Indian Films to Look Forward to in 2026: A Year Loaded With Big Bets
After years of uncertainty, 2026 is shaping up to be a make-or-break year for Indian cinema. With audience behaviour stabilising and theatres reclaiming their importance, filmmakers across industries are betting big on scale, stars, and stronger narratives.
Border 2 | 23rd Jan '26
A sequel to one of India’s most iconic war films, Border 2 brings strong nostalgia value. If backed by solid storytelling and scale, the film could resonate strongly with both older audiences and the new generation.
O’ Romeo | 13th Feb '26
A stylised romantic entertainer with a fresh treatment. With its title and positioning, O’ Romeo carries curiosity value and could attract younger audiences.
Dhurandhar 2 | 19th March '26
After the massive theatrical wave created by the first part, Dhurandhar 2 is expected to arrive on a much bigger scale. With strong franchise recall and heightened expectations, the sequel is already a major trade attraction.
Toxic | 19th Mar '26
A dark, gritty action drama with strong style quotient. Toxic is expected to be edgy and unconventional, making it one of the most intriguing big-ticket films of the year.
Raja Shivaji | 1st May '26
A historical epic centered on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. With strong cultural connect and grandeur, Raja Shivaji has the potential to emerge as a major event film, particularly in Maharashtra.
Bhooth Bangla | Postponed from 2nd Apr '26
A horror-comedy aimed at delivering mass entertainment. With the genre working well at the box office lately, Bhooth Bangla could turn out to be a surprise winner.
Battle of Galwan | 17th Apr '26
Based on the real-life clash at Galwan Valley, this war drama promises intensity, emotion, and scale. The film carries strong patriotic appeal and has the potential to be a big theatrical draw, especially in the mass circuits.
Jailer 2 | 12th Jun '26
Following the blockbuster success of Jailer, the sequel arrives with massive expectations. Rajinikanth’s unbeatable stardom combined with a proven franchise makes Jailer 2 one of the safest big bets of 2026.
Fauzi | 15th Aug '26
A patriotic action-drama with mass appeal written all over it. Fauzi is being positioned as a high-energy entertainer that could work well across single screens and mass belts.
Naagzilla | 14th Aug '26
A unique concept blending fantasy, action, and mass entertainment. Naagzilla stands out for its novelty factor and could surprise at the box office if executed well.
Love and War | Aug '26
Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Love and War is expected to be an emotionally intense, visually rich spectacle. SLB’s scale and storytelling ensure strong pre-release buzz and premium audience appeal.
Anurag Basu – Kartik Aaryan (Tu Aashiqui Hai) | 1st Oct '26
A romantic drama directed by Anurag Basu, with Kartik Aaryan headlining, instantly makes this a project to watch. With music expected to be a major strength, the film could strike a strong chord with the youth and urban audiences.
Drishyam 3 | 2nd Oct '26
The Drishyam franchise is one of the most respected thriller brands in Indian cinema. With the third installment, expectations revolve around another gripping, layered narrative that could once again pull audiences to theatres purely on content.
Ramayana: Part 1 | Diwali '26
Undoubtedly the most ambitious Indian project in recent times. Mounted on a colossal scale with cutting-edge VFX, Ramayana Part 1 aims to bring India’s greatest epic to the big screen like never before. Expectations are sky-high across the country.
King | Q4 '26
A high-profile action entertainer headlined by Shah Rukh Khan, King is among the most awaited films of the year. With SRK returning to a stylised action space, trade expectations are massive, especially for opening-day and overseas numbers.
