Jul 13, 2026 5:00pm IST
POLL: Which Director’s Upcoming 2026 Film Are You Most Excited For? Cast your vote
From mythological epics and historical dramas to big-ticket action thrillers and biopics, some of Hindi cinema’s leading filmmakers are gearing up with major releases in 2026. Nitesh Tiwari, Rajkumar Santoshi, Siddharth Anand and Laxman Utekar are bringing distinct stories and cinematic worlds to the big screen this year. Which director’s 2026 release are you most excited to watch? Cast your vote.
Related Stories
From co-directing “Chillar Party” (2011) to helming films such as “Bhoothnath Returns” (2014), “Dangal” (2016), “Chhichhore” (2019) and “Bawaal” (2023), Nitesh Tiwari has explored a wide range of genres. The filmmaker is now gearing up for his most ambitious project yet, “Ramayana: Part One.” Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash, the first installment of the two-part epic is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release in November 2026, coinciding with Diwali.
Rajkumar Santoshi, the filmmaker behind acclaimed and popular films such as “Ghayal” (1990), “Damini” (1993), “Andaz Apna Apna” (1994), “Ghatak” (1996), “The Legend of Bhagat Singh” (2002) and “Khakee” (2004), is set to present “Batwara 1947.” Produced by Aamir Khan and set against the backdrop of the Partition of India, the film stars Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, Shabana Azmi and Karan Deol. It is scheduled to release on August 14, 2026.
Known for films including “Salaam Namaste” (2005), “Bachna Ae Haseeno” (2008), “Bang Bang!” (2014), “War” (2019), “Pathaan” (2023) and “Fighter” (2024), Siddharth Anand returns with the action thriller “King.” Headlined by Shah Rukh Khan, the film also features Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor. It is scheduled to release in cinemas worldwide on December 24, 2026.
Popular on Variety
After beginning his directorial journey with the Marathi film “Tapaal” (2014), Laxman Utekar went on to direct films including “Luka Chuppi” (2019), “Mimi” (2021), “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke” (2023) and “Chhaava” (2025). He next directs the biographical drama “Eetha,” starring Shraddha Kapoor as legendary Marathi lavani and tamasha artist Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar. Also featuring Nana Patekar, Randeep Hooda and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, the film is scheduled to release on August 28, 2026.
Which filmmaker’s 2026 release are you looking forward to the most?
Comments are moderated. They may be edited for clarity and reprinting in whole or in part in Variety publications.