Indian cinema is riding an unprecedented creative and commercial high. The past year saw theatres fill up again as audiences embraced everything from large-scale spectacles to rooted, content-driven storytelling. Filmmakers across languages pushed boundaries—technically, narratively and thematically—resulting in one of the most successful periods in Indian film history. As 2026 begins, the industry’s most influential directors are already gearing up for their next ambitious projects, promising an exciting mix of mythology, romance, action, fantasy and experimental cinema.
From Karan Johar’s genre pivots and SS Rajamouli’s colossal vision to Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s provocative storytelling and Aditya Dhar’s spy-universe expansion, here is a detailed look at what India’s top filmmakers are planning next.
Karan Johar: Romance, Fantasy and Expanding Horizons
Karan Johar continues to diversify his production slate under Dharma Productions, moving beyond traditional romantic dramas into genre-driven and pan-Indian cinema. One of his most anticipated upcoming projects is Chand Mera Dil, directed by Vivek Soni. Starring Lakshya and Ananya Panday, the romantic drama marks Dharma’s continued faith in younger talent. Initially planned for a 2025 release, the film has now been pushed to 2026, with insiders suggesting the makers are fine-tuning the narrative and music to enhance its emotional appeal.
Johar is also venturing into supernatural comedy with Naagzilla, directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba. Starring Kartik Aaryan as a shape-shifting serpent, the film blends folklore, humour and visual spectacle. Designed as the first instalment in a high-concept creature comedy trilogy, Naagzilla represents Dharma’s attempt to create a mainstream fantasy franchise rooted in Indian mythology. The film is slated for an August 2026 release.
In a significant move, Dharma has also acquired the northern India theatrical distribution rights for the Malayalam film Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies. Directed by Adhvaith Nayar, the film stars Arjun Ashokan, Roshan Mathew, Vishak Nair and Ishan Shoukath, with a special cameo by Mammootty. This marks Dharma’s first association with Malayalam cinema and signals Johar’s growing interest in supporting strong regional content across linguistic boundaries.
Nitesh Tiwari: Bringing the Ramayana to the Big Screen
Few films in development carry the weight and anticipation of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana. Envisioned as a two-part mythological epic, the project is among the most ambitious undertakings in Indian cinema. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Yash as Ravana.
A glimpse released in 2025 generated massive buzz, especially for its visual effects and epic scale. Ramayana: Part Oneis scheduled for a Diwali 2026 release, while the second part is set to arrive on Diwali 2027. Tiwari, known for emotionally grounded storytelling in films like Dangal and Chhichhore, is expected to balance spectacle with human drama, making this one of the defining projects of the decade.
Atlee: A Global-Scale Sci-Fi Spectacle
Atlee, who has consistently delivered box-office juggernauts, is currently working on AA22xA6, a sci-fi film starring Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone. Announced on Allu Arjun’s birthday in April 2025, the project is being positioned as a visually groundbreaking experience with international appeal.
Speaking at the WAVES Summit 2025, Allu Arjun described the film as an ambitious visual spectacle rooted in Indian sensibilities but designed for global audiences. Atlee has roped in several Hollywood technicians, and the director has hinted that the scale and complexity of the project are challenging even seasoned international collaborators. Produced by Sun Pictures, AA22xA6 is currently under production and is expected to release in 2027.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali: Love, Conflict and Grandeur
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is deep into production on Love & War, a film that brings together Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. The film revolves around a complex love triangle set against the backdrop of conflict, with Ranbir and Vicky reportedly playing officers competing for both duty and love.
The project reunites Bhansali with Alia after Gangubai Kathiawadi and Ranbir after Saawariya. While originally planned for a 2025 release, the film has faced delays and is now expected to release in June 2026, though an official date is yet to be announced. As always, Bhansali’s trademark grandeur, music and emotional intensity are expected to define the cinematic experience.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga: Provocation and Power
Sandeep Reddy Vanga is currently shooting Spirit, starring Prabhas and Triptii Dimri. Prabhas reportedly plays a police officer, while Triptii essays his romantic interest. The film also features Vivek Oberoi, Prakash Raj and Kanchana in key roles.
Produced by Bhushan Kumar and Vanga’s family banner, Spirit is being mounted as a multilingual release across Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and several international languages. The first-look poster, featuring a wounded Prabhas in a raw, intense avatar, sparked widespread discussion. The film is scheduled for a 2026 release.
Following Spirit, Vanga will begin work on Animal Park, the sequel to his 2024 blockbuster Animal, with Ranbir Kapoor reprising his role. The sequel is expected to push the psychological and moral boundaries established in the first film.
Aditya Dhar: Expanding the Spy Universe
Aditya Dhar is enjoying a career peak after the massive success of Dhurandhar, which shattered box-office records and crossed ₹1,200 crore worldwide. Despite mixed reviews, the film connected strongly with audiences and became the highest-grossing Bollywood film domestically.
Dhar is now gearing up for Dhurandhar 2, with Ranveer Singh returning as the Indian spy. The sequel will also star R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Rakesh Bedi and Sara Arjun. Scheduled for a March 19, 2026 release, the film promises higher stakes, bigger action and deeper political intrigue.
Siddharth Anand: Shah Rukh Khan’s Next Big Actioner
Siddharth Anand is collaborating once again with Shah Rukh Khan on King, an action film that also marks Suhana Khan’s theatrical debut. The film features Deepika Padukone, Jaideep Ahlawat, Abhishek Bachchan and Raghav Juyal in pivotal roles.
Currently under production, King is expected to release in 2026 and is already generating buzz for being the first on-screen collaboration between Shah Rukh Khan and his daughter.
Geethu Mohandas: A Dark Fairy Tale
Geethu Mohandas returns with Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, starring Yash in his first release after KGF 2. The film also stars Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, Huma Qureshi and others. Shot in Kannada and English, the period gangster drama is scheduled for a March 19, 2026 release across six languages.
SS Rajamouli: Another Monumental Vision
SS Rajamouli’s next film, Varanasi, stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Reportedly made on a budget of ₹1,000 crore, the film will be India’s first to be shot in the 1.43:1 IMAX format. Rajamouli has confirmed that Mahesh Babu will portray Lord Rama in one sequence, fuelling immense curiosity. The film is slated for a Sankranti 2027 release.
Priyadarshan: Comedy, Horror and Nostalgia
Priyadarshan has completed Bhooth Bangla, a horror-comedy starring Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal and Wamiqa Gabbi, set for an April 2026 release. He has also wrapped Haiwaan, reuniting Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after nearly 17 years. Additionally, fans eagerly await updates on Hera Pheri 3, which promises to bring back one of Bollywood’s most iconic comic trios.
As these filmmakers prepare their next moves, one thing is clear: Indian cinema is entering an era defined by ambition, scale and diversity. Whether it is mythology, fantasy, intense drama or mass entertainment, the coming years promise a cinematic feast for audiences across the globe.
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