From ‘Ramayana’ to Godzilla, think big at the cinema this November

Full stomachs, family gatherings and a trip to the cinema? That sounds like a pretty good Deepavali plan!

From giant monsters and mythological heroes to family comedies and Malaysian stories making waves internationally, November’s cinema line-up offers plenty to look forward to.

Here are eight films to put on your watchlist.

1. ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ (Nov 4)

Japan has barely recovered from Godzilla’s last rampage, but the monster is back. Set in 1949, two years after the events of “Godzilla Minus One”, the sequel follows former kamikaze pilot Kōichi Shikishima and his wife Noriko as Japan struggles to rebuild from the devastation of war.

When Godzilla’s remains begin regenerating in the ocean and the fearsome three-headed King Ghidorah emerges as another formidable threat, the nation faces a new fight for survival.

Director Takashi Yamazaki returns after the previous film won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. “Godzilla Minus Zero” is also the first Japanese production to be filmed for IMAX.

2. ‘Ramayana’ (Nov 5)

Looking for a Deepavali movie outing with the family? This ambitious adaptation of the Hindu epic “Ramayana” follows Prince Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshman during their exile in the forest, setting the stage for Sita’s abduction by the formidable Ravana.

At its heart, “Ramayana” is a tale of duty, devotion, selflessness and the triumph of good over evil. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, whose “Dangal” became a record-breaking Indian blockbuster, the film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana.

Billed as one of the most expensive productions in Indian cinema history, the first instalment of a planned two-part saga features large-scale visual effects and a soundtrack collaboration between AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer.

3. ‘Sayang Sayang’ (Nov 5)

Set against the coastlines of Kelantan and Terengganu, Malaysian-Taiwanese co-production “Sayang Sayang” follows three deaf youths navigating communication, identity and human connection.

The character-driven drama has already earned five nominations at Taiwan’s 63rd Golden Horse Awards.

Among its nominees are Mhia Firdaus and Nandagopall Mohan, who have made history with their acting nominations: Mhia as the first Malay actress nominated for Best Supporting Actress, and Nandagopall as the first Malaysian Indian actor nominated for Best New Performer.

Those looking for a thoughtful local production beyond the usual action-packed fare may want to give this one a chance.

4. ‘Scene’ (Nov 6)

Popular Tamil actor Suriya has had a busy 2026 at the box office, with “Scene” marking his third theatrical release of the year.

Known for his cop roles in the “Singam” franchise, Suriya is back in uniform, but this time with a lighter twist. He plays deputy superintendent of police Inbaraj in an action-comedy featuring a colourful cast of characters caught up in an unpredictable conflict.

Directed by Jithu Madhavan, the Deepavali release also stars Nazriya Nazim and promises a mix of action and family-friendly laughs.

5. ‘Ebenezer’ (Nov 12)

Johnny Depp returns to the big screen as Ebenezer Scrooge, one of literature’s most famously bitter characters. This gothic reimagining of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” is directed by horror filmmaker Ti West.

“Ebenezer” follows the miserly businessman on Christmas Eve as he is visited by the ghost of his former partner, Jacob Marley, and three spirits who force him to confront his past, present and future.

While many familiar adaptations emphasise the warmth of Scrooge’s redemption, this version leans into the original story’s supernatural horror, exploring his regrets and fear of damnation.

6. ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ (Nov 19)

The sixth film in the franchise centres on a young Haymitch Abernathy, long before he becomes Katniss Everdeen’s mentor.

Eighteen-year-old Haymitch is thrust into the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell, during which the Capitol doubles the number of tributes to 48.

Set 24 years before the original “Hunger Games”, the prequel explores the events that shaped Haymitch into District 12’s only victor before Katniss, and the personal cost of outsmarting the Capitol.

The film also boasts a stellar cast including McKenna Grace, Ralph Fiennes and Glenn Close, while Francis Lawrence returns as director.

7. ‘Hexed’ (Nov 26)

Disney Animation’s 65th feature, “Hexed”, follows Billie, an unconventional teenager whose discovery that she is a witch turns her life upside down.

After being expelled from school, she is transported to Hexe, a hidden magical world where she must unravel family mysteries and stop its power-hungry ruler, Queen Celeste.

Joined by her cautious mother Alice, Billie must learn to work with her despite their differences. Hailee Steinfeld has also recorded a modern cover of The Cars’ hit “Magic” for the soundtrack.

8. ‘Focker-in-Law’ (Nov 26)

After years of trying to win over his intimidating father-in-law, Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro), Greg Focker now finds himself facing the same challenge from the other side.

In the fourth “Meet the Parents” film, Ben Stiller returns as Greg, whose grown-up son Henry introduces his fiancée, Olivia, played by Ariana Grande.

A former FBI negotiator, Olivia proves difficult to read, prompting Greg to suspect she is hiding something. But when Jack takes a liking to her, Greg finds himself without his usual ally.

As wedding preparations bring the family together, Greg adopts Jack’s old interrogation tactics, setting the stage for awkward encounters and plenty of family chaos!

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