Indian cinema is entering a phase defined by scale, ambition, and long-form storytelling. As audiences become more receptive to interconnected universes, mythological reinterpretations, and franchise-driven narratives, filmmakers across Bollywood and regional industries are responding with projects that aim bigger than ever before. The year 2026 stands out as a turning point, with several large-scale films either scheduled for release or moving decisively into production. These projects are not only designed to dominate the domestic box office but are also increasingly shaped with global audiences in mind.
Among the most discussed titles are Brahmastra Part 2, Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, Kalki 2898 AD Part 2, the much-speculated KGF Chapter 3, and Pushpa 3: The Rampage. Each represents a different facet of contemporary Indian cinema, from mythological fantasy and science fiction to stylised action dramas rooted in regional storytelling. Together, they point toward an industry that is confident, experimental, and deeply invested in cinematic universes that unfold over years rather than hours.
Brahmastra Part 2: Dev
When Brahmastra Part 1: Shiva released in 2022, it marked one of Bollywood’s most ambitious attempts at creating a fantasy franchise rooted in Indian mythology. While the film received mixed critical responses, its box office success and strong audience engagement ensured that the planned trilogy would move forward. Brahmastra Part 2: Dev is expected to expand the narrative significantly, shifting focus from Shiva’s origin story to the darker, more complex figure of Dev.
Directed once again by Ayan Mukerji, the sequel is slated for a December 2026 release. Ranbir Kapoor returns as Shiva, while Ranveer Singh is set to play Dev, a character whose moral ambiguity and tragic backstory are central to the Āstraverse mythology. Mukerji has often described Brahmastra as a long-cherished dream project, and the second installment is expected to delve deeper into the lore of the astras, their origins, and the ideological conflict between its central characters.
Ranbir Kapoor has shared that Mukerji has been nurturing the story of Brahmastra for years, with detailed planning already in place. Once Mukerji completes his current commitments, including War 2, full-scale pre-production for Brahmastra Part 2 is expected to begin. Fans anticipate more refined visual effects, more emotionally grounded character arcs, and a darker tone that reflects Dev’s central role. If successful, the sequel could solidify the Āstraverse as one of Bollywood’s first truly sustainable fantasy franchises.
Ramayana Part 1
Perhaps the most culturally significant project on the list is Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana. Adapting one of India’s most revered epics for the big screen is a challenge that has defeated many filmmakers in the past, but Tiwari’s version is being positioned as a definitive, modern retelling designed for contemporary audiences without losing the essence of the original text.
Starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana, the film is planned as a two-part epic, with Part 1 scheduled for a Diwali 2026 release and Part 2 following in 2027. Early teasers and announcements have already generated significant global attention, reflecting the scale and ambition of the project. Unlike earlier adaptations, this Ramayana aims to balance emotional intimacy with grand spectacle, focusing not only on divine heroism but also on human relationships, moral dilemmas, and personal sacrifice.
Tiwari, known for films like Dangal and Chhichhore, brings a reputation for emotionally grounded storytelling, which many believe will help anchor the epic’s vast scope. Advanced visual effects, large-scale set designs, and extensive world-building are central to the film’s production strategy. The goal is not merely to retell a familiar story, but to present it in a way that resonates with younger audiences while remaining respectful to its cultural and spiritual significance.
Kalki 2898 AD Part 2
Kalki 2898 AD emerged as one of the most distinctive Indian films in recent years, blending science fiction with mythological prophecy. Directed by Nag Ashwin, the film brought together an ensemble cast that included Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani. Its success lay not only in its star power but in its bold attempt to imagine a dystopian future rooted in Indian philosophical traditions.
The sequel, Kalki 2898 AD Part 2, is set to begin production in February 2026, with a targeted release by the end of the year. Ashwin has indicated that the second part will expand the universe further, introducing more complex conflicts and deeper character arcs. The stakes are expected to rise significantly, with action sequences and visual effects designed to surpass the first installment.
Music by Santhosh Narayanan and cinematography by Djordje Stojiljkovic will continue to play a key role in shaping the film’s immersive aesthetic. What sets Kalki apart is its willingness to experiment within a mainstream framework, combining futuristic technology, ancient prophecy, and moral questions about humanity’s survival. As Indian cinema increasingly explores the sci-fi genre, Kalki 2898 AD Part 2 is poised to become a benchmark for what is possible within this space.
KGF Chapter 3
Few films have generated as much sustained fan speculation as KGF Chapter 3. After the massive success of KGF Chapter 2 in 2022, audiences were left eager to know whether Rocky Bhai’s story would continue. While director Prashanth Neel has not officially confirmed the third installment, online discussions and fan theories have kept the franchise alive in public consciousness.
The buzz intensified when an image claiming “Final Draft Ready” circulated on social media, though no formal announcement followed. Yash, who plays Rocky Bhai, has since committed to multiple projects, including Ramayana, while Neel has been occupied with Jr NTR’s upcoming film and Salaar 2. These scheduling challenges have made KGF Chapter 3 uncertain, but not unlikely.
What makes KGF unique is its mythic approach to mass cinema. Rocky Bhai is less a conventional protagonist and more a legend within the film’s universe, and fans remain invested in how his story might conclude or evolve. Whether KGF Chapter 3 materialises in 2026 or later, its presence in audience imagination speaks to the enduring power of franchise storytelling in Indian cinema.
Pushpa 3: The Rampage
The Pushpa franchise has grown steadily since the release of Pushpa: The Rise in 2021, with Pushpa 2: The Rule further cementing Allu Arjun’s status as a pan-Indian star. Now, Pushpa 3: The Rampage is officially in the early stages of development, with director Sukumar and his team laying the groundwork for the next chapter.
An office has reportedly been leased in Hyderabad for pre-production activities, including script development and story discussions. The third installment is expected to follow Pushpa Raj as he attempts to reclaim and expand his red sandalwood empire while facing more formidable enemies and internal betrayals. Reports suggest that Vijay Deverakonda may join the cast as the antagonist, following the downfall of Fahadh Faasil’s character.
While filming is unlikely to begin until Sukumar and Allu Arjun complete their other commitments, Pushpa 3 is tentatively aiming for a 2028 release. Despite the wait, anticipation remains high, driven by the franchise’s distinctive blend of raw intensity, political undertones, and character-driven storytelling.
Indian Cinema on the Global Stage
What unites these projects is not just their scale, but their increasing global relevance. Films like Brahmastra, Kalki, and Pushpa have found strong international audiences through theatrical releases and streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. North American and European viewers, in particular, are becoming more familiar with Indian cinematic storytelling that goes beyond song-and-dance stereotypes.
High production values, advanced visual effects, and universal themes of power, destiny, and resistance are helping Indian films compete with Hollywood blockbusters. At the same time, these projects remain deeply rooted in Indian cultural contexts, drawing from mythology, folklore, and regional histories. This balance between the local and the global is shaping a new era for Indian cinema.
With these major projects lined up, 2026 and the years that follow promise an exciting period for film fans. From the mystical Āstraverse of Brahmastra to the epic retelling of Ramayana, the futuristic dystopia of Kalki, the raw power struggles of Pushpa, and the lingering mystery surrounding KGF Chapter 3, Indian cinema is embracing scale without abandoning substance.
As filmmakers continue to push boundaries and audiences grow more receptive to ambitious storytelling, these films represent more than entertainment. They signal confidence, evolution, and a willingness to imagine Indian stories on a truly global canvas. For fans, the wait may be long, but the promise of what’s coming makes it worthwhile.
