Indian cinema is on the cusp of witnessing a new wave of grand-scale productions, with several highly anticipated magnum opuses set to grace the silver screen in the coming years. These films, helmed by some of the industry's most visionary directors and boasting stellar casts, promise to deliver unforgettable cinematic experiences, blending mythology, history, and action on an unprecedented scale.
One of the most eagerly awaited films is "Dhurandhar," directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh in the lead role. Scheduled for release on December 5, 2025, this spy action thriller is reportedly inspired by real-life incidents and covert operations. The film boasts an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal. The trailer, which was recently launched, offers a glimpse into the intense world of cross-border intelligence operations, with Ranveer Singh portraying a character consumed by wrath and fury. "Dhurandhar" is rumored to be based on the life of Major Mohit Sharma, who went undercover to infiltrate Hizbul Mujahideen. The film is expected to have a runtime of three hours, making it one of Ranveer Singh's lengthiest projects.
Another monumental project in the making is Nitesh Tiwari's "Ramayana," a two-part epic drama set to release in 2026 and 2027. Ranbir Kapoor will be seen as Lord Ram, with Sai Pallavi portraying Sita and Yash as Ravana. The film's massive budget of approximately ₹835 crore makes it the most expensive Indian film ever made. The first glimpse of "Ramayana: Part I" was unveiled in July 2025, showcasing the film's visual spectacle and the timeless battle between Rama and Ravana. The film will be released in two parts, with the first part hitting theaters in Diwali 2026.
SS Rajamouli, the director behind global blockbusters like "RRR" and "Baahubali," is also gearing up for his next ambitious project, "Varanasi". The film, which borrows its title from the Indian city considered Hinduism's spiritual heart, is touted as a time-travel adventure with elements of Hindu mythology. The film stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Rajamouli has stated that one of the film's sequences draws from an important episode from the Ramayana. The film is expected to release in 2027 and will be projected in IMAX format. The synopsis hints at an asteroid strike in Varanasi triggering a saga where a savior must journey across continents and timelines to alter Earth's crucial historical moments, potentially involving Lord Ram.
Om Raut, who is known for "Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior", is set to direct "Kalam: The Missile Man of India," a biopic on the life of the esteemed former President and aerospace scientist Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Tamil cinema star Dhanush will play the lead role. The film's first look was unveiled at Cannes and Om Raut calls it a vital, inspiring story for global youth and a personal milestone. Raut has stated that he believes Dhanush is the perfect choice to portray Kalam, emphasizing Kalam's enduring vision for India and his profound impact on the youth.
These upcoming cinematic spectacles represent a significant investment in Indian cinema, with filmmakers pushing the boundaries of storytelling and visual effects to create immersive and unforgettable experiences for audiences worldwide.
