Upcoming Movies 2025: Salman Khan’s Sikandar, Hrithik Roshan’s War 2, Vijay’s Thalapathy 69, Alia Bhatt’s Alpha, and more | Bollywood News

Emergency
Initially slated for 2024, Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency faced multiple delays and challenges in obtaining certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). In the film, Kangana steps into the shoes of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It is now scheduled for release on January 17, 2025. Beyond acting, Kangana has also written, directed, and co-produced this political drama.

Lahore 1947
Sunny Deol’s Lahore 1947 has gotten fans excited. The film reunites him with director Rajkumar Santoshi, with whom he has delivered hits like Ghayal, Ghatak, and Damini. Bankrolled by Aamir Khan, Lahore 1947 is set in the Partition era. While the makers were targeting a Republic Day release, the film is expected to hit theatres in August 2025.

Jaat
Sunny Deol continues his cinematic journey collaborating with Telugu filmmaker Gopichand Malineni, who is making his Hindi directorial debut. The film, also featuring Randeep Hooda, Suniel Shetty, and Armaan Kohli, is slated for an April 2025 release.

Sky Force

While Akshay Kumar delivered powerful cameos in Stree 2 and Singham Again, his lead ventures—Khel Khel Mein, Sarfira, and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan—bombed at the box office. The actor now aims to revive his successful run at the box office with the patriotic action drama Sky Force, a familiar turf for him. Directed by Abhishek Anil Kapur and Sandeep Kewlani, the film also stars Nimrat Kaur, Sara Ali Khan, and Veer Pahariya. It is set to release ahead of Republic Day.

Chhaava
If Vicky Kaushal’s commanding presence as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in the teaser of Chhaava didn’t give you goosebumps, we don’t know what will! Alongside Vicky, the film stars Akshaye Khanna as the ruthless Aurangzeb and Rashmika Mandanna as Yesubai Bhonsale. Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava will be released on February 14, 2025.

Sikandar
Salman Khan’s upcoming film Sikandar is already making waves. Its teaser, released on Monday, amassed an incredible 48 million views within 24 hours, becoming one of the most-watched teasers in recent times. Directed by AR Murugadoss, this action flick returns Salman to his familiar ground and features Rashmika Mandanna as the female lead. The film is slated for an Eid 2025 release.

Housefull 5
Staying true to its title, Tarun Mansukhani’s Housefull 5 is packed with an ensemble cast. Apart from Akshay Kumar, the film stars Jacqueline Fernandez, Riteish Deshmukh, Jackie Shroff, Abhishek Bachchan, Nana Patekar, Nargis Fakhri, Sanjay Dutt, Fardeen Khan, Chunky Panday, and others. The film is scheduled to release in June 2025.

War 2
After the underwhelming response to Fighter in 2024, Hrithik Roshan is set to return with the patriotic action thriller War 2 in 2025. With the franchise’s brand value and it being a part of YRF’s Spy Universe, War 2 has the potential to be a blockbuster. Jr. NTR joins Hrithik in a lead role, doubling the film’s chances of success. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Aditya Chopra, War 2 will debut in theatres on August 14, 2025.

Alpha
Following the mixed response to Jigra, Alia Bhatt will return with another action-packed film, Alpha. Also starring Sharvari Wagh, Alpha, too, is part of YRF’s Spy Universe. Directed by Shiv Rawail, the film is set to release during Christmas 2025.

Metro… In Dino
Anurag Basu’s anthology, Metro… In Dino, features four heart-warming stories of contemporary couples. The ensemble cast includes Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Anupam Kher, Neena Gupta, Pankaj Tripathi, Konkona Sen Sharma, Ali Fazal, and Fatima Sana Shaikh. The film’s release has been postponed twice already and the new date is yet to be announced.

Other Hindi films to look out for this year include: Deva, Jolly LLB 3, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, Baaghi 4, Thama, and 120 Bahadur.

After a year that was a mixed bag for the big-ticket films featuring the top draw of actors in Tamil cinema, 2025 is set to be the year where, if everything goes well, great things await the industry in terms of numbers. The year has the potential to be conducive for more “smaller” films to thrive under the shade provided by the colossal ones hitting screens in regular intervals.

Thug Life
Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan are reuniting 38 years after Nayagan in Thug Life. The gangster genre has a stellar lineup of actors, including Silambarasan TR. A R Rahman is working with Kamal Haasan for the first time since Thenali (2000). What else do we need? The film will release on June 5, 2025

Coolie
Rajinikanth is working with Lokesh Kanagaraj, the flavour du jour of Tamil cinema, in the latter’s first standalone film since his stellar debut, Maanagaram. This film promises another star-studded ensemble expected to break all existing records. How can one surpass sky-high expectations? Well, if there is any actor who can… it is Rajinikanth, and if there is any filmmaker who can… it is Lokesh. Bring it on!

Thalapathy 69 

Billed as the final film of Vijay before he hangs his acting boots for good, H Vinoth’s Thalapathy 69 will be the biggest celebration of a superstar who is quitting on his terms, and at the ultimate peak of his cinematic career. It will be emotional. It will be huge. Wherever you are… remember that Thalapathy 69 will be a phenomenal event that won’t have any parallels in the near future. Be ready! The film will release in October 2025.

Good Bad Ugly 

They say it is important to strike the rod when it’s hot, and director Adhik Ravichandran is doing exactly that. He is collaborating with Ajith Kumar, who has set the Internet on fire with his transformation. With Ajith planning to concentrate on his racing commitments, and not having signed any other film after Good Bad Ugly, it would be interesting to see what he chooses next. Till then, we are in for one crazy ride!

Retro

Suriya has faced multiple setbacks in the last couple of years, and Kanguva seemed like the final straw. However, the excitement about any actor’s journey is in the comeback, and Retro, his film with Karthik Subbaraj, has all the pieces in place to orchestrate a comeback for the ages. This is Karthik’s first theatrical release with a superstar after Petta (2019), and it is expected to catapult Suriya right back into the big leagues. One can hope, right?

Other Tamil films to look out for this year include: Veera Dheera Sooran 2, Idly Kadai, Vaa Vaathiyaare, Sardar 2, Bison, Dragon, Love Insurance Kompany, STR’s film with Ashwath Marimuthu, AR Murugadoss and Sudha Kongara’s films with Sivakarthikeyan, Neramillai and Genie.

It will be an understatement to say that 2024 was the year of Telugu cinema. However, it won’t be an easy year to replicate, and 2025 seems to be a year where things might be slightly different for the prospects of the industry. Of course, there are a few big guns who would come to the party all blazing, but it also seems to be a year where Telugu cinema would push for a different identity.

Hari Hara Veera Mallu – March 28

Hari Hara Veera Mallu is set to mark the return of Pawan Kalyan to the big screen for the first time since he was appointed the Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh. Known for delivering blockbuster openings even during the lowest of his phases, Hari Hara Veera Mallu features him in a period film for the first time, and has the potential to turn into an industry hit like none other.

The Raja Saab 

Since Baahubali, Prabhas has only been doing films that expand his fan base, and on a scale that is growing with each film. But before being the warrior prince or a killing machine, Prabhas had a rather charming facet that was explored in comedies and romantic films. The Raja Saab might just be a throwback to the times of yore. The film will release on April 10.

Akhanda 2

Nandamuri Balakrishna’s films are dipped in Telugu commercial cinema sensibilities. It is impressive how he sets his sights firmly on the native crowds, and a filmmaker who boasts of similar sensibilities is Boyapati Srinu. Their collaborations have been super successful, and they are set to reunite for the sequel to a film that pushed the template of Boyapati-ness and Balayya-ness to the next level. Can’t wait to see what new ground they are now going to break.

The Paradise

Nani is a man on a mission. He seems to be planning punches with every filmmaker. Saripodhaa Sanivaaram happened after Ante Sundaraniki with Vivek Athreya. And Nani is set to dial up his action avatar by quite a few notches in The Paradise, the second film with Dasara director Srikanth Odela.

Vishwambhara

The Megastar is back in the fantasy action space, a genre that endeared him to the masses. Vassishta, a proven talent who created quite an impact with Bimbisara, is returning to his comfort zone with Chiranjeevi in the lead. 2025 promises to be quite a year for the OG who will be hoping to prove to the doubters why he is the Gang Leader of all seasons.

Other Telugu films to look out for this year include: Game Changer, Daaku Maharaj, Sankranthiki Vasthunnam, HIT 3, Thandel, OG, Vijay Deverakonda’s film with Gowtam Tinnanuri and the Chiranjeevi-Odela film.

It was a rather quiet year for Kannada cinema after the stupendous success of 2022 and the moderate response for 2023. There were hardly any films that managed to cross the threshold of Karnataka and venture into other territories that were welcoming of it in the previous couple of years. While the last couple of months were better for Kannada cinema, they would hope for a better 2025, especially since they hold an all-important trump card that change the game completely.

Kantara: Chapter 1

If everything goes well, Kantara: Chapter 1 has the potential to be Pushpa 2: The Rule of 2025. Will it make similar numbers and break the records? We can’t know yet, but will it grip the entire nation’s consciousness when it hits the screens? Definitely.

Billa Ranga Baasha

Sudeep ended 2024 with a bang, courtesy of the success of his commercial entertainer, Max. He would love to extend this run in 2025 with his reunion with Vikrant Rona filmmaker Anup Bhandari. Come what may, we can rest assured that Billa Ranga Baasha will be an entertainer with a solid twist, and it would be lovely to see a Superstar throw his weight behind such attempts.

Richard Anthony

Before Sapta Sagaradaache Ello, Avane Srimannarayana, 777 Charlie, and even before Kirik Party, Rakshit Shetty had Ulidavaru Kandanthe. He played Richard Anthony, the brash and flamboyant gangster in the cult classic that catapulted everyone involved in the film to fame. Unlike Ulidavaru Kandanthe, which was a hyperlink film featuring multiple important characters, Rakshit is bringing back Richie in a standalone film. We can’t wait to see more of that cult character!

KD – The Devil

KVN Productions are on their way to become one of the most prominent production houses in South India with their slew of projects. One of their prestige projects is Dhruva Sarja’s KD – The Devil, directed by Prem. Dhruva had a 2024 to forget, thanks to Martin, but he would definitely like to get back on the saddle with KD. The movie also stars Sanjay Dutt, Shilpa Shetty and Ramesh Aravind.

45

Composer Arjun Janya’s debut directorial is special for multiple reasons. An award-winning composer, Arjun has roped in the who’s who of Kannada industry in the film. The star cast includes actors like Shivarajkumar, Upendra, and Raj B Shetty. With the film being billed as a big-budget entertainer heavy on visual effects, it has the potential to be something groundbreaking in Kannada cinema. And with the right push… even Indian cinema.

Other Telugu films to look out for this year include: Uttarakaanda, Paraak and Ganesh’s next with Dhanu.

2024 can undoubtedly be considered one of the most successful years for Malayalam cinema in recent times. With a string of blockbusters and a wealth of high-quality films, the industry reached new heights, while its counterparts elsewhere in India struggled. As 2025 begins, Malayalam cinema enters the new year with even greater ambitions, hoping to not only replicate its recent success but surpass it.

Thudarum
All eyes are on Mohanlal’s 2025 lineup and he is set to begin the year with Thudarum, directed by Tharun Moorthy. The director is celebrated for his National Award-winning Saudi Vellakka and the superhit Operation Java. Co-starring Mohanlal’s long-time lucky charm Shobana, Thudarum is anticipated to mark a pivotal turning point in his career. The film is slated for release on January 30.

Empuraan
One of the most anticipated Indian films of the year, the Mohanlal-starrer Empuraan serves as the second instalment in a planned trilogy, following the blockbuster Lucifer (2019). Helmed by actor Prithviraj Sukumaran in his third outing as a director, this action thriller features an impressive ensemble cast, including Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas, Indrajith Sukumaran, Saniya Iyappan, Sachin Khedekar, Saikumar, Baiju Santhosh and Fazil, all reprising their roles from the first movie. Written by Murali Gopy, Empuraan is set to hit theatres on March 27.

Bazooka
Mammootty’s much-delayed action thriller Bazooka is expected to release in 2025. Written and directed by Deeno Dennis, the film’s sleek teaser, which was unveiled a few months ago, quickly went viral on social media, winning hearts for its stunning visuals and intense action sequences. Bazooka marks the directorial debut of Deeno Dennis, son of the celebrated screenwriter Kaloor Dennis.

Kathanar – The Wild Sorcerer
Starring Jayasurya and South Indian superstar Anushka Shetty in the lead roles, the film tells the story of Kadamattathu Kathanar, a legendary priest believed to have lived in Kadamattom and possessed supernatural powers. Directed and edited by Rojin Thomas, the film is being produced on a grand scale with a heavy emphasis on VFX.

Dominic And The Ladies Purse
Marking the Malayalam debut of acclaimed Tamil director Gautham Vasudev Menon, this Mammootty-starrer quickly became a top pick for many moviegoers soon after its announcement. The recently released hilarious teaser has only fuelled the growing excitement for the film. Dominic and the Ladies Purse also stars Gokul Suresh, Sushmita Bhat, Viji Venkitesh, Vineeth and Vijay Babu in key roles. It will release in theatres on January 23.

Hridayapoorvam
Marking the 18th collaboration between Mohanlal and director Sathyan Anthikad, Hridayapoorvam is one of the most anticipated films of 2025, particularly since the two have previously given Malayalam cinema a series of unforgettable films such as including Nadodikkattu, TP Balagopalan MA, Pattanapravesham and more. Their last project together was Snehaveedu (2011). While Sathyan Anthikad is credited with the story of Hridayapoorvam, its screenplay and dialogues have been written by Sonu TP.  The movie will hit the screens on August 28.

MMMN
It’s doubtful that any other Indian film currently in the pipeline is as ambitious as Mahesh Narayanan’s Mohanlal and Mammootty-starrer. Tentatively titled MMMN, the film also features Kunchacko Boban, Fahadh Faasil and Nayanthara in pivotal roles. The project has garnered significant attention not only because it marks the reunion of the Malayalam superstars after 17 years but also because it is directed by Mahesh Narayanan, who is known for his editing work in various critically acclaimed films. While the release date has not yet been confirmed, the film is expected to arrive in theatres in 2025.

Other Malayalam films to look out for this year include: Mollywood Times and Alappuzha Gymkhana.