May 14, 2026 7:00pm IST
The Return of Love Stories!
In recent times, all the big Hindi (also dubbed) blockbusters have been action bonanzas and thrillers. Ranveer Singh dominated the theatres in 2025 and 2026 with the gritty and violent “Dhurandhar” and “Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge.” From Pushpa 2 to “Chhava” and from “Animal” to “Gadar 2”, blood and gore have been served to audiences and have received thunderous applause.
However, in the coming months, Bollywood is ready to showcase a softer side. Leading men, including Shahid Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Kartik Aaryan, Ayushmann Khurrana, Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina and Lakshya, are ready to take over the silver screen, trading battlefields for love stories and romcoms. Masters of the romance genre, like Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Imtiaz Ali, too, are also ready with their new love sagas.
Leading ladies often get a smaller slice of the action-film spotlight. However, Alia Bhatt, Kriti Sanon, Rashmika Mandanna and Sharvari Wagh are fronting many of these romance-driven films.
Ayushman Khurrana-Sara Ali Khan-Wamiqa Gabbi-Rakul Preet Singh
Franchise films are typically reserved for big action and comedy films (Housefull, Welcome, Bhool Bhulaiyyas; however, filmmakers are now creating franchise films in the romance genre too. “Pati Patni Aur Woh Do,” which follows “Pati Patni Aur Woh,” (2019), is about a married man’s complicated romantic life. The film features Ayushmann Khurrana, Wamiqa Gabbi, Sara Ali Khan and Rakul Preet Singh. The married man must face his wife’s anger after chaotic situations involving three women this time. Cheating as a theme has been a Hindi film’s fav troupe from “Golmaal 2” (2008) to “Khel Khel Mein” (2024), which was also directed by Mudassar Aziz. The film releases this week.
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Ayushmann Khurrana-Sharvari Wagh
Sooraj Barjatya is returning to the theatres post the family drama “Uunchai” (2022) with “Yeh Prem Mol Liya.” This time, Prem - the quintessential romantic hero - is not Salman Khan but Ayushmann Khurrana, paired with Sharvari Wagh. Barjatya’s films are best known for portraying traditional Indian family values, and their narratives often focus on moral righteousness and the preservation of culture, making them a staple for multi-generational family viewing. The movie is expected to release on November 27, 2026.
Shahid Kapoor-Kriti Sanon-Rashmika Mandana
“Cocktail 2,” a spiritual sequel to the 2012 film starring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty, features Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna. Director Homi Adajania returns to helm the film. The first part defined romantic dramas of its generation; the second film will attempt to do the same while exploring contemporary relationships, love, friendship, and heartbreak, featuring a new love triangle. The original film has a chart-busting soundtrack; “Cocktail 2” hasn’t managed to hit the right notes. “Cocktail 2” has to match the expectations of the audience that loved the film in 2012, plus the expectations of the new 2026 audience, when it releases on June 19.
Varun Dhawan-Mrunal Thakur-Pooja Hegde
Varun Dhawan, who is known for fun and frothy romantic films like “Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania,” “Badrinath Ki Dulhania,” and his last release, “Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari,” returns with yet another romcom, “Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai,” alongside Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur. The film marks the actor’s fourth collaboration with his father, David Dhawan, after “Main Tera Hero” (2014), “Judwaa 2” (2017) and “Coolie No. 1” (2020). The story follows Jass (Varun Dhawan), whose life turns into a hilarious mess involving two romances and dual parenting. It looks like a 90s kind of comedy that David Dhawan knows best. The movie hits the screens on June 5, 2026.
Diljit Dosanjh-Sharvari Wagh-Vedang Raina
Imtiaz Ali’s “Main Vaapas Aaunga”, a story of love and longing, rooted in the Partition era, features Diljit Dosanjh, Sharvari and Vedang Raina. With Imtiaz Ali and A. R. Rahman coming together again, there are a lot of expectations from the music too. Its first track, “Maskara,” has already struck a chord with music lovers. The movie releases on June 12, 2026.
Lakshya-Ananya Pandey
Nothing sells like the angst, pain and heartbreak. Tragic love stories have been loved by audiences over the decades. “Saiyaara” proved that at the box office last year, and filmmakers have taken note. The trailer of “Chand Mera Dil,” starring Ananya Panday and Lakshya, gave a glimpse of the intensity, heartbreak and emotion it brings to the big screen. The film releases on May 22, 2026.
Kartik Aaryan-Sreeleela
Then there’s Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela’s romantic-musical “Tu Meri Zindagi Hai,” directed by Anurag Basu, which reportedly centers around a self-destructive rockstar’s love. “Tu Meri Zindagi Hai” is expected to release in October 2026.
Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt-Vicky Kaushal
Sanjay Leela Bhansali will bring his Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt-Vicky Kaushal love saga to the screen next year. Whether “Love & War” is a remake of “Sangam” or not, only SLB can confirm, but this film is already a fan favorite. While Vicky will be seen on the big screen after “Chhava,” the real-life couple, Ranbir and Alia, have not been seen together in a film post “Brahmastra.” With Bhansali at the helm, expect a visually stunning film with soul-stirring superhit musical tracks. Nobody makes romantic epics like Sanjay Leela Bhansali. “Love & War” will release on January 21, 2027.
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