Mumbai, India | December 31, 2025
As the Indian film industry steps into 2026, several high-profile projects are set to showcase a powerful blend of South Indian superstars and Bollywood antagonists. While box office clashes between industries are inevitable, some of the most anticipated films next year will highlight a different kind of face-off—South heroes taking on Hindi cinema’s most recognizable villains.
From January onward, audiences will witness multiple big-ticket releases where Bollywood actors step into intense antagonist roles opposite leading South stars. Interestingly, despite speculation, Akshaye Khanna does not feature in this lineup.
Here’s a look at five major upcoming films where South heroes go head-to-head with Bollywood villains:
1. Jan Nayagan
Thalapathy Vijay’s final film before his full-time political career, Jan Nayagan, is scheduled to release on January 9, 2026, during the Pongal festival window. Vijay leads the film, while Bobby Deol plays the antagonist. Deol, who has already made a strong impression as a villain in recent South Indian films, once again takes on a powerful negative role in this high-stakes release.
2. The Raja Saab
Prabhas’ much-talked-about film The Raja Saab is also slated for a January 9, 2026 release. Despite mixed fan reactions around production updates, expectations remain high due to Prabhas’ star power. The film pits Prabhas against Sanjay Dutt, whose fierce look has already generated buzz. The Prabhas–Sanjay Dutt face-off is expected to be one of the biggest highlights of the Pongal box office.
3. Jailer 2
Following the massive success of Jailer (2023), Rajinikanth returns with Jailer 2, expected to release in 2026. This time, the legendary superstar faces Bollywood icon Mithun Chakraborty as the antagonist. With both actors in their mid-70s, the film represents a rare clash of two cinematic veterans from different industries.
4. The Paradise
Telugu action-adventure drama The Paradise, directed by Srikanth Odela and starring Nani, is scheduled for release in 2026. The film explores a tribe’s resistance against systemic oppression. Bollywood actor Raghav Juyal has been cast as the primary antagonist, marking his Telugu cinema debut. Known for his menacing performance in his debut film, Juyal is expected to deliver another intense villainous role.
5. Spirit
Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Spirit stars Prabhas in the role of a police officer and is expected to release in 2027. The film recently made headlines with the addition of Vivek Oberoi as the antagonist. The Prabhas–Vivek Oberoi face-off adds another Bollywood-versus-South dynamic to the growing list of pan-India projects.
With South Indian filmmakers increasingly casting Bollywood actors in antagonist roles, the trend reflects a strategic move to widen audience appeal across regions. As 2026 unfolds, these cross-industry face-offs are expected to play a major role in shaping the Indian box office narrative.
