From 'Ramayana' to 'Awarapan 2': Top 6 most anticipated Bollywood movies of this year

The list features Emraan Hashmi's 'Awarapan 2' and Salman Khan's 'Maatrubhumi' to Shah Rukh Khan's 'King' and Akshay Kumar's 'Bhoot Bangla'.

From horror-comedies to action-thrillers and war dramas, the year has something for everyone.

Be it Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ranbir Kapoor or even Emraan Hashmi, all your favourite superstars have something lined up for 2026.

Here's a look at the top-most anticipated movies of the year.

BHOOTH BANGLA - April 17

Starring Akshay Kumar, Wamiqa Gabbi, Rajpal Yadav, Tabu, Asrani, Paresh Rawal, Mithun Chakraborty and Mithila Palkar, the horror-comedy directed by Priyadarshan is set for a theatrical release on April 17. The film's release is pushed by one week given the spectacular success of Dhurandhar: The Revenge.

One of the biggest highlights of the film is the reunion of director Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar after more than 15 years. The duo has previously gave blockbusters like Garam Masala, Bhool Bhulaiyaa and others.

The paid previews for the film will begin on April 16.

MAATRUBHUMI: MAY WAR REST IN PEACE - TBA

The poster of 'Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace'.

Salman Khan's war drama Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace, originally titled Battle of Galwan, is rumoured to release on August 14. The movie was previously reported to be released on April 17 but was then pushed to align it with India's Independence Day.

Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film also features Chitrangada Singh.

Along with the new title, the makers have released a new poster for the movie which shows Salman as a brave soldier in a clean-shaven look. However, no release date was mentioned on the new poster.

DRISHYAM 3 - October 2

The final chapter in the Drishyam franchise starring Ajay Devgn is set to release on October 2. The film will bring back the original cast who will reprise their roles including Tabu, Shriya Saran and Rajat Kapoor.

The franchise is a remake of the Malayalam film franchise of the same name which stars Mohanlal. The original Drishyam 3 (Malayalam) is set to release on May 21, on Mohanlal's birthday.

AWARAPAN 2- Exact release date TBA

In this much-awaited sequel, Emraan Hashmi is set to reprise his role as Shivam. The film which was originally scheduled for April 3 release is now pushed to Independence Day weekend, as per reports.

As per a report by Sacnilk, the film is the number 1 most anticipated film of the year as it has recorded 17,000 interests within a single 24-hour window on Book My Show.

Directed by Nitin Kakkar, the film also features Disha Patani.

RAMAYANA PART 1 - Exact release date TBA

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshmana.

Just a few hours after dropping the first look teaser, the film has sparked a lot of debates. While some are hailing Ranbir's look as Rama, others are calling the big-budget movie out for bad VFX. Despite the backlash, the film is still remains one of the most anticipated movies of the year.

Ramayana Part 1 is set to release on Diwali this year.

KING - December 24

King will be back. The action thriller starring Shah Rukh Khan will be making sure the year end on a high note.

Directed by Siddharth Anand and produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures, the film features a star-studded cast including Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Jaideep Ahlawat and Arshad Warsi.

The film is set for a theatrical release on December 24, 2026.