From Hollywood to Bollywood: 10 must-see films releasing this month

September is proving to be a packed month at the movies, with Bollywood and Hollywood both rolling out heavyweight releases within weeks of each other.

From a long-awaited witchy sequel to a courtroom-set Bollywood two-hander, here's a look at what's hitting the big screen this month:

Practical Magic 2

Twenty-eight years after the original became a cult favourite, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman return as the Owens sisters in this legacy sequel, directed by Susanne Bier and adapted from Alice Hoffman's follow-up novel, The Book of Magic.

The film brings back original stars Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest. Meanwhile, Joey King and Maisie Williams join as Sally's daughters, who learn about the family's harsh curse: any man they fall in love with dies soon after. Critics are already sharing their love for the world, noting how much fans adore the cosy outfits and coastal setting.

Primetime

Robert Pattinson stars in Primetime, a gripping factual drama based on the controversial TV show To Catch a Predator. Pattinson plays journalist Chris Hansen, who confronted men tricked in online sting operations, a role already generating early Oscar buzz.

Directed by Lance Oppenheim, the film has already generated buzz on the festival circuit, with Pattinson tipped as a potential Best Actor contender. The supporting cast includes Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo and Anna Faris; the film leans into the murky ethics behind the reality-television sting operation that made Hansen a household name.

The Weight

Fresh from his hit role in Blue Moon, Ethan Hawke returns in a gritty period drama. Set in Oregon during the Great Depression, The Weight stars Hawke as a single dad wrongly sent to a harsh work camp. To save his daughter from being taken away, he must strike a deal with a cruel warden, played by Russell Crowe.

The catch? Hawke and his fellow inmates must smuggle bags of stolen gold across the country on foot.

Critics are already praising the film. Chase Hutchinson of The Wrap calls Hawke "mesmerising," highlighting the tense action scenes and the emotional depth that keeps viewers hooked. As the plot turns increasingly violent, Hawke grounds every single moment.

Forgotten Island

From DreamWorks Animation comes Forgotten Island, a psychedelic fantasy and the first major Hollywood film to draw on Filipino folklore. Forgotten Island follows childhood best friends Jo (voiced by H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano), who stumble through a portal into the mystical island of Nakali on the eve of their high school graduation.

The catch: escaping the island may cost them the very memories of their friendship. With a voice cast that includes Lea Salonga, Dave Franco, Manny Jacinto and Jenny Slate, the film has already drawn a standing ovation at this year's Annecy animation festival ahead of its release.

Heart of the Beast

Brad Pitt takes on survival-thriller territory in this David Ayer-directed film, playing former Army Special Forces officer James Belmont, who is left stranded deep in the Alaskan wilderness with his retired combat dog Odin after their small plane crashes.

Written by Cameron Alexander, the film centres almost entirely on the bond between Belmont and Odin as the pair contend with the elements, and reportedly wildlife including bears and wolves, in a bid to make it back to civilisation.

JK Simmons and Anna Lambe round out the film's small human cast. It marks Pitt's second collaboration with Ayer after 2014's Fury, and Simmons' second pairing with the actor as well.

Haiwaan

Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan reunite on screen for the first time since Tashan (2008) in this Priyadarshan-directed remake of his own 2016 Malayalam hit Oppam.

The film pairs the two stars in drastically different roles, featuring a stellar supporting cast that includes Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher, Shriya Pilgaonkar, and Sharib Hashmi. Akshay takes on a menacing new avatar, while Saif plays a visually impaired man trapped at the very centre of a dangerous mystery.

Driven by intense suspense and unexpected twists, the movie promises to showcase a fresh, darker side to both lead actors. 

Daayra

Meghna Gulzar, known for grounded, issue-driven dramas like Raazi and Talvar, brings together Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran for the first time in Daayra.

The two play DCP-ranked police officers on opposing sides of the investigation into an alleged fake encounter following the murder of a young woman.

Inspired by true events without being tied to one specific case, the film examines how power, morality and the justice system intersect when the people investigating a crime disagree on what justice actually looks like.

Vibe

Fresh from writing and directing, Kunal Kemmu returns with Vibe, an action-comedy that sets up a box-office clash with his sister-in-law Kareena Kapoor Khan.

Starring Kemmu alongside Preity Zinta and newcomer Vanshika Dhir, the story follows two ordinary friends whose regular life goes completely wrong when they accidentally stumble upon a dangerous terrorist plot. What starts as a mess quickly turns into a high-stakes mission to protect the nation.

Zinta plays a pivotal role as the leader of the mission, guiding the two unlikely heroes through their chaotic and dangerous journey.

Don't Be Shy

Don't Be Shy is a young-adult romantic comedy produced by Alia and Shaheen Bhatt's Eternal Sunshine Productions. Written and directed by Sreeti Mukerji, the coming-of-age film centres on friendship, young love, heartbreak, and navigating life.

It introduces four talented newcomers, Aarushi Bajaj, Ansh Duggal, Bianca Arora, and Piyush Khati, in the lead roles. They are supported by a strong veteran cast featuring Kunaal Roy Kapur, Anurag Basu, Neha Dhupia, and Anju Alva Naik. Described as a joyful and heartfelt celebration of the messy journey of growing up, the project reflects the creative vision of the Bhatt sisters.

This heartfelt romantic comedy promises to charm audiences globally with its honest look at youth and romance.

Lust Stories 3

The popular anthology franchise is back with Lust Stories 3, diving once again into modern relationships, desires, and complex romantic choices.

Directed by an acclaimed lineup of filmmakers including Vikramaditya Motwane, Kiran Rao, Shakun Batra, and Vishal Bhardwaj, alongside a massive collaborative writing team, the project brings together top-tier talent to explore the messy and emotional realities of love and intimacy.

Featuring a powerhouse cast led by Radhika Apte, Konkona Sen Sharma, Vijay Varma, Ali Fazal, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Siddharth, this third instalment packs bold storytelling and deeply human characters designed to spark plenty of conversation.