This weekend offers a contrasting pair of thrillers for audiences seeking new content. If you prefer gritty, slow-burn Indian crime dramas, Prime Video’s Raakh delivers a disturbing true-crime narrative. If you prefer reliable, action-packed fare from a familiar star, Lionsgate Play’s Shelter offers exactly what you expect from a Jason Statham vehicle .
Here’s a closer look at both titles.
Raakh (Prime Video): A Hard-Hitting True-Crime Drama
Release Date: June 12, 2026
Creator: Prosit Roy
Cast: Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre, Aamir Bashir, Akash Makhija, Ramandeep Yadav
What it’s about:
Set in 1978 Delhi, the series follows Sub-Inspector Jayprakash Jatav (Ali Fazal) as he investigates the disappearance and brutal murder of two teenagers from a high-profile family. The show is inspired by the infamous real-life Ranga-Billa case that shook India in the late 1970s .
Why you should watch:
Unlike typical police procedurals, Raakh reveals the identity of the killers early on, focusing instead on the societal circumstances that created them and the systemic failures of the justice system . This psychological approach allows for a deeper exploration of the killers’ backstories, which critics have called “chilling” and “award-worthy” .
What critics are saying:
- Performances: While Ali Fazal delivers a “restrained and sincere” performance, reviewers unanimously praise Akash Makhija and Ramandeep Yadav, calling their acts the “standout” and “elevate the show considerably” .
- Tone: Reviews describe the series as “hard-hitting and disturbing” but also note it can be “slow at times” .
- The Victim’s Perspective: Critic Rachel Pereira of Mid-Day notes the show’s strength is that it “never loses sight of its victims,” culminating in a powerful and heartbreaking finale that imagines an alternate reality .
Shelter (Lionsgate Play): A Familiar Formula for Statham Fans
Cast: Jason Statham, Bodhi Rae Breathnach, Bill Nighy, Naomi Ackie
What it’s about:
A retired government assassin (Statham) is living in isolation on a remote Scottish island. When he rescues a young girl from a shipwreck, his presence is discovered, forcing him to protect her from corrupt MI6 operatives determined to erase them both .
Why you should watch:
You are a fan of “the Statham formula.” The film delivers exactly what audiences have come to expect: lean storytelling, relentless momentum, a gruff protagonist, and solid action choreography .
What critics are saying:
- Nothing New: Most critics agree the plot is a “generic story borrowed from better movies” and is “literally the exact premise of his previous two films” like The Beekeeper .
- The Emotional Touch: Some reviewers felt the relationship with the young girl (Bodhi Rae Breathnach) adds a “decent amount of heart” and a “more mature” tone to the film, setting it apart from his completely emotionless roles .
- Action & Pacing: The action is described as “solid,” “competently staged,” and “brutal,” though one critic notes the film has a “slower-burning pace” than usual .
