The year 2026 is shaping up to be a massive cinematic year for Indian film fans, with a diverse slate of sequels, war epics, thrillers, mythological sagas, and franchise continuations vying to dominate the box office.
Here’s a look at the biggest features audiences are eagerly awaiting:
- Border 2
- Drishyam 3
- Bhoot Bhangla
- King
- Dhurandhar 2
- Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups
- Peddi
- Battle of Galwan
- Dacoit: A Love Story
- Ramayana
1. Border 2
A sequel to the cult classic Border (1997), Border 2 is one of the first big releases of the year. Directed by Anurag Singh, the film brings together a powerful ensemble cast led by Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty and more. Set against a wartime backdrop, the film promises high-octane action, emotional drama, and patriotic fervour – an ideal Republic Day weekend release.
2. Drishyam 3
The third chapter of the hugely successful Drishyam franchise starring Ajay Devgn, Drishyam 3 is officially scheduled for release on October 2, 2026. Devgn reprises his role as Vijay Salgaonkar in this crime thriller, continuing the high-stakes narrative that made the series a critical and commercial hit.
3. Bhoot Bhangla
Although specific production details and release dates are still emerging for Bhoot Bhangla, it is listed among several interesting genre films slated for 2026 across regional industries. Horror-comedy and supernatural themes remain popular with audiences, and Bhoot Bhangla is expected to stir up fun spooky entertainment in that space.
4. King
King is a big-budget action thriller starring Bollywood heavyweight Shah Rukh Khan, alongside Deepika Padukone and Suhana Khan. Directed by Siddharth Anand, this pan-Indian spectacle promises high-impact action sequences, sleek visuals, and an ensemble cast. With massive expectations attached to its release, King is positioned as one of the major tentpole films of 2026.
5. Dhurandhar 2
Following the success of Dhurandhar, this sequel is locked for a theatrical release on March 19, 2026 – timed with Eid and multiple regional holidays to maximize viewership. The action-packed espionage sequel is expected to expand its universe with even grander scale, catering to a Pan-India audience across multiple languages.
6. Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups
Directed by Geetu Mohandas and starring Yash alongside a starry ensemble including Nayanthara, Kiara Advani and others, Toxic is one of the most ambitious genre films of the year. A gritty period gangster drama shot in multiple languages, Toxic is scheduled for 19 March 2026 and has already generated significant buzz for its stylish storytelling and strong cast.
7. Peddi
Confirmed by lead star Ram Charan, Peddi is set for release in March 2026 as a sports action drama. It’s gearing up for a crowded box office window, clashing with other major films including Dhurandhar 2, Toxic and Dacoit: A Love Story. The film’s blend of action and sporting themes makes it a promising contender.
8. Battle of Galwan
Starring Salman Khan and directed by Apoorva Lakhia, Battle of Galwan is a war action film based on the real-life 2020 India-China Galwan Valley clash. The movie’s teaser has already stirred public interest. Scheduled for 17 April 2026, the film has also drawn some international discussion due to portrayals of historical events, adding to its profile as a major release.
9. Dacoit: A Love Story
Also slated for 19 March 2026, this film blends action, drama, and romance in a raw cinematic narrative. Starring Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur, it’s anticipated to face stiff box office competition but stands out with its unique title and storytelling promise. The cast and makers remain confident even amidst a crowded release calendar.
10. Ramayana
Touted as one of the most ambitious Indian films ever made, Ramayana: Part 1 is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and features an ensemble cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash and Sunny Deol. A cinematic retelling of the ancient epic, this film aims to be both a cultural event and a visual spectacle. With a Diwali 2026 release and a massive production scale, it’s likely to be among the year’s biggest draws at the global box office.
