One Battle After Another: When & Where to Watch DiCaprio’s Oscar Nominee Film
Paul Thomas Anderson’s most ambitious film yet has officially landed in India. After dominating the international awards circuit and sparking heated debates across film communities, One Battle After Another is now streaming exclusively on JioHotstar as of February 26, 2026.
Headlined by Academy Award winner Leonardo DiCaprio, the political black comedy actioner has already cemented itself as one of the boldest cinematic statements of the year. While its massive budget raised eyebrows and its theatrical box office run fell short of expectations, critics and awards bodies have showered it with praise, making its OTT debut a highly anticipated moment for Indian audiences.
Genre: Political Black Comedy, Action, Satire
Release Date (India OTT): February 26, 2026
Original Theatrical Release: 2025 (International)
OTT Platform (India): JioHotstar
Direction & Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson
Based On: Vineland by Thomas Pynchon
Producers: Paul Thomas Anderson, Sara Murphy, Adam Somner
Production Houses: Ghoulardi Film Company, Warner Bros. Pictures
Lead Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, Alana Haim
Cinematography: Michael Bauman
Language: English
Awards & Recognition: 6 Wins at the 79th BAFTA Awards; 13 Nominations at the 98th Academy Awards
A visually ambitious and politically charged cinematic spectacle, One Battle After Another blends razor-sharp satire with explosive action, marking the first collaboration between Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Plot Explained: The Political Black Comedy Actioner
Inspired by Vineland by Thomas Pynchon, the film weaves a chaotic yet sharply intelligent narrative that oscillates between satire, absurdity, and adrenaline-fueled action.
DiCaprio plays Jim “Ghetto” Pat Calhoun, a former revolutionary and bomb specialist who once waged ideological warfare against powerful institutions. Now living off the grid with his daughter Willa (Chase Infiniti), Jim believes he has left his turbulent past behind.
But peace proves fleeting.
After 16 years, his arch-nemesis Colonel Steven Lockjaw resurfaces, reigniting a decades-old rivalry. When Willa mysteriously disappears amid a web of corrupt military operations and extremist factions, Jim is forced to reconnect with his old radical collective, “French 75.” What unfolds is a high-octane quest that tackles institutional corruption, white supremacist networks, immigration politics, and generational trauma.
The narrative blends biting humour with deeply unsettling truths—something Anderson has long mastered but amplifies here on an epic scale.
Paul Thomas Anderson & Leonardo DiCaprio: A Dream Collaboration
For years, cinephiles speculated about a collaboration between auteur filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson and DiCaprio. One Battle After Another marks their first feature-length project together and the result is nothing short of electric.
Anderson, known for films like There Will Be Blood and Phantom Thread, pushes his storytelling into new territory here, embracing genre chaos while maintaining emotional depth. DiCaprio, meanwhile, delivers a performance critics are calling one of the most daring of his career, balancing manic comedic timing with heartbreak and rage.
Industry analysts are already predicting this partnership could become one of modern cinema’s most influential actor-director duos.
The Cast: Star-Studded Ensemble Elevates the Drama
The film’s ensemble cast reads like an awards-season wishlist:
- Sean Penn as the menacing Colonel Steven Lockjaw
- Teyana Taylor as revolutionary Perfidia Beverly Hills
- Benicio del Toro as karate sensei Sergio St. Carlos
- Regina Hall in a pivotal supporting role
- Alana Haim adding emotional nuance
Penn’s chilling portrayal of Lockjaw has especially drawn acclaim, with many critics labeling it his most layered villain performance in years. Taylor’s fiery screen presence and Del Toro’s charismatic yet enigmatic performance add further depth to the film’s volatile world.
Anderson’s Most Expensive Project to Date
With a reported production cost between $130 million and $175 million, One Battle After Another is Anderson’s most expensive project to date.
To achieve its vivid, sun-soaked Californian aesthetic and kinetic action sequences, the filmmakers revived VistaVision, a high-resolution format largely unused since the 1960s. The decision paid off visually, delivering sweeping landscapes and immersive close-ups that heightened both satire and suspense.
Despite its visual grandeur, the film underperformed at the global box office compared to its enormous budget. However, many industry observers argue that its long-term legacy will outweigh short-term commercial numbers.
BAFTA Glory & Oscar Buzz Intensify
The film’s OTT release follows a triumphant run at the 79th British Academy Film Awards, where it secured six wins including Best Film.
It has also garnered 13 nominations at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards, including:
- Best Picture
- Best Director (Paul Thomas Anderson)
- Best Actor (Leonardo DiCaprio)
- Supporting nominations for Penn, Del Toro, and Taylor
Awards experts widely consider it a frontrunner, especially in screenplay and acting categories. The combination of political urgency and cinematic craftsmanship has turned it into what some critics are calling the “Oscar juggernaut” of 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where can I watch One Battle After Another in India?
You can stream it exclusively on JioHotstar.
2. Is One Battle After Another available in Hindi?
Currently, it is streaming in English. Hindi and other dubs are expected soon.
3. Is the film One Battle After Another based on a book?
Yes, it draws inspiration from Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland.
4. What awards has it won so far?
It won six awards at the 79th BAFTA Awards, including Best Film.
5. How many Oscar nominations did it receive?
It has earned 13 nominations at the 98th Academy Awards.
Final Thoughts: Why Critics Are Calling It a Modern Cult Classic
While its box office journey sparked debate, critics have overwhelmingly praised the film’s relentless pacing and fearless engagement with controversial themes. From radical activism and immigration politics to systemic oppression and generational scars, the film doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable conversations.
Its tonal shifts from absurdist comedy to explosive action may polarize casual viewers, but for cinephiles, the genre-blending ambition feels refreshing.
Many believe One Battle After Another will enjoy a second life on streaming, where audiences can fully absorb its layered storytelling without theatrical expectations.
