As we step into 2025, the cinematic landscape promises an array of stories that blend heartfelt drama, thrilling action, and thought-provoking themes. From historical epics and reimagining’s of beloved classics to socially resonant narratives and boundary-pushing spectacles, the year’s offerings are set to captivate audiences with their diversity and ambition. With a mix of fresh talent, veteran performers, and celebrated directors at the helm, these upcoming films aim to not only entertain but also spark conversations and redefine genres. 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for cinema enthusiasts, so here’s our curated list of top 20 movies releasing on the big screen in 2025.
Emergency : A gripping look at India’s political turmoil
Cast:
Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, Mahima Chaudhry, Milind Soman, Satish Kaushik.
Director:
Kangana Ranaut
Release date: 17 January 2025
Set to release on 17 January 2025, Emergency is a bold biographical action-drama exploring the controversial Indian Emergency (1975-77). Directed and co-produced by Kangana Ranaut, the film highlights the suspension of constitutional rights, media censorship, and political crackdowns of the era. Ranaut stars as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, portraying her with transformative depth and commanding presence.
Written by Ritesh Shah, the film features a stellar cast including Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and the late Satish Kaushik. Emergency promises a gripping, unflinching look at a turbulent chapter in Indian history, combining meticulous detail and powerful performances for a must-watch experience.
Thama : A horror comedy that delves Into history and legend
Cast:
Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Paresh Rawal, Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
Director:
Adithya Sarpotdar
Release date: 17 October 2025
Prepare for chills, laughs, and a haunting love story with Thama, releasing on 17 October 2025. The fifth instalment in the Maddock Supernatural Universe, this horror-comedy stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Paresh Rawal, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The story follows a historian who uncovers ancient texts about local vampire legends, unleashing dark forces that threaten a small North Indian town. Spanning present-day and fourteenth-century Vijayanagara, the film dives deep into India’s history and cultural legacy.
At its heart, Thama blends supernatural thrills with an emotional love story. Ayushmann and Rashmika bring electric chemistry, while Paresh Rawal and Nawazuddin Siddiqui add depth to the chilling narrative. Perfectly timed for Halloween, this spine-tingling tale is a must-watch for horror-comedy fans and lovers of India’s mysterious past.
Alpha: A thrilling spy adventure with a stellar cast
Cast:
Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Hrithik Roshan.
Director:
Shiv Rawail.
Release date: 25 December 2025
Double agents, double the thrills! This Christmas, prepare for a high-octane spy adventure with Alpha, releasing on 25 December 2025. Starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari as elite agents, this slick thriller delivers a heady mix of action, intrigue, and jaw-dropping twists. Directed by Shiv Rawail and produced by Aditya Chopra under the Yash Raj Films banner, Alpha promises to redefine the espionage genre.
The story centres on Bhatt and Sharvari’s perilous mission in a world of betrayal, with relentless action and shocking turns driving the gripping narrative. Joining the ensemble are Bollywood icons Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, and Hrithik Roshan, adding star power to this holiday blockbuster. With female agents leading the charge and a plot steeped in conspiracies, Alpha is the ultimate treat for adrenaline junkies this festive season.
Chhaava : A Historical Epic Honouring Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna.
Director: Laxman Utekar.
Release date: 14 February 2025
Looks like 2025 will be throwing back to history a lot! Releasing on 14 February 2025, Chhaava is an eagerly awaited historical action film that celebrates the inspiring legacy of Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, the film stars Vicky Kaushal in the titular role and is based on Shivaji Sawant’s acclaimed Marathi novel Chhava.
The narrative promises a gripping exploration of Sambhaji Maharaj’s life, showcasing his courage, intellect, and sacrifice as he defended the Maratha Empire against formidable enemies. Joining Kaushal are Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna, delivering powerful performances in key roles. With its blend of historical authenticity and cinematic brilliance, Chhaava offers an immersive look at 17th-century India, making it a must-watch for fans of epic tales and powerful storytelling.
Vidaamuyarchi : A high-stakes action thriller of persistence and survival
Cast: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Arav, Regina Cassandra, Ramya Subramanian.
Director: Magizh Thirumeni.
Release date: 9 January
Set to release worldwide during the festive week of Pongal in January, Vidaamuyarchi (transl. Persistence) is a gripping Tamil-language thriller packed with action and suspense. Written and directed by Magizh Thirumeni, the film stars the iconic Ajith Kumar in a tale of determination and survival, alongside a stellar cast including Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Arav, Regina Cassandra, and Ramya Subramanian.
Inspired by the 1997 American film Breakdown, Vidaamuyarchi follows a man searching for his missing ex-wife in a perilous desert, only to find himself battling a ruthless gangster and uncovering dark secrets that threaten his life and the criminal underworld.
With a pulsating score by Anirudh Ravichander and stunning cinematography capturing the beauty of Azerbaijani landscapes, Vidaamuyarchi promises a fast-paced, engaging ride, making it a must-watch for thriller fans.
Superman : A fresh take on the Man of Steel by James Gunn
Cast: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Wendell Pierce.
Director: James Gunn.
Release date: 11 July, 2025
New year, new Superman! The iconic superhero is set to return to the big screen in 2025, bringing with him a fresh vision under the direction of James Gunn. Scheduled for release on 11 July, this highly anticipated film kicks off a new era for the DC Universe (DCU) and serves as a reboot of the beloved Superman series.
Written and directed by Gunn, Superman stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, stepping into the role previously held by Henry Cavill. Joining Corenswet is Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, with an impressive cast that includes Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, and Wendell Pierce.
The film will explore Clark Kent’s struggle to balance his Kryptonian legacy with his upbringing in Smallville, Kansas, delving into themes of identity, morality, and the sacrifices of being Earth’s protector. Gunn’s take promises to combine emotional depth with his signature wit, offering a contemporary twist on the iconic superhero.
Karate Kid: Legends : Bridging generations in a martial arts epic
Cast: Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio, Ben Wang, Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, Ming-Na Wen.
Director: Jonathan Entwistle.
Release date: 30 May 2025
It’s a great year for Jackie Chan fans, as the action legend returns in Karate Kid: Legends, set to release on 30 May 2025. Directed by Jonathan Entwistle and written by Rob Lieber, this martial arts drama serves as a sequel to both the original Karate Kid films and the 2010 reboot starring Jackie Chan. For the first time, the worlds of The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai will converge, creating a shared universe that bridges generations of fans.
The film takes place three years after the events of Cobra Kai’s final season, with Jackie Chan reprising his role as Mr. Han and Ralph Macchio returning as Daniel LaRusso. Newcomer Ben Wang stars as the central character, with Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, and Ming-Na Wen joining the cast, bringing fresh energy to the franchise.
The Intern: Deepika Padukone’s long-awaited adaptation gearing up for 2025
Cast: Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan (rumoured).
Director: Amit Sharma
Release date: unconfirmed
A classic gets a desi twist in the long-awaited Hindi remake of The Intern. Combining generational dynamics with workplace charm, the film promises laughter, life lessons, and star power. First announced in 2021, the project has generated much anticipation. Deepika Padukone, who is both the lead actress and producer, initially planned to star alongside the late Rishi Kapoor. After his untimely passing, Amitabh Bachchan was later confirmed to take on the pivotal role, reuniting with Padukone after Piku.
Inspired by the 2015 Hollywood hit starring Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro, the film offers a fresh cultural perspective on the unlikely friendship between a young professional and a retired senior intern. Although rumours of the project being shelved circulated, recent updates suggest Padukone is finalising production. The release date remains unannounced, but the remake is highly anticipated by fans of both Padukone and Bachchan.
Jurassic World Rebirth : A new chapter in the dinosaur saga
Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Luna Blaise, David Iacono, Ed Skrein.
Director: Gareth Edwards.
Release date: 2 July 2025
Another wild ride awaits with Jurassic World Rebirth, set to release on 2 July 2025. Directed by Gareth Edwards, this action-packed sequel to Jurassic World Dominion brings a fresh direction to the franchise. Written by David Koepp, it is the fourth instalment in the Jurassic World series and the seventh in the Jurassic Park saga.
The star-studded cast includes Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Luna Blaise, David Iacono, and Ed Skrein. Set five years after Dominion, the film follows Zora Bennett (Johansson), a skilled operative on a mission to secure genetic material from the world’s largest creatures to create a life-saving drug. Alongside palaeontologist Dr. Henry Loomis (Bailey) and team leader Duncan Kincaid (Ali), Zora uncovers a terrifying secret while rescuing a stranded family. Shot in breathtaking locations across Thailand, Malta, and the UK, Jurassic World Rebirth promises thrilling action, mystery, and jaw-dropping dinosaurs.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning : The epic conclusion of Ethan Hunt’s journey
Cast: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Henry Czerny, Angela Bassett, Rolf Saxon.
Director: Christopher McQuarrie.
Release date: 21 May 2025
Hold your breath for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the highly anticipated direct sequel to Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning and the eighth instalment in the Mission: Impossible franchise. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, this action-packed spy thriller follows Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team on their most dangerous mission yet. Reprising their roles are Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, and Simon Pegg, with Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, and more joining the cast.
Filming began in March 2022, across locations like the UK, Malta, South Africa, and Norway, though production was delayed by the SAG-AFTRA strike in 2023. Despite this, the film promises a high-stakes conclusion with pulse-pounding thrills, death-defying stunts, and complex espionage. With a score by Lorne Balfe, The Final Reckoning is set to be an unforgettable cinematic experience for fans worldwide.
Avatar: Fire and Ash: The saga we’ve all been waiting for
Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Giovanni Ribisi, David Thewlis, Oona Chaplin.
Director: James Cameron.
Release date: 19 December
Prepare to return to the breathtaking world of Pandora in Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third instalment of James Cameron’s iconic franchise. Following the success of Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), this sequel promises to further expand the visually stunning universe with groundbreaking technology and an emotionally charged narrative.
Cameron, alongside his team of writers and producers, including Jon Landau, Rick Jaffa, and Amanda Silver, delves deeper into the struggles and triumphs of Pandora’s inhabitants. The film sees the return of Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, and Stephen Lang, with new cast members David Thewlis and Oona Chaplin bringing fresh characters. After years of anticipation and groundbreaking underwater performance capture technology, Avatar: Fire and Ash is set to ignite theatres in December 2025. This epic adventure promises to be worth the wait.
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy : Aaaandd there we go again!!!
Cast: Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leo Woodall, Isla Fisher, Josette Simon, Nico Parker, Leila Farzad.
Director: Michael Morris.
Release date: 14 February
Haven’t gotten a Valentine this year? Fret not and get ready to fall in love with Bridget Jones all over again in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, the much-anticipated sequel to Bridget Jones’s Baby (2016) and the fourth instalment in the beloved series. Directed by Michael Morris and based on Helen Fielding’s 2013 novel, this romantic comedy sees the return of Renée Zellweger as the hilariously relatable Bridget.
Alongside her, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, and Emma Thompson reprise their iconic roles, while Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leo Woodall, and Isla Fisher join the fun. Set to be released on 14 February 2025, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy promises more laughter, love, and chaos as Bridget navigates new relationships and life changes. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, this heartwarming continuation of Bridget’s journey is sure to capture hearts worldwide. Get ready for witty humour, romantic misadventures, and Bridget’s signature charm!
Sikandar : Salman Khan returns as the ultimate warrior in this action-packed thriller
Cast: Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna, Sathyaraj, Sharman Joshi, Prateik Babbar.
Director: AR Murugadoss.
Release date: 28 March 2025
And the new year just keeps on giving! Buckle up for an adrenaline-fueled ride with Sikandar, an action thriller marking Salman Khan’s return to his action-packed roots. Directed by AR Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, the film features Salman Khan in dual roles, showcasing his versatility as both hero and defender. The talented cast includes Rashmika Mandanna, Sathyaraj, Sharman Joshi, and Prateik Babbar.
The teaser for Sikandar promises an action-packed thrill ride, as Khan seeks a comeback after a few hit-or-miss years. With Sikandar, he returns to familiar territory, combining high-octane action with a gripping narrative, reminiscent of his 2009 hit Wanted. Set to release on 28 March 2025, just in time for Eid al-Fitr, the film also features music by Pritam and cinematography by Tirru, ensuring a captivating cinematic experience for fans.
Coolie: Rajinikanth returns in an intense action thriller
Cast: Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, Upendra, Reba Monica John.
Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj.
Release date: 1 May 2025
Rajinikanth fans, brace yourselves for Coolie, the latest high-octane action thriller directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. Produced by Sun Pictures, the film stars Rajinikanth in the titular role as a man driven by vengeance. Joining him is a stellar cast featuring Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, Upendra, and Reba Monica John, all contributing to this gripping story.
Set against the backdrop of gold smuggling, Coolie follows a man whose past fuels his intense quest for justice. His determination to right the wrongs of his past leads him on a perilous journey that adds suspense to the narrative. With music by Anirudh Ravichander, cinematography by Girish Gangadharan, and editing by Philomin Raj, Coolie promises to be a visual spectacle.
Set for release in 2025 in both standard and IMAX formats, Coolie marks Thalaivaa’s explosive return to the big screen—a film you won’t want to miss.
Jolly LLB 3 : The courtroom comedy continues with a new showdown
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, Huma Qureshi, Amrita Rao, Saurabh Shukla, Annu Kapoor, Ashish Chaudhary, Jisshu Sengupta.
Director: Subhash Kapoor.
Release date: 11 April 2025
Akshay Kumar returns in Jolly LLB 3, bringing the beloved courtroom drama back with a fresh twist. Directed by Subhash Kapoor, this third instalment sees two rival Jollys—played by Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi—facing off in a high-stakes legal battle. Following the success of its predecessors, the film mixes courtroom intensity with comedy, promising a thrilling and witty experience.
The plot revolves around a complicated and high-profile case that raises the stakes beyond anything seen in previous films. As the two Jollys clash in a courtroom, the case becomes more intricate, keeping audiences on edge. Saurabh Shukla returns as the quirky judge, adding his trademark charm.Shot in Ajmer and Rajasthan, the film features an ensemble cast including Huma Qureshi, Amrita Rao, and Annu Kapoor. Produced by Cape of Good Films and Disney, Jolly LLB 3 releases on 11 April 2025, offering a mix of legal drama and laughter.
Love Guru: A romantic reunion for Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed
Cast: Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed, Ahmed Ali Butt.
Director: Nadeem Baig.
Release date: 25 September 2025
Can you ever go wrong with a fresh Pakistani rom com? Love Guru is set to be the biggest Pakistani rom-com of 2025, starring the dynamic duo Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed. This film marks their reunion after their beloved performance in Bin Roye. Directed by Nadeem Baig, Love Guru promises to be a heartwarming romance that fans are eagerly anticipating.
Filming began in February 2024, starting with a brief shoot in Karachi and followed by an extended schedule in London, which wrapped in November 2024. Cinematographer Arman Khan shared behind-the-scenes photos from the London shoot, building excitement among fans.
In addition to Khan and Saeed, Love Guru also stars Ahmed Ali Butt, adding even more star power to an already impressive cast. Set to release on Eid al-Adha 2025, this film is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated releases in Pakistan for the year.
Abir Gulaal : Fawad Khan returns to Bollywood after nine years
Cast: Fawad Khan, Vaani Kapoor, Lisa Haydon, Farida Jalal, Parmeet Sethi, Soni Razdan.
Director: Aarti S. Bagdi.
Release date: unconfirmed
Fawad Khan is set to make his highly anticipated return to Bollywood with Abir Gulaal, a romantic comedy in which he stars alongside Vaani Kapoor for the first time. This marks his first Hindi film appearance since Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), making his comeback after nearly nine years.
Directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, the film follows two emotionally scarred individuals who find healing and solace in each other. The title, Abir Gulaal, refers to the names of the lead characters, with Kapoor playing Gulaal, a lively Jaipuri girl, and Khan portraying Abir, an Indian chef in London.
Filming was completed in just 37 days, ahead of the scheduled 40-day timeline, thanks to the efficient preparation of the cast and crew. Principal photography began on September 29, 2024, in London. With a supporting cast featuring Lisa Haydon, Farida Jalal, and Soni Razdan, Abir Gulaal is set to be a hit already
Loveyapa : A fresh take on modern relationships
Cast: Junaid Khan, Khushi Kapoor
Director: Advait Chandan
Release Date: 7 February 2025
It’s a fantastic year for love-struck hearts, as Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor gear up to make their mark in the romantic comedy Loveyapa, set to hit theatres just in time for Valentine’s season. Directed by Advait Chandan, known for Laal Singh Chaddha and Secret Superstar, the film blends love, humour, and modern relationship drama.
Produced by Phantom Studios and AGS Entertainment, Loveyapa is described with the intriguing tagline: “Situationship? Relationship? Love ka syapa? Ya Loveyapa? See you in theatres on 7th Feb 2025.”
An official Bollywood adaptation of the 2022 Tamil blockbuster Love Today, directed by and starring Pradeep Ranganathan, the film sets the bar high with its fresh and relatable take on contemporary relationships. As Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor step into the spotlight, Loveyapa promises to captivate audiences with its playful yet meaningful portrayal of love’s complexities.
Dhadak 2: Exploring love and caste in a sequel to the 2018 hit
Cast: Triptii Dimri, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Randeep Hooda.
Director: Shazia Iqbal.
Release date: 28 February 2025
Ready to have your heart broken? Dhadak 2, scheduled for release on 28 February 2025, continues the story of its predecessor while promising a deeper, more critical exploration of caste-based discrimination and the complexities of inter-caste love. Directed by Shazia Iqbal and produced by Dharma Productions, Zee Studios, and Cloud 9 Pictures, the film is a remake of the acclaimed Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal (2018).
Starring Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi, alongside Randeep Hooda, Dhadak 2 delves into the challenges faced by individuals in love when societal divisions are at play. While the first Dhadak faced criticism for not addressing caste discrimination, Dhadak 2 promises a more nuanced and thought-provoking narrative, aiming to explore love amidst social boundaries.
Fans of the first film and those eager for a meaningful engagement with caste and class in Indian cinema are eagerly awaiting this sequel.
Sitaare Zameen Par: A new chapter in uplifting cinema
Cast: Aamir Khan, Genelia Deshmukh.
Director: R. S. Prasanna.
Release date: Unconfirmed
If Taare Zameen Par left you wanting more, here’s some exciting news! Sitaare Zameen Par (lit. ‘Stars on Earth’) is set for release in 2025, marking Aamir Khan’s return as both producer and star. While it is a spiritual sequel to his critically acclaimed film Taare Zameen Par (2007), Sitaare Zameen Par introduces new characters and a fresh storyline, focusing on different social issues.
Directed by R. S. Prasanna and inspired by the 2018 Spanish film Champions, the film tells the story of a coach who trains athletes with Down syndrome. Khan, alongside Genelia Deshmukh, plays a pivotal role in exploring inclusion, the power of sport, and the impact of nurturing individuals with special needs. so don’t miss out as we will be keeping an eye out for you with all the updates!
Already counting down to new year’s? Well, we don’t blame you. With a mix of daring narratives and nostalgic reboots, the year promises something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to stories of love and legacy or seeking thrills and laughter, the big screen is set to deliver unforgettable moments. So, grab your popcorn and mark your calendars – the magic of 2025 awaits!
