India (Commonwealth Union)_ Indian cinema is looking ahead to 2026 with excitement, as filmmakers from several languages are planning for some of their most ambitious projects yet. From massive action spectacles and war dramas to mythical retellings and new franchise entries, this year is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory. Several films have already attracted the public’s curiosity due to top celebrities, well-known filmmakers, and stories with scope and depth. Based on fan interest and internet interaction, these movies are largely regarded as the most anticipated Indian films of 2026.
Shah Rukh Khan’s King
At the top of the list is King, a Siddharth Anand-directed action thriller starring Shah Rukh Khan. With Suhana Khan and Abhishek Bachchan also playing key roles, the film is expected to be a high-octane entertainer and one of the biggest theatrical releases of the year.
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Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana: Part 1
Another project generating immense interest is Ramayana: Part 1. The film, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, aspires to bring the timeless tale to the big screen in unparalleled size. The film, which stars Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol, and Rakul Preet Singh, has attracted great interest due to its magnificent visuals and ambitious storyline.
Vijay’s Jana Nayagan
Jana Nayagan, starring Thalapathy Vijay, is also on many fans’ watch lists. The film, which is believed to be a political action drama, has received a lot of attention due to Vijay’s big fan base. Although it was originally planned for an early 2026 release, it has since been delayed.
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Prabhas’s Spirit
Prabhas returns in an intense avatar in Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Known for his bold storytelling, Vanga is expected to deliver a dark, action-driven film that leans heavily into raw emotion and conflict.
Yash’s Toxic
Yash’s Toxic, directed by Geetu Mohandas, promises a dark and character-driven story. The film, which stars Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, and Huma Qureshi, is set to debut on March 19, 2026, and is supposed to feature the actor in a gruff, unorthodox character.
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Salman Khan’s Battle of Galwan
Battle of Galwan brings a real-life conflict to the screen. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the war drama stars Salman Khan as Colonel B. Santosh Babu and is based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The film highlights courage and sacrifice and is slated for an April 17, 2026, release.
Alia Bhatt’s Alpha
Alpha symbolizes a watershed point in YRF’s espionage world. Although little information has been published, the franchise’s first female-led picture, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh, has sparked significant excitement.
Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar 2
Following the success of its predecessor, Dhurandhar 2 arrives as a high-stakes sequel featuring Ranveer Singh. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film is scheduled for release on March 19, 2026.
Sunny Deol’s Border 2
Border 2, the sequel to the 1997 classic, reunites Sunny Deol with the war genre alongside Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, and Diljit Dosanjh. Directed by Anurag Singh, the film is set to release on January 23, 2026.
Pradeep Ranganathan’s LIK: Love Insurance Kompany
The list finishes with Vignesh Shivan’s Tamil science-fiction romantic comedy LIK, which stars Pradeep Ranganathan and Krithi Shetty. With its innovative idea, it brings a lighter, more imaginative tone to an otherwise action-packed year.
