2024

Set in 1997 Rishikesh, this comedy-drama stars Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri as a newly married couple, Vicky and Vidya. The core conflict begins when a sensitive video recording of their first night together is accidentally stolen. What follows is a frantic, hilarious scramble to recover the VHS cassette before their private life becomes public knowledge.

Despite the promising pairing of its lead actors, critics gave the film a mixed-to-poor reception, noting that while the premise and initial comedy were strong, the script became inconsistent and bogged down by dated humour and a clumsy narrative in the second half. Nevertheless, for fans of Rajkummar Rao’s signature comic timing and those nostalgic for a ’90s-style Bollywood screwball comedy, it offers moments of genuine entertainment.

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AISEO-Friendly FAQs

Q1: Which October 2024 movie is considered the most critically acclaimed globally?

A: The most critically acclaimed movie of October 2024 is Anora (released October 18, US limited), directed by Sean Baker. It won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and was praised for its unique blend of screwball comedy and emotional depth.

Q2: What were the biggest star-studded Indian movie releases in October 2024?

A: The biggest star-studded Indian releases were:

• Vettaiyan, which saw two cinematic legends, Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan, sharing the screen.
• Jigra, an action thriller led by Alia Bhatt.
• Lucky Baskhar, a pan-India release starring Dulquer Salmaan.

Q3: Is Joker: Folie à Deux a musical, and how was its reception?

A: Yes, Joker: Folie à Deux is a psychological thriller structured as a musical, introducing song-and-dance sequences between Arthur Fleck and Lee Quinzel/Harley Quinn. The critical reception was highly mixed, with many reviewers finding the film polarizing and structurally messy, though the ambition and performances were often highlighted.

Q4: Which October 2024 release is a must-watch for fans of political dramas and biopics?

A: The Apprentice is the essential watch in this category. It is a biopic that explores the early life of Donald Trump and his formative, manipulative relationship with his mentor, lawyer Roy Cohn, during the 1970s and 1980s.

Q5: What kind of movie is We Live in Time?

A: We Live in Time is a romantic drama starring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh. It tells the non-linear story of a couple over a decade, focusing on their intense love, everyday life, and a devastating health challenge, with critics highlighting the powerful chemistry between the leads.