The year 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious and high-stakes years for Indian cinema in recent memory. With an extraordinary lineup of big-budget spectacles, star-driven franchises, mythological epics, war dramas, and pan-India action thrillers, filmmakers appear determined to bring audiences back to theatres in record numbers. Trade analysts and film lovers alike are already calling 2026 a “make-or-break” year — one that could redefine box-office benchmarks and creative scale across industries.
From Nitesh Tiwari’s grand retelling of Ramayana to Shah Rukh Khan’s action-packed King, Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 3, and multiple sequels to proven blockbusters, the slate reflects a strategic blend of nostalgia, scale, and innovation. The common thread across these films is spectacle backed by star power and storytelling that appeals to both domestic and global audiences.
Here’s a closer look at the most anticipated films set to dominate the big screen in 2026.
King: Shah Rukh Khan Returns to High-Octane Action
Among the most talked-about films of the year is King, directed by Siddharth Anand and starring Shah Rukh Khan in the lead. The film has generated immense buzz not only because of Khan’s continued dominance following Pathaan and Jawan, but also because it marks the big-screen debut of his daughter, Suhana Khan.
Produced by Red Chillies Entertainment in collaboration with Marflix Pictures, King reunites Shah Rukh Khan with Siddharth Anand, a pairing that has already proven its box-office muscle. The film is expected to combine stylised action with emotional depth, positioning it as one of the marquee releases of the year.
Ramayana: Indian Cinema’s Biggest Mythological Bet
Perhaps the most ambitious cinematic project in Indian history, Ramayana is being mounted on a scale rarely seen before. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the mythological epic features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman.
Produced by Prime Focus Studios in association with Oscar-winning VFX studio DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, the film also boasts music by two global legends — Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman. Ramayana: Part 1 is slated for a Diwali 2026 release, with Part 2 arriving in Diwali 2027, making it a long-term franchise vision rather than a standalone film.
Dhurandhar 2: Ranveer Singh’s Spy Saga Goes Pan-India
After the phenomenal success of Dhurandhar in 2025, its sequel has been officially locked for an Eid 2026 release on March 19. Starring Ranveer Singh, Dhurandhar 2 will be released in five languages — Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam — marking the franchise’s first full pan-India outing.
The sequel is expected to expand the universe both in scale and geography, with an enhanced overseas release strategy. With its high-octane action and strong political undertones, the film is being positioned as a festival blockbuster.
Battle of Galwan: Salman Khan in a Patriotic War Drama
Salman Khan’s Battle of Galwan is another major draw for 2026. Inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops, the film offers a dramatized portrayal of one of the most intense military standoffs in recent history.
The teaser, released on Khan’s birthday, set the tone for a gritty and emotionally charged narrative. Chitrangda Singh stars opposite Khan, and the film is scheduled for an April 17, 2026 theatrical release.
Border 2: Revisiting a War Classic
Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 brings together a formidable ensemble including Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, and Mona Singh. Set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the sequel builds on the legacy of the 1997 cult classic.
Produced by T-Series and JP Films, Border 2 is slated for release on January 23, 2026, and promises large-scale battle sequences alongside deeply personal stories of courage and sacrifice.
Drishyam 3: Vijay Salgaonkar Returns
Ajay Devgn reprises his iconic role as Vijay Salgaonkar in Drishyam 3, scheduled for release on October 2, 2026. Directed by Abhishek Pathak, the film continues the psychological crime saga that has captivated audiences across two previous installments.
With Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Rajat Kapoor returning, the third chapter promises fresh twists while staying rooted in the franchise’s trademark suspense.
Alpha: YRF Spy Universe Expands
Part of the ever-expanding YRF Spy Universe, Alpha stars Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, and Bobby Deol. Directed by Shiv Rawail, the film was postponed to avoid a clash with Battle of Galwan and is now expected to release later in 2026.
As the sixth installment in the franchise, Alpha is expected to deepen the universe while offering a female-led action narrative.
Mardaani 3, O’ Romeo and Love and War
Rani Mukerji returns as the fierce cop Shivani Shivaji Roy in Mardaani 3, slated for February 27, 2026. Directed by Abhiraj Minawala, the film promises a darker and more brutal case.
Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj reunite for O’ Romeo, an action thriller releasing on Valentine’s Day 2026, while Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War brings together Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal in a grand romantic drama.
Southern Powerhouses and Pan-India Giants
Beyond Bollywood, 2026 will also see major releases from the South. These include Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2, Prabhas’s The RajaSaab, Yash’s Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, and Thalapathy Vijay’s much-anticipated Jana Nayagan, reportedly his final film before stepping into politics.
A Defining Year Ahead
With mythological epics, war dramas, sequels, and original action spectacles dominating the calendar, 2026 is poised to test the limits of Indian cinema’s ambition. Whether it is nostalgia-driven franchises or bold new universes, the year ahead promises scale, spectacle, and storytelling aimed squarely at redefining theatrical experiences.
