From war epics to royal romances: your ultimate 2026 Bollywood movie guide
Sunny Deol leads the charge in "Border2", coming to South African cinemas this January. With Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh joining the ranks, this is the war epic of the year.
Image: Instagram.
2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for Bollywood fans in South Africa, with several high-budget sequels and star-studded dramas scheduled for international release.
Here are five of the most anticipated movies hitting our shores this year:
1. "Border 2" - (January 23)
Nearly 30 years after the original cult classic, Sunny Deol returns in this patriotic war epic. While the original focused on the Battle of Longewala, this sequel expands the scope to highlight the coordinated valor of the Army, Navy and Air Force. Deol returns as a veteran commander, leading a new generation of heroes played by Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh. The film explores untold true stories of sacrifice and strategic brilliance, blending intense battlefield action with deep emotional narratives about the families waiting back home.
2. "Love & War" (August)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali brings us a love triangle that’ll make your heart ache. Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal are soldiers at odds, while Alia Bhatt is the woman caught in the middle.
Image: Instagram.
High-fashion, high-drama, and high-stakes. Directed by the legendary Sanjay Leela Bhansali, this is arguably the most prestigious project of the year.
"Love & War" is an epic romantic drama set against a sprawling military backdrop. The story revolves around a complex, high-stakes love triangle involving two strong-willed Indian Armed Forces officers, played by Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal, and a vibrant woman, portrayed by Alia Bhatt.
The film explores a "clash of fire and ice" as the two men engage in a tense battle of egos and devotion.
3. "Alpha" (April)
As the first female-led chapter in the YRF Spy Universe, "Alpha" follows two elite super-agents, played by Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, who are forced into a deadly game of survival.
Operating within a top-secret "Alpha" program, these agents must navigate a world of global espionage, high-stakes betrayals and brutal combat.
Under the guidance of their mentor, Agent Kabir (Hrithik Roshan), the duo faces a formidable and ruthless antagonist portrayed by Bobby Deol.
4. "Ramayana: Part 1" (November)
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, "Ramayana: Part 1" is the first installment of a monumental two-part retelling of India’s most revered epic.
Image: Instagram.
Touted as one of the most expensive Indian films ever made, this mythological epic is directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as the formidable Ravana.
This opening chapter focuses on the early life of Rama, his marriage to Sita, and their eventual 14-year exile into the forest. The narrative builds toward the pivotal conflict of the "Sita Haran" (the kidnapping of Sita), setting the stage for a cosmic war.
5. "Dhamaal 4 - Madness of Dhamaal"
For those who love "Masala" comedies, the fourth installment of this franchise is the big one for 2026. Directed by Indra Kumar, "Dhamaal 4" reunites the iconic "slacker" gang for another chaotic, high-stakes adventure.
Ajay Devgn returns to lead the ensemble, featuring franchise regulars Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi and Jaaved Jaaferi, alongside newcomers like Ravi Kishan as the antagonist.