indian cinema is bracing up for a blazing 2026 with several big-budget releases, alongside ones that will invoke nostalgia. From epics to spy thrillers, to romantic war dramas, check out the list of the 10 most-anticipated releases of the upcoming year.
2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest and most exciting years in Indian cinema, with a mix of high-profile sequels, mythological epics, star-driven action dramas, and genre-expanding productions. After a blockbuster-packed 2025, audiences are gearing up for theatrical events that promise both scale and storytelling depth. Here’s a look at the most anticipated Indian films lined up for release in 2026.
Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups
Release: March 19, 2026
One of the early tentpole releases for the year, Toxic is a pan-Indian action thriller starring Yash (of KGF fame) in the lead. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the film features an ensemble cast that includes Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, and Huma Qureshi, among others. Shot simultaneously in English and Kannada and dubbed into multiple languages, Toxic has built hype as one of 2026’s biggest releases.
Dhurandhar 2
Release: March 19, 2026 (Eid)
Following the massive box-office success of Dhurandhar, the sequel is locked in for an Eid release and expected to continue the espionage saga with bigger set pieces and action. With Ranveer Singh returning to expand the universe that dominated 2025, the film is positioned as one of the first major Hindi blockbusters of the year.
Ramayana
Release: Diwali 2026 (Part 1)
One of the biggest cultural and cinematic bets of the year is Ramayana, an ambitious adaptation of the ancient Indian epic helmed by Nitesh Tiwari. The pan-India cast includes Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. Aimed at global scale and technological ambition, the film is already generating significant buzz.
Battle of Galwan
Release: April 17, 2026
Battle of Galwan is a high-stakes war drama starring Salman Khan as Colonel B. Santosh Babu, based on the real-life 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia and produced by Salman Khan Films, the film also features Chitrangda Singh, Zeyn Shaw, Ankur Bhatia and Vipin Bhardwaj in key roles. The project’s teaser, released on Khan’s 60th birthday, drew massive attention and sparked strong audience reactions online, reflecting its emotive patriotic theme and intense action.
King
Release: TBA
The forthcoming Shah Rukh Khan starrer King is one of Bollywood’s most hotly anticipated releases of 2026. While plot details are being tightly held, the film has generated significant buzz due to Khan’s rare public appearances related to dubbing and speculation around a major announcement for the project. King is expected to be a large-scale, action-drama spectacle anchored by Khan’s charismatic presence, with industry watchers predicting it will be a key box-office contender next year. Fans and media alike are keenly watching for official release details, with expectations that King will arrive as a major theatrical franchise-style experience in 2026.
Love & War
Release: Aug/Sept 2026
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War brings together a powerhouse cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal in a sweeping romantic-war drama. Originally eyed for a late-2025 release, the film’s shoot has extended into mid-2026, and recent reports place its theatrical launch in August or September 2026, making it one of the year’s most talked-about projects. Bhansali’s signature visual richness and narrative ambition have only heightened anticipation, with a first glimpse expected in early January 2026 to give audiences a taste of its cinematic world.
Jana Nayagan
Release: January 9, 2026
Jana Nayagan is shaping up as a landmark political action thriller and what could be Thalapathy Vijay’s final film before entering politics. Directed by H. Vinoth and scheduled for release during the Pongal festival, the film features a multi-star ensemble including Vijay, Pooja Hegde and Bobby Deol, with support from Prakash Raj, Narain and Priyamani. The movie’s audio launch made headlines by entering the Malaysia Book of Records, reflecting the massive international buzz around Vijay’s swansong performance and the film’s mix of action, drama and emotional stakes for fans across India.
Border 2
Release: January 23, 2026
A sequel to the iconic 1997 war film Border, Border 2 reunites star Sunny Deol with a new generation of heroes in a patriotic epic directed by Anurag Singh. The ensemble cast also includes Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty, along with Sonam Bajwa, Mona Singh, Anya Singh and Medha Rana, promising a wide-ranging portrayal of courage and sacrifice.
Mardaani 3
Release: February 27, 2026
The third instalment of the gritty Mardaani franchise sees Rani Mukerji back as fierce cop Shivani Shivaji Roy. Known for blending social relevance with taut crime storytelling, the series has been a staple of female-led action in Hindi cinema, and fans are keen to see the next chapter in her fight against crime.
Drishyam 3
Release: October 2, 2026
After the critical and commercial success of the first two films in the franchise, Drishyam 3 is officially set for an October 2026 release. Ajay Devgn will reprise his role as Vijay Salgaonkar, with Tabu returning and Jaideep Ahlawat stepping in after Akshaye Khanna exited the project. The franchise’s reputation for smart suspense and emotional stakes makes this one of the year’s most eagerly awaited titles.
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