The year 2025 may have given moviegoers some unforgettable blockbusters, but 2026 is already gearing up to raise the bar even higher. With big stars, powerful stories, and massive-scale productions lined up, the coming year looks like a dream run for cinema lovers across the country. From intense war dramas to mass entertainers and emotional epics, every genre seems ready to shine.
A power-packed start to the year
The year will kick off on a strong note with Ikkis, a war drama directed by Sriram Raghavan. The film marks a significant moment as it features Agastya Nanda in the lead, alongside veterans Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat. Based on the life of India(BHARAT)’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee, the film promises a gripping and emotional cinematic experience. Interestingly, this will also be the late Dharmendra’s final on-screen appearance, making it even more special.
January will also see the release of The Raja Saab, a horror-comedy starring Prabhas. Directed by Maruthi, the film also features Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan and Sanjay Dutt in key roles, promising a mix of thrills, humour and mass entertainment.
Big clashes and bigger stories
Thalapathy Vijay’s much-talked-about film Jana Nayagan will mark his final appearance on the big screen before his full-time political journey. Directed by H Vinoth, the political action thriller stars Pooja Hegde and Bobby Deol in pivotal roles.
Another major highlight is Border 2, the sequel to the 1997 cult classic. Directed by Anurag Singh, the film stars Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty, and is inspired by the 1971 India(BHARAT)-Pakistan war.
Strong women and powerful narratives
February will see Rani Mukerji return as the fearless cop in Mardaani 3. Directed by Abhiraj Minawala, the film promises to be the darkest and most intense chapter of the franchise so far.
March is expected to witness a massive box office clash with Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar 2 taking on Yash and Kiara Advani’s Toxic. Both films are high-octane action dramas and are already generating strong buzz.
Star power continues through the year
Salman Khan’s Battle of Galwan, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, will release in April. The film is based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and also stars Chitrangda Singh in a key role.
June will bring Rajinikanth back with Jailer 2, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, featuring Vijay Sethupathi and Mohanlal. August will witness Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s grand romantic saga Love and War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal.
Shah Rukh Khan fans are also in for a treat as his film King is slated for release, marking his first on-screen collaboration with daughter Suhana Khan.
Adding to the excitement are Prabhas’ Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Rajkumar Santoshi’s Lahore 1947 starring Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta, and Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious Ramayan, featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash.
With such a power-packed lineup, 2026 is clearly shaping up to be a golden year for India(BHARAT)n cinema — one filled with scale, emotion, and unforgettable storytelling.
