Mumbai | January 3, 2026
Bollywood kicks off January 2026 with a diverse slate of releases spanning war dramas, horror, comedies, and thrillers, reflecting the industry’s strategy to balance nostalgia, patriotism, and mass entertainment.
Key releases include “Ikkis,” featuring Dharmendra and Agastya Nanda, and “Border 2,” starring Sunny Deol, who revisits the iconic military franchise. Horror fans can look forward to “Haunted: Ghosts of the Past 3D,” adding suspense and visual thrills to the lineup.
Comedies and thrillers round out the month, including a new film from director Anees Bazmee with Akshay Kumar, whose shoot is set to begin in mid-January. Several projects hint at pan-Indian crossovers, aiming to expand the audience beyond traditional Hindi-speaking markets.
This mix underscores Bollywood’s intent to offer content for multiple demographics while competing with OTT platforms and Hollywood dubbed releases during the busy start-of-year window. Industry observers suggest that blending established stars, patriotic themes, and genre variety is central to drawing early-year audiences back to theaters.
With veterans like Sunny Deol and Dharmendra returning alongside younger talent, January 2026 promises a cinematic start designed to appeal to both longtime fans and new viewers.
