The year 2026 is expected to be a blockbuster one for Indian cinema, with filmmakers lining up a diverse mix of war dramas, mythological spectacles, crime thrillers and emotionally driven stories. Packed with top stars, large-scale productions and ambitious storytelling, the upcoming slate promises something for every moviegoer.
Here’s a look at some of the most anticipated Indian films scheduled for release in 2026:
Ikkis (January 1, 2026)
Directed by Sriram Raghavan, this war drama is based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who lost his life at 21 during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The film introduces Agastya Nanda, Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, and marks the final on-screen appearance of veteran actor Dharmendra.
Border 2 (January 23, 2026)
A follow-up to the 1997 classic Border, the sequel revisits patriotic themes with a new cast alongside Sunny Deol. Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty also feature, and the film’s teaser has already generated strong patriotic sentiment.
Ramayana Part 1 (Expected Diwali 2026)
Among the most ambitious projects of the year, this retelling of the epic Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Sai Pallavi as Sita. Backed by high-end visual effects and a star-studded ensemble including Sunny Deol and Yash, the film aims for grand cinematic scale.
Drishyam 3 (October 2, 2026)
Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay Salgaonkar in the third instalment of the popular thriller franchise. Known for its clever twists and gripping suspense, the film arrives over the Gandhi Jayanti weekend.
Jailer 2 (June 12, 2026)
Rajinikanth reprises his role in this sequel, promising amplified action and signature style. Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu and Mirnaa return, while new cast members include SJ Suryah, Suraj Venjaramoodu and Anna Rajan.
Love & War (2026)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali brings Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal together for the first time in a romantic drama set against a wartime backdrop. Featuring Bhansali’s trademark grandeur and emotional depth, the film’s exact release date is yet to be confirmed.
Mardaani 3 (February 27, 2026)
Rani Mukerji once again dons the role of fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy. The third chapter continues the franchise’s focus on crime, social issues and strong female-led action.
Toxic (March 19, 2026)
Yash headlines this dark, stylised gangster drama titled Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups. With its edgy tone and intense narrative, the film is set to clash with other major releases in March.
Dhurandhar 2 (March 19, 2026)
Following the success of the first film, this sequel delves deeper into espionage and covert operations. Ranveer Singh’s character is expected to take on a more complex and unpredictable arc, with a stronger focus on psychological battles.
Battle of Galwan (April 17, 2026)
Salman Khan leads this war-action film inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. The movie highlights bravery and sacrifice, with Chitrangada Singh in a key role.
King (Late 2026)
One of the most awaited films of the year, King stars Shah Rukh Khan in a high-octane action thriller. The film also marks the big-screen debut of his daughter Suhana Khan, alongside Deepika Padukone.
The Raja Saab (January 9, 2026)
Prabhas headlines this romantic fantasy-horror comedy directed by Maruthi Dasari. The cast includes Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Malavika Mohanan and Nidhhi Agerwal.
O’ Romeo (February 13, 2026)
Shahid Kapoor teams up with director Vishal Bharadwaj for this intriguing new project, with Triptii Dimri as the female lead. The film’s promotional material has already stirred curiosity.
Alpha (2026)
Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh lead Yash Raj Films’ first female-driven spy universe film. Directed by Shiv Rawail, the release was reportedly postponed to avoid a clash with Battle of Galwan.
Jana Nayagan (January 9, 2026)
Directed by H Vinoth, this film is designed as a tribute to Tamil superstar Thalapathy Vijay’s cinematic legacy. Featuring energetic dance numbers, powerful emotions and mass appeal, it is expected to be a major draw.