Lost and Found

This underrated gem focuses on the psychological cost of living in a world built on lies This show is atmospheric, stylish, and packed with razor-sharp dialogue that keeps you hanging on to every word The espionage genre has always been a playground for tension, deception, and moral ambiguity, capturing audiences with its shadowy corridors of secrecy. From Cold War classics like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy to modern thrillers like The Americans, spy narratives often blur the lines between loyalty and betrayal. In today’s episode of Lost and Found, we’re diving into an underrated masterpiece that’s equal parts espionage thriller and emotional drama. If you’re into betrayal, intrigue, and complicated friendships, this one’s for you. Yep, we’re talking about the gripping series A Spy Among Friends, streaming now on SonyLIV with OTTplay Premium.

This Demi Moore-Sissy Spacey-Cher starrer shows how societal attitudes influenced women’s reproductive rights over decades With abortion rights once again under threat, the message in this HBO anthology film feels as urgent now as it did nearly three decades ago. Today, we’re revisiting a poignant, powerful, and, sadly, forgotten gem —the 1996 HBO film If These Walls Could Talk. This compelling anthology film chronicles the stories of three women grappling with unplanned pregnancies in three distinct eras: the 1950s, 1970s, and 1990s. This may be a modest made for TV film but it’s also one that resonates strongly even today, especially in light of the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the United States. Let’s unpack why this cinematic masterpiece deserves to be on your watchlist.

In the latest episode, we dive into an underrated film that captures the legendary battle for late-night supremacy with wit and gravitas. Each person has their own favourite Jimmy, it’s either Kimmel or Fallon but never both. Conan O'Brien may have pivoted to podcasts and perhaps, headlining that oddball travel show but the highlight of his CV remains being one of the most compelling hosts on TV. No one loves Meyers, everyone misses Trevor Noah and few may have managed to pull off a remarkable second innings like Jon Steward. Yes, you’ve guessed it! We’re talking exclusively about those TV hosts who’ve ruled over late-night television with their astounding wit, fluid interviewing skills and that distinguished chutzpah. And in today’s episode of Lost and Found, we’re delving into a film that’s based on the real-life rivalry between two talk show hosts in the 90s – yes, we’re alluding to the 1996 film, The Late Shift.

More than a typical horror, this Guillermo del Toro-produced film explores human and supernatural connections with depth and dread You may be just about recovering from your Halloween hangover but we at OTTplay believe in letting the chills flow throughout the year. So in today’s episode of Lost & Found, we’re delving into a rare horror film that had all the ingredients of a spine-tingler but didn’t get the attention it so rightfully deserved. We’re talking about Guillermo del Toro’s 2013 film Mama starring Jessica Chastain.

Those who love a good creature movie have very particular expectations. Having watched prehistoric reptiles wrestle like heavyweight champions and occasionally, even take on their fictional Japanese cousins who breathe fire, let’s just say, our sensibilities have been trained to expect the unexpected and some more. It’s like being wowed beyond imagination and blown to bits is the very least one would hope to take away from this experience. But in today’s episode of Lost and Found, we’re introducing you to a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat film that redefined the monster genre for modern audiences. Yes, we’re talking about Cloverfield. Nearly two decades on, this film still packs a punch, and is worth discovering or even rediscovering.

Why The Matador is Pierce Brosnan’s best-kept secret and why you need to watch it! Chance encounters sometimes lead to unimaginably delightful adventures. Particularly in films. From those strategically timed meet cutes in romcoms to diametrically opposite personalities being saddled together in complex circumstances. If this vague intro hasn’t triggered your imagination to guess which film we’re alluding to… let’s make your life easier and just tell you. In today’s episode of Lost and Found, we’re talking about The Matador, a film that brings suspense, laughter, and an unconventional charm that continues to captivate audiences nearly two decades after its theatrical release. The Pierce Brosnan-Greg Kinnear starrer revolves around a hitman and a distraught businessman having a chance encounter at a bar in Mexico and how their fates get stitched together in more ways than one. No prizes for guessing who plays what here.

Kurt Russell-Matt Dillon’s underrated gem will make you fall in love with heist movies Russell plays a suave, larger-than-life criminal in this underrated heist movie When one thinks of heists movies, critically-acclaimed films such as Reservoir Dogs and Dog Day Afternoon or popular blockbusters such as Ocean’s Eleven or Now You See Me spring to mind. But there are forgotten heist movies that didn’t get their due and deserve to be revisited. In today’s episode of Lost and Found, we’re talking about the slick, stylish, and criminally-underrated film The Art of the Steal that’s perfect for a laid-back evening.

Churni Ganguly plays an author in exile as her work threatens the political establishment in Nirbashito . It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that we live in extremely divisive times. The level of intolerance and rejection of ideas and ideologies that don’t concur with our own has to be unprecedented. This prompts us to revisit this lesser-known and perhaps, underrated Bengali film Nirbashito. It’s one of those rare films that strikes a delicate balance between artistic storytelling and emotional resonance, while remaining just as relevant even today.

This 2011 biopic on FBI’s first director didn’t get the attention and admiration it deserved When asked to recall Leonardo DiCaprio’s most celebrated works, the list of movies that pop into our mind largely include his iconic blockbusters. But Scorcese’s poster boy has also featured in some films that didn’t get the attention, adulation and respect that they truly deserved. So, in today’s episode of Lost and Found, we’re revisiting one such film that may have slipped through the cracks but is one of DiCaprio’s most underrated gems that couldn’t be more compelling.

Hands of Stone depicts the gritty, multifaceted life of Panamanian boxer Roberto Durán Sports films often follow a familiar playbook, sticking to tropes and clichés: the underdog triumphs, the fall from grace, and the dramatic comeback in the climax. From Rocky to Remember the Titans, these films tend to focus on predictable narratives of resilience and redemption. While these formulaic elements can be inspiring, they sometimes strip away the complexity of real-life sports stories.

Goth horror is a unique genre. A delicious blend that has the ability to transport audiences to a fantasy world where everything is possible and the laws of the world as we know it don’t always apply. In today’s episode of Lost and Found, we’re delving into one such film that’s equal parts spine-chilling and visually stunning – Crimson Peak. Yes, the 2015 gothic horror romance from the ever-imaginative mind of Guillermo del Toro. Now, if you haven’t seen it yet, you’re in for a treat. So grab your tea and let’s dive into the hauntingly stunning world of Crimson Peak

Revisit Breaking Away, a 1979 classic that slipped off the radar and is now streaming on Disney+Hotstar The most iconic sports movies follow a certain framework. They’re packed with winning moments and crushing losses. They tuck in nuggets of wisdom about the relentless spirit that drives some to go beyond the limits of human potential to achieve incredible glory. But there are also some that stray away from convention and try to weave a more emotional and sensitive narrative that touches a necessary nerve. That’s right, we’re talking about Breaking Away, a 1979 classic that might’ve slipped off the radar but is still as fresh and relevant as ever. So why should you watch Breaking Away? Well, it’s a feel-good story with real emotional depth, and it captures the essence of finding your way in the world when you’re not quite sure where you belong. Whether you’re in the mood for a bit of nostalgia, a heartwarming tale, or just an enjoyable film with some great cycling action – this one’s got it all. And, it’s available on Disney+Hotstar in India. So, no excuses – it’s time to hit ‘play’ and rediscover this forgotten gem.

Two for the Money: Revisit this gripping drama of ambition and deceit starring Al Pacino and Matthew McConaughey. Very often we come across films that seem to be familiar for indefinite reasons. There’s just something relatable if not reminiscent about their construct or telling that pulls us in and keeps us glued even though the end seems only too predictable. But to be honest, sometimes, predictable can also be comforting and perhaps, is just what it takes to hit the spot. The 2005 drama, Two for the Money is surely one such film and it’s our Lost and Found for today

The archetypes of legendary pairs such as Sherlock Holmes and his reliable friend and colleague Dr Watson is a trope that police procedurals have often adopted to great effect – an eccentric genius detective with heightened observational skills and his more level-headed friend and ally who sometimes can’t spot the obvious. The USA network TV series Psych, created by Steve Frank, ran for eight successful seasons between 2006 and 2014 and borrowed elements from the iconic detective duo created by Sir Arthur Canon Doyle and laced it with a familiar buddy cop comedy routine. The result is a unique blend of genres – an amalgamation of crime procedural and comedy. Imagine Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker’s famous onscreen partnership.

The 2004 noir mystery series Veronica Mars is not a conventional production that is often associated with its genre. Helmed by Rob Thomas, the series is a satire of class disparity which is explored within the confines of a high school. The titular character Veronica Mars is a popular girl at high school who becomes a detective after the death of her best friend. Kristen Bell slips into the complex role of Veronica, an intelligent young woman who has to navigate through the various intricacies of high school whilst also solving various mysteries in the fictional town of Neptune, California.

This sci-fi comedy starring The X Files star David Duchovny parodies prehistoric creature films. Evolution is a 2001 comedy that slipped through the cracks but deserves to be rediscovered

The 1993 film Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray is a comedy-drama that inspired countless films over the years. From Tom Cruise’s sci-fi action film Edge of Tomorrow, the slasher horror Happy Death Day, and the romantic comedy Palm Springs, Groundhog Day’s time loop trope has been reimagined across multiple genres.

Justice League is widely regarded as one of the greatest American animated shows of all time, a sharp contrast to the ill-fated 2017 film adaptation which was dismissed by fans and critics alike at the time of release. The animated series, although originally intended for children, features mature socio-political themes focusing on freewill, imperialism, authoritarianism, and class disparity. It also explored various scientific theories such as ‘wormholes’ in some of the episodes that focused on science fiction. On the surface, the series might give one the impression of being just another animated series produced essentially for children. However, just like Batman the Animated Series, Justice League is rich with subtext featuring philosophical undertones. Some of the stories have also gone on to inspire Marvel’s films and TV shows. For instance, the MCU TV series WandaVision may have been marketed as a loose adaptation of the iconic Marvel comic book House of M, but the TV show’s similarity to the storyline in Justice League episodes 16 and 17 titled Legends is undeniable. Similarly, time-travelling superheroes were introduced to the mainstream consciousness by Justice League long before Avengers: Endgame.

Hollywood appears to have moved on from the conventional war action genre in recent years. There are exceptions of course, like Tom Cruise’s 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick, where a film offers pure unbridled entertainment loaded with slick action sequences and stunning visuals. For today’s Lost and Found podcast, we take a look at the 2001 film Behind Enemy Lines, a cult classic action film set against the backdrop of an Eastern European conflict. The film stars Owen Wilson and Gene Hackman in lead roles.

Hollywood in the ‘90s frequently offered captivating gems that held our attention and interest from start to finish. Some may knock them for being a tad exaggerated and for leaning on set pieces and plot devices. But films such as Tremors, Army of Darkness, and the iconic Romy and Michele's High School Reunion are classics that have earned a cult following over the years. The ‘90s investigative thriller The Bone Collector surely fits the bill as a 90s classic and it’s our Lost and Found for today. While 1999 crime thriller strays from the conventional ‘90s popcorn cop film as it offers a blend of grounded realism, laced with occasional over-the-top set pieces to render an unforgettable cult classic.