It will be a cinematic year like no other.
Bollywood is set to become bigger and better in 2026, with many exciting films coming our way.
2025 has been a glorious year for Hindi cinema, with movies such as Sitaare Zameen Par, Chhaava, and Saiyaara enchanting the audience.
As the fun-filled year draws to a close, fans can expect a plethora of more intriguing titles.
Adorned with original stories, compelling actors, and jaw-dropping visual effects, these films promise to not only entertain but endure.
So, it’s time to mark your calendars and refresh your list of favourite snacks and venues.
DESIblitz lists eight Bollywood films to look forward to in 2026.
Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos
Director: Vir Das
Stars: Vir Das, Mona Singh, Aamir Khan, Imran Khan
From the famous Aamir Khan Productions banner comes yet another charming film in 2026.
Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos marks the directorial debut of Vir Das, who also stars in the movie.
On December 3, 2025, Aamir released a teaser of the film, which has delighted fans.
The teaser shows thrilling action and a few surprises.
Notably, Imran Khan will be making a guest appearance in the film, signalling his return to the big screen after Katti Batti (2015).
The glimpse of Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos also revealed the involvement of Mona Singh.
Mona is known for her performances in films such as 3 Idiots (2009), Laal Singh Chaddha (2022), and The Ba***ds of Bollywood (2025).
Aamir Khan also makes a cameo appearance in the film, further fueling anticipation for it.
Buckle up for an engrossing experience from the industry’s best.
Battle of Galwan
Director: Apoorva Lakhia
Stars: Salman Khan, Chitrangada Singh
Salman Khan is one of the biggest crowd-pullers in Bollywood.
His fans could hardly contain their excitement when the teaser for his new film, Battle of Galwan, was released.
Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film is an interpretation of one of the most challenging conflicts in Indian history.
It is set in Ladakh and will follow the events between Indian and Chinese troops in 2020.
Talking about the movie, Salman reveals: “I will especially [feel it] when I feel the cold water, that’s for sure.
“I am definitely feeling it since shooting in Ladakh.”
Known for entertaining the audience with an unmatched fervour, Salman looks determined to bring us a powerhouse of a film.
The star has not done many war films in his career, which makes Battle of Galwan all the more anticipated.
Border 2
Director: Anurag Singh
Stars: Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty
Many film connoisseurs continue to celebrate JP Dutta’s epic war blockbuster, Border (1997).
The film featured Sunny Deol in the lead role and told a story of courage, patriotism, and willpower.
In 2024, it was announced that a sequel would be produced, with Anurag Singh taking the reins of director.
Sunny is confirmed to be returning in Border 2, with talented actors such as Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty added to the troops.
Sonam Bajwa and Mona Singh will also be seen in the film.
Touted as India’s biggest war film, Border 2 will undoubtedly build on the legacy that was created in the 1990s.
With a massive star like Sunny leading the cast, Border 2 is a picture that you won’t want to miss!
Scheduled to be released in January 2026, coinciding with Republic Day, it will be a memorable salute to the heroes of the nation.
Mardaani 3
Director: Abhiraj Minawala
Stars: Rani Mukerji
Continuing with sequels and franchises, we come to Rani Mukerji’s upcoming extravaganza, Mardaani 3.
The Mardaani franchise kicked off in 2014, with Rani inhabiting the world of Senior Inspector Shivani Shivaji Roy.
Shivani is a policewoman who uncovers deep secrets in the unforgiving world of human trafficking.
Mardaani 2 (2014) continued Shivani’s journey as she tries to capture a 21-year-old rapist and murderer.
Rani’s performance in both films earned Shivani acclaim as one of Bollywood’s finest onscreen police characters.
Talking about Mardaani 3, Rani enthuses:
“Mardaani is an extremely loved franchise, and we have a certain responsibility to deliver to the expectations that people have.
“We will do our best to live up to this. Mardaani 3 is dark, deadly and brutal.”
“So, I’m intrigued to find out the response of the people towards our film.
“I hope they shower this film with the same amount of love that they have always given.”
Fans of the franchise are eagerly waiting for Mardaani 3, which will add to the tapestry of cinema in 2026.
Alpha
Director: Shiv Rawail
Stars: Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor
Alia Bhatt enters the spotlight in Alpha, the seventh instalment of the popular YRF Spy Universe.
This film marks the first time a film from the franchise will be female-led.
Alpha also stars Sharvari, Bobby Deol, and Anil Kapoor.
The movie was originally scheduled to be released in December 2025, but has been postponed to 2026.
This was allegedly due to pending work on the visual effects.
We can therefore assume that Alpha will be nothing short of a stunning spectacle.
With a superstar like Alia at the forefront, this film looks undeniably set to expand the aura and thrill of the YRF Spy Universe.
We’ve enjoyed the magic of Tiger, Kabir, and Pathaan.
Now, let’s look forward to the nail-biting world of Alpha!
King
Director: Siddharth Anand
Stars: Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor, Suhana Khan
To celebrate Shah Rukh Khan’s 60th birthday in 2025, the first teaser for King was released.
The video shows SRK as a charismatic criminal who is wanted in 100 countries.
In an eerie voice, SRK proclaims: “The world gave me one name. I am not fear. I am destruction. It’s showtime.”
King promises fans a “new Shah Rukh Khan experience”.
That is an offer that many Bollywood admirers can’t ignore.
As SRK reunites with his Pathaan director, Siddharth Anand, he will star alongside Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, and Anil Kapoor in King.
The superstar’s daughter, Suhana Khan, also shares the screen with her father for the first time.
King will mark SRK’s comeback to the big screen following his role in Dunki (2023).
For that, along with a riveting new avatar, King is fittingly among the best titles to look forward to in 2026.
Love & War
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Stars: Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal
In this contemporary yet soulful project, Ranbir Kapoor reunites with his first director, the celluloid magician, Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
Love & War will also see the actor perform with his wife, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal.
Speaking about the film, Ranbir says: “Love & War is something which is every actor’s dream.
“To work with brilliant actors like Alia and Vicky and to be directed by the master, Sanjay Leela Bhansali. I worked with him 17 years ago.
“To work with him again, I can say this with so much clarity that I haven’t met a human being who works so hard, who understands characters, emotions, music, Indian culture, Indian value system, as much as Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
“Just to be on his set, it is tiring. It is long. The process can be a little daunting, but eventually, as an artist, it is so satisfying.
“He really nurtures art. As actors, it’s truly been amazing.”
Love & War is Ranbir and Alia’s second collaboration after Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva (2022).
It also combines Ranbir and Vicky onscreen after Bombay Velvet (2015) and Sanju (2018).
With so many wonderful combinations forming again and an intriguing premise, Love & War is definitely something to watch out for.
Ramayana: Part One
Director: Nitesh Tiwari
Stars: Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey, Sunny Deol
The mythological epic, Ramayana, has been the subject of many films, books, and television shows for centuries.
Deeply rooted in Indian culture and history, it is one of the most renowned stories in the world.
Taking the narration of Ramayana to a new level, ace director Nitesh Tiwari joins forces with the Academy Award-winning VFX studio, DNEG, to bring us a mesmeric and transcendent cinematic experience.
Nitesh’s Ramayana will be made over two parts, with the first film due to be released during the Diwali period of 2026.
Ranbir Kapoor plays Rama, with Sai Pallavi (Sita), Yash (Ravana), Ravie Dubey (Lakshman), and Sunny Deol (Hanuman).
The Oscar-winners Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman are helming the music, adding to the potential of the epic film.
Ramayana is sold as a shining mosaic of stunning visual effects and a supreme star cast.
Diwali 2026 is certain to be bright for more reasons than one.
With so many films and stories lined up, cinema in 2026 will not only survive but thrive.
These films promise potential, emotion, and hope, and are sure to create magic for moviegoers.
If you thought 2025 was a terrific year for Bollywood, that is only the beginning.
The Indian film industry always strives to entertain, and for that, it should be respected year after year.
Of course, nobody can completely predict the fate of a film.
But as for 2026, one thing is certain: it will be a cinematic year like no other.








