The year 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark period for Hindi cinema, with filmmakers lining up an ambitious slate that spans mythological epics, war dramas, action thrillers and franchise sequels. With star power, scale and strong narratives coming together, the upcoming releases have already generated substantial buzz among trade analysts and audiences alike.

According to an ANI report, some of the most anticipated titles of 2026 include Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’, Shah Rukh Khan-led action thriller ‘King’, and Ajay Devgn’s ‘Drishyam 3’, all of which are expected to dominate conversations at the box office. Industry watchers believe the year could mark one of Bollywood’s strongest theatrical runs in recent times.

Among the most talked-about projects is ‘King’, directed by Siddharth Anand and produced by Red Chillies Entertainment in association with Marflix Pictures. The film is special for more than one reason, as it marks Shah Rukh Khan’s reunion with Anand after ‘Pathaan’ and also introduces Suhana Khan on the big screen. Promising high-octane action blended with emotional depth, the film has already sparked strong expectations across fan circles.

Equally ambitious is ‘Ramayana’, being mounted as one of the biggest cinematic ventures in Indian film history. Ranbir Kapoor steps into the role of Lord Rama, with Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash portraying Ravana. Sunny Deol essays Lord Hanuman, while Ravie Dubey plays Lakshman. Backed by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios along with DNEG and Monster Mind Creations, the two-part epic will release with Part 1 arriving on Diwali 2026, followed by Part 2 in Diwali 2027. The film’s music, composed by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman, further adds to its global appeal.

Another major highlight is ‘Dhurandhar 2’, the sequel to Ranveer Singh’s 2025 blockbuster. Scheduled for an Eid 2026 release, the spy thriller will mark its first full pan-India outing across five languages and is expected to benefit from the festive release window. The film has already drawn praise for its scale, action and thematic depth.

Salman Khan’s Battle of ‘Galwan’ is also among the year’s most awaited releases. Based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops, the film revisits a defining moment in recent military history. With Chitrangda Singh cast opposite Khan, the film is slated to hit theatres on April 17, 2026, and has drawn attention for its intense teaser and serious tone.

War drama ‘Border 2’, directed by Anurag Singh, continues the legacy of the 1997 classic with a new ensemble cast that includes Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty. Set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the film is scheduled for release on January 23, 2026, and promises a mix of large-scale action and emotional storytelling.

Franchise lovers are also looking forward to ‘Drishyam 3’, with Ajay Devgn returning as Vijay Salgaonkar. Slated for an October 2, 2026 release, the third instalment will continue the gripping narrative that has defined the series, with Tabu, Shriya Saran and Rajat Kapoor reprising their roles.

The year will also see the expansion of the YRF Spy Universe with ‘Alpha’, starring Alia Bhatt, Sharvari and Bobby Deol. The film’s release has been pushed to avoid a clash with ‘Battle of Galwan’, with a new date expected to be announced soon.

Other notable releases include ‘Mardaani 3’, with Rani Mukerji returning as cop Shivani Shivaji Roy, Vishal Bhardwaj’s ‘O’ Romeo’ starring Shahid Kapoor and Tripti Dimri, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Love and War’ featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, and Yash’s comeback film ‘Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups’.

Beyond Bollywood, 2026 will also see major releases across southern cinema, including Prabhas’s ‘The RajaSaab’, Thalapathy Vijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan’, and Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer 2’. With such a diverse and star-driven lineup, 2026 is poised to be a defining year for Indian cinema, offering audiences spectacle, emotion and storytelling on a grand scale.