Top 10 Most Anticipated Bollywood Movies in 2025: Release Dates, Cast, and What to Expect

Bollywood in 2025 is firing on all cylinders. The industry has leaned into sequels and franchises while giving space to original voices and large-scale spectacles. It’s a mix that promises both comfort and surprise: familiar universes returning with bigger set-pieces, and fresh stories backed by top-tier talent.

Before the list, a quick note: Release dates in India can change due to post-production, VFX schedules, holiday reshuffles, and certification timelines. I’ve cited official announcements and reliable trade reports where available and flagged “tentative” when studios haven’t made a direct public statement. Always check your local listings closer to the date.

How I picked the list

• Confirmed or strongly reported 2025 dates from studio/social announcements, trade portals, and major outlets.

• High audience interest: star power, franchise equity, or filmmaker reputation.

• Variety across genres: action, comedy, biopic, romance, and thrillers.

• Box-office and cultural impact potential: not just big numbers, but conversations and repeat viewings.

1) Jolly LLB 3 (Courtroom Comedy-Drama)

Why it’s a big deal: The Jolly LLB series has a devoted fanbase thanks to its blend of humor, social commentary, and crowd-pleasing courtroom showdowns. With Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi sharing the screen again, the “Jolly vs. Jolly” face-off practically sells itself.

What to watch for:

• Saurabh Shukla’s Judge Tripathi returning to keep both counsels in check.

• Topical cases and satirical digs at bureaucracy and legal loopholes.

• A tonal balance between laughs and heart—a hallmark of the franchise.

Release details (India): Scheduled for 19 September 2025; widely covered by major outlets and ticketing platforms. 

2) Ikkis (War Biopic)

Why it’s a big deal: National Award-winning director Sriram Raghavan turns to a real-life story: the valor of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee. Casting Agastya Nanda in a breakthrough role alongside veterans like Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat raises curiosity about the film’s emotional heft.

What to watch for:

• Raghavan’s precise storytelling and tension-building, now in a patriotic, large-canvas setting.

• Period authenticity—tanks, terrain, and tactics from the 1971 war.

• Performances that prioritize restraint over melodrama.

Release details (India): Announced for 2 October 2025 (Gandhi Jayanti) by the makers; corroborated by industry portals and theater listings. 

3) Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari (Rom-Com)

Why it’s a big deal: A Dharma Productions crowd-pleaser from director Shashank Khaitan, reuniting him with Varun Dhawan after their Dulhania hits. With Janhvi Kapoor co-starring, expect glossy songs, vibrant production design, and a high-energy romance.

What to watch for:

• Classic Dharma rom-com beats with contemporary humor.

• A festive release window that favors date-night cinema.

Release details (India): 2 October 2025 is the date widely reported; recent coverage again highlighted the October schedule. 

4) Ek Din (Drama/Romance)

Why it’s a big deal: Aamir Khan Productions brings Junaid Khan (Aamir Khan’s son) to the big screen with Sai Pallavi and Khushi Kapoor. Curiosity is sky-high for Junaid’s theatrical debut after early work and stage training.

What to watch for:

• A potentially rooted, performance-led narrative rather than loud spectacle.

• Chemistry between a fresh lead and a pan-India favorite in Sai Pallavi.

Release details (India): Listed for 7 November 2025 by trade trackers and release calendars. 

5) De De Pyaar De 2 (Rom-Com Sequel)

Why it’s a big deal: The first film’s age-gap romance and crackling banter found a big audience. With Ajay Devgn headlining and R. Madhavan reportedly joining the sequel, expect mature humor, family drama, and fizzy dialogue.

What to watch for:

• How the sequel updates its relationship dynamics for 2025 sensibilities.

• Music and situational comedy set-pieces—key to the original’s charm.

Release details (India): Slated for 14 November 2025 on leading Bollywood calendars. 

6) 120 Bahadur (Patriotic Action-Drama)

Why it’s a big deal: Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar (Excel Entertainment), directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai, this one’s framed as a large-hearted, rousing actioner with a military backbone.

What to watch for:

• Excel’s scale and slickness in staging action sequences.

• A title that hints at a band-of-brothers narrative.

Release details (India): Targeting 21 November 2025, per consistent trade and listing coverage. 

7) Tere Ishk Mein (Romance/Drama)

Why it’s a big deal: Director Aanand L. Rai teams up with Dhanush—a pairing that evokes memories of Raanjhanaa. With Kriti Sanon reportedly in the mix, anticipation is high for an intense, musically rich romance.

What to watch for:

• A stirring score and lyrical visuals—Rai’s hallmarks.

• A performance-driven love story that’s messy in a human way.

Release details (India): Frequently listed for 28 November 2025 on film calendars and updated pages. 

8) Dhurandhar (Action Thriller)

Why it’s a big deal: Aditya Dhar (of Uri: The Surgical Strike) reportedly directs Ranveer Singh in a high-concept action film. The combination of a star known for intensity and a director with a proven action pedigree is a natural magnet for buzz.

What to watch for:

• Grounded action over bombast, if Uri is any indicator.

• Character-first writing to complement the set-pieces.

Release details (India): Widely tracked for 5 December 2025 on film listings and calendars; still evolving on the official-marketing front. 

9) Vishal Bhardwaj’s Untitled (Drama/Thriller)

Why it’s a big deal: A Vishal Bhardwaj film with Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri is enough to make cinephiles sit up. Bhardwaj’s layered writing and moody atmospherics often spawn strong word-of-mouth.

What to watch for:

• A morally knotty story world with music that haunts.

• Shahid in a textured, possibly grey role.

Release details (India): Reported for 5 December 2025, as per mainstream coverage earlier this year. (Title TBA; expect updates.) 

10) Alpha (Action – YRF Spy Universe)

Why it’s a big deal: The YRF Spy Universe adds a female-led chapter with Alia Bhatt and Sharvari. After the scale and crossover success of prior spy entries, a fresh protagonist and dynamic duo angle make Alpha one of the year’s biggest bets.

What to watch for:

• Franchise-grade set-pieces balanced with character arcs.

• How the film expands the Spy Universe timeline and crossovers.

Release details (India): Announced for 25 December 2025 (Christmas) by trade and press; official YRF messaging has pointed to a year-end rollout. 

Quick Calendar (at a glance)

• Sept 19 – Jolly LLB 3.

• Oct 2 – Ikkis; Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari. 

• Nov 7 – Ek Din. 

• Nov 14 – De De Pyaar De 2. 

• Nov 21 – 120 Bahadur. 

• Nov 28 – Tere Ishk Mein. 

• Dec 5 – Dhurandhar; Vishal Bhardwaj’s untitled film. 

• Dec 25 – Alpha. 

Note: Dates may shift due to certification, VFX or strategic moves; check listings close to release.

What these picks say about Bollywood in 2025

Franchises are still king—but evolving

Sequels like Jolly LLB 3 and De De Pyaar De 2 show how familiar brands help reduce risk in a competitive theatrical market. The key test this year is whether sequels can evolve—with sharper writing and contemporary themes—rather than simply repeating beats. A courtroom comedy that engages with current issues or a rom-com that acknowledges modern relationships can feel fresh even within a franchise shell. (See confirmed dates and franchise details in listings above.) 

Prestige directors are getting grand canvases

Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis is noteworthy because a director known for noir-ish thrillers is tackling a patriotic biopic with scale. Vishal Bhardwaj’s year-end release signals continued space for auteur-driven cinema on the big screen. These films can win both critical acclaim and healthy box office, particularly with holiday legs. (Release confirmations via trade portals and mainstream press.) 

Spy-verse and event films keep holidays hot

Year-end holidays are prime real estate. Alpha landing on Christmas is classic counter-programming: a high-octane YRF tentpole as families head to theaters. Expect heavy national rollout, premium formats, and event marketing. 

How to plan your watchlist

If you love high-stakes action

• Alpha (YRF spy-verse promise) and Dhurandhar (director of Uri) are your best bets. The former offers franchise continuity; the latter, gritty realism. 

If you want heart with humor

• Jolly LLB 3 for social comedy wrapped in a courtroom caper; De De Pyaar De 2 for witty banter and relationship chaos. 

If you’re after performances and craft

• Ikkis and Vishal Bhardwaj’s untitled film are likely to deliver textured characters and strong direction. 

If you’re going with a date or friends

• Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari promises upbeat romance; Ek Din looks like a gentler, character-led outing for a relaxed evening. 

FAQs

Will all these movies strictly release on the announced dates?
Probably not—some may move a week or two. It’s normal in India for dates to shuffle around holidays or VFX timelines. Always check a day or two before.

Are these “Bollywood” (Hindi) releases?
Yes—this list focuses on Hindi-language films (including studio/filmmaker projects typically classified as Bollywood). Some titles are pan-India friendly but originate from Hindi studios or creators.

Why isn’t [X] on the list?
I prioritized titles with strong 2025 visibility and credible reporting at the time of writing. If a film announces a firm 2025 date later, I’ll update the list.

Conclusion

The remainder of 2025 is stacked with variety: a lively courtroom sequel, a war biopic from a master storyteller, glossy rom-coms, event-scale actioners, and a year-end spy spectacle. Whether you’re seeking mood, music, or adrenaline, Bollywood’s slate has you covered. Keep this calendar handy, and enjoy the ride—see you at the movies.