As 2026 begins to take shape on the release calendar, a clutch of high-profile films is already dominating industry conversations. From sequels riding on historic box-office runs to war dramas rooted in real events, the coming year is shaping up to be one of scale, spectacle and strong storytelling. Topping that list is Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis, featuring Agastya Nanda and also marking Dharmendra's last film, alongside tentpole projects expected to define the next phase of mainstream Indian cinema.
Here’s a look at the most-promising Indian film releases of 2026.
1. Ikkis
Ikkis has emerged as one of the most closely watched upcoming films, thanks to its subject, scale and the curiosity surrounding its execution. While details are being kept tightly under wraps, the film is believed to be a grounded, emotionally driven story that leans on realism rather than spectacle. Industry insiders suggest Ikkis could strike a chord with audiences looking for content-led cinema amid a sea of big-budget franchises. Its positioning as a serious, performance-driven film makes it a standout in an otherwise spectacle-heavy lineup.
2. Dhurandhar 2
After Dhurandhar rewrote box-office rules and crossed the ₹1000 crore mark globally, expectations from Dhurandhar 2 are sky-high. The sequel is expected to expand the universe introduced in the first film while retaining its intense action and political undertones. With Aditya Dhar returning to direct and the makers keen to go bigger without losing narrative grip, Dhurandhar 2 is already being viewed as one of 2026’s biggest commercial bets.
3. Battle of Galwan
Based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, Battle of Galwan has sparked conversation even before release. Headlined by Salman Khan, the film aims to dramatise one of India’s most sensitive and defining military confrontations in recent history. The teaser alone has generated international reactions, including criticism from Chinese media, underlining the film’s political and emotional weight. Whether praised or contested, Battle of Galwan is poised to be one of 2026’s most talked-about releases.
4. Border 2
More than two decades after Border became a cultural milestone, Border 2 is set to revisit India’s war-film legacy for a new generation. While the makers have stressed that the sequel won’t rely on nostalgia alone, expectations are firmly rooted in patriotism, large-scale battle sequences and ensemble performances. With modern filmmaking tools and a contemporary narrative lens, Border 2 is expected to appeal to both longtime fans and younger audiences.
5. King
Shah Rukh Khan’s King remains one of the most anticipated star-driven projects of 2026. Following a career-redefining comeback phase, the actor is reportedly set to explore a darker, more complex character in this action-drama. With mounting curiosity around its tone, scale and storytelling, King is expected to be a key release not just commercially, but also in shaping SRK’s next cinematic chapter.
