Cocktail 2, Welcome 3, Dhamaal 4, Batwara 1947: Can summer biggies ace Dhurandhar 2?
Sunny Deol, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kriti Sanon, Rashmika Mandanna and others: Bollywood's 2026 summer bonanza is here. What's your pick?
It's time for the year's summer blitz at the theatres. From now to the end of August, Bollywood has a packed line-up – many of these films are mega and hyped projects, a few others modest in budget and ambition. Every Friday starting June 19 will have at least one new release, if not more, and the films cut across genres, boasting of a choice of big stars.
The stretch from June 19 – when Cocktail 2 opens – to Raksha Bandhan on August 28 – when a three-way clash between the modestly-mounted Khosla Ka Ghosla 2, Vvan and Eetha is scheduled – there's a deluge waiting to happen at the 'plexes.
TALL ORDER TO MEET
With Shahid-Kriti-Rashmika's Cocktail 2, Akshay Kumar's Welcome To The Jungle, Ajay Devgn's Dhamaal 4, and the Sunny Deol-starrer Batwara 1947 highlighting the release window, the film trade as well as fans are curious to see if any of these films manage to live up to the tall order the year has already set at the global box office.
After all, 2026 began on an explosive note with the Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar: The Revenge smashing records. The film grossed Rs 1813 crore globally. Sunny Deol's Border 2 was a superhit follow-up (Rs 450 crore-plus worldwide). The only other major profitable venture in the first half of the year is the Akshay Kumar's Bhooth Bangla, with a global income of more than Rs 269 crore.
"With Raksha Bandhan and Independence Day coming up, there are always three to four big films in this phase every year, so yes, these months are crucial. More so, because we've had only three hits in six months this year so far," says veteran industry analyst Komal Nahta, referring to Dhurandhar: The Revenge, Border 2 and Bhooth Bangla.
But can any of the upcoming mid-year releases of 2026 match the Dhurandhar thunder? Or will we have to wait for the year-end bonanza, when the Hindi film industry has biggies such as Ramayana Part 1, featuring Ranbir Kapoor, and Shah Rukh Khan's King lined up?
"Dhurandhar: The Revenge is a tall order to meet, but what's important is there is theatrical momentum once again. The audience is returning to the halls and that matters in this crucial period when so many big films are lined up," says producer and film business expert Girish Johar.
SPIDER-MAN, NOLAN ARE HERE TOO
Bollywood films during the June-July-August phase, however, won't fight for box office supremacy just among themselves. There's Hollywood attack to take into account, too. Among top picks scheduled during this phase are the animation powerhouses Toy Story 5 (June 19) and Paw Patrol 3 (August 28), the horror thrillers Evil Dead: Burn (July 10) and Insidious: Out of The Further (August 21), Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey (July 17) and Tom Holland and Zendaya's Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 31).
Plus, the horror superhit Obsession and Steven Spielberg's sci-fi thriller Disclosure Day are doing good business, too, in the urban multiplexes right now.
"Tentpole Hollywood releases traditionally affect local films as there is a huge audience for English language films in urban India, plus dubbed versions now take big Hollywood films to a wider viewership. Think of how Barbie and Oppenheimer conquered the Indian box office (in July 2023). There have been films like F1 and Obsession since then that have done well. The advance bookings for The Odyssey are good – director Christopher Nolan is a big name here. And then there is Spider-Man, one of India's favourite franchises," says Johar.
All of which could make the battle just a bit tougher for Bollywood over the next months. The film trade, of course, is bullish.
Nahta reveals his choices from among the mid-year releases, and why he thinks these films could score at the box office: "With Batwara 1947, the team is the advantage. Sunny Deol and (director) Rajkumar Santoshi have been a hit combination in the past, and when Aamir Khan produces a film he is known to back quality content. I'd say Welcome To The Jungle and Dhamaal 4 have promised joyrides in their promos, so that's a positive for these films. Cocktail 2 looks good – the cast, the music, the costumes, the locales – everything seems to have aligned for this film. Awarapan 2 belongs to a brand, that's its advantage."
MID-YEAR BOLLYWOOD BUFFET
Here's our top picks to choose from in the months ahead, and all that's trending for these films.
(Release dates are subject to change)
COCKTAIL 2 (June 19)
Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Rashmika Mandanna
Director: Homi Adajania
Shahid and Rashmika play a couple in a steady relationship, which goes haywire with the entry of an old friend (Kriti). A simple plan the two women cook up goes out of control. That's a promise of chaos, confusion and comedy galore. The Homi Adajania directorial is billed as a spiritual sequel to the 2012 film, Cocktail, starring Deepika Padukone, Diana Penty and Saif Ali Khan.
What's trending: Gen Z vibes, hit songs, good-looking cast, great locales.
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE (June 26)
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Aftab Shivdasani, Jackie Shroff.
Director: Ahmed Khan
Akshay Kumar is back in the Welcome franchise, with a huge ensemble cast. While the story of the film has been kept under wraps, rumours suggest Akshay might have a double role. Does that spell double the fun? Watch this space.
What's trending: Madcap adventure vibes, Akshay Kumar's back in comic form after Housefull 5 and Bhooth Bangla.
ALPHA (July 3)
Cast: Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, Bobby Deol
Director: Shiv Rawail
The YRF Spy Universe moves forward with Alpha after Salman Khan's Tiger films and Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan. Alia Bhatt switches on killer mode in what promises to be a fastpaced action thriller, with Sharvari and Bobby Deol adding to the drama.
What's trending: The film belongs to the YRF Spy Universe, and that's an advantage given the franchise's popularity. Plus, Alia Bhatt fans would look forward to watching her action avatar.
BABY DO DIE DO (July 3)
Cast: Huma Qureshi, Chunky Pandey, Sikander Kher
Director: Nachiket Samant
Huma Qureshi plays a serial killer – but that's not the sales pitch. Her protagonist is deaf and mute. There's more: The differently-abled serial killer can only hear her dead sister's voice.
What's trending: This must be the first Hindi thriller that pitches a deaf-and-mute woman as a serial killer.
DHAMAAL 4 (July 10)
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Mishra, Jaaved Jaaferi, Ravi Kishan, Esha Gupta, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Anjali Anand
Director: Indra Kumar
One of Bollywood's most successful comedy franchises, the fourth film comes nearly two decades after Indra Kumar launched the first film in 2007. This one's about maps and treasures, crocs and jungles, ghosts and pirates. And a lot more.
What's trending: Trademark Dhamaal factor that has built a loyal fan base over three films.
BATWARA 1947 (August 13)
Cast: Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, Shabana Azmi, Karan Deol, Ali Fazal, Abhimanyu Singh
Director: Rajkumar Santoshi
Sunny Deol stars in Aamir Khan's production directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. Set to release on the weekend of Independence Day, Batwara 1947 is set against the backdrop of Partition. The film is based on Asghar Wajahat's controversial play, Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai (You haven't truly lived until you've seen Lahore).
What's trending: Sunny Deol in a film with India-Pakistan theme has so far always been a winning deal.
AWARAPAN 2 (August 14)
Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi
Director: Nitin Kakkar
The sequel to Awarapan (2007) brings back Emraan Hashmi as the hitman Shivam, this time opposite Disha Patani. Shabana Azmi plays an important character in the film.
What's trending: Emraan Hashmi's return in a role that ranks among his best and also most popular.
ALSO LINED UP
THE INDIA STORY (July 24): Kajal Aggarwal and Shreyas Talpade feature in Cheytan Dk's film that aims to expose the impact of pesticide contamination and industrial negligence.
TERA YAAR HOON MAIN (July 31): Milap Zaveri's directorial introduces filmmaker Indra Kumar's son, Aman Indra Kumar, alongside Paresh Rawal and Akanksha Sharma.
PRAHAAR: THE UJJWAL NIKAM STORY (AUGUST 7): Paatal Lok helmer Avinash Arun's film has Rajkummar Rao as public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, known for handling the 1993 Mumbai bombings and the 2008 Mumbai train attacks. Also starring Wamiqa Gabbi.
VVAN (August 28): Sidharth Malhotra battles a supernatural force in the film directed by Arunabh Kumar and Deepak Kumar Mishra. Tamannaah Bhatia and Shweta Tiwari also feature in the cast.
EETHA (August 28): Chhava director Laxman Utekar's bipopic is about Tamasha and Lavani legend Vithabai Narayangaonkar, played in the film by Shraddha Kapoor. The film also features Nana Patekar and Randeep Hooda.
KHOSLA KA GHOSLA 2 (August 28): Anupam Kher as Khosla and Boman Irani as Khurrana return from the 2006 cult classic along with Parvin Dabas and Kiran Juneja, while Ravi Kishan and Tanya Maniktala are additions to the sequel's cast. The film is directed by Prashant Bhagia.
There are other small to medium-budget Hindi films vying for space during this release window, but none have been confirmed. These include: Samarpit, Hum Angrezon Ke Zamane Ke Jailor Hai, Tera Mera Nata, Navya Chakra, Nagabandham: The Secret Treasure, Uttar Da Puttar, Aryabhatt Ka Zero.
Salman Khan's war drama, Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace, was reportedly gearing up for an Independence Day release at one point. There has, however, been no confirmation. The film is directed by Apoorva Lakhia and co-stars Chitrangada Singh.
KEY HOLLYWOOD DATES
June 19: Toy Story 5
July 10: Evil Dead Burn
July 10: Moana
July 17: The Odyssey
July 30: Spider-Man: Brand New Day
August 21: Insidious: Out of the Further
August 28: The Dog Stars
August 28: Paw Patrol 3: The Dino Movie
Clearly, a lot to catch up with if you're a true-blue movie buff!
It's time for the year's summer blitz at the theatres. From now to the end of August, Bollywood has a packed line-up – many of these films are mega and hyped projects, a few others modest in budget and ambition. Every Friday starting June 19 will have at least one new release, if not more, and the films cut across genres, boasting of a choice of big stars.
The stretch from June 19 – when Cocktail 2 opens – to Raksha Bandhan on August 28 – when a three-way clash between the modestly-mounted Khosla Ka Ghosla 2, Vvan and Eetha is scheduled – there's a deluge waiting to happen at the 'plexes.
TALL ORDER TO MEET
With Shahid-Kriti-Rashmika's Cocktail 2, Akshay Kumar's Welcome To The Jungle, Ajay Devgn's Dhamaal 4, and the Sunny Deol-starrer Batwara 1947 highlighting the release window, the film trade as well as fans are curious to see if any of these films manage to live up to the tall order the year has already set at the global box office.
After all, 2026 began on an explosive note with the Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar: The Revenge smashing records. The film grossed Rs 1813 crore globally. Sunny Deol's Border 2 was a superhit follow-up (Rs 450 crore-plus worldwide). The only other major profitable venture in the first half of the year is the Akshay Kumar's Bhooth Bangla, with a global income of more than Rs 269 crore.
"With Raksha Bandhan and Independence Day coming up, there are always three to four big films in this phase every year, so yes, these months are crucial. More so, because we've had only three hits in six months this year so far," says veteran industry analyst Komal Nahta, referring to Dhurandhar: The Revenge, Border 2 and Bhooth Bangla.
But can any of the upcoming mid-year releases of 2026 match the Dhurandhar thunder? Or will we have to wait for the year-end bonanza, when the Hindi film industry has biggies such as Ramayana Part 1, featuring Ranbir Kapoor, and Shah Rukh Khan's King lined up?
"Dhurandhar: The Revenge is a tall order to meet, but what's important is there is theatrical momentum once again. The audience is returning to the halls and that matters in this crucial period when so many big films are lined up," says producer and film business expert Girish Johar.
SPIDER-MAN, NOLAN ARE HERE TOO
Bollywood films during the June-July-August phase, however, won't fight for box office supremacy just among themselves. There's Hollywood attack to take into account, too. Among top picks scheduled during this phase are the animation powerhouses Toy Story 5 (June 19) and Paw Patrol 3 (August 28), the horror thrillers Evil Dead: Burn (July 10) and Insidious: Out of The Further (August 21), Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey (July 17) and Tom Holland and Zendaya's Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 31).
Plus, the horror superhit Obsession and Steven Spielberg's sci-fi thriller Disclosure Day are doing good business, too, in the urban multiplexes right now.
"Tentpole Hollywood releases traditionally affect local films as there is a huge audience for English language films in urban India, plus dubbed versions now take big Hollywood films to a wider viewership. Think of how Barbie and Oppenheimer conquered the Indian box office (in July 2023). There have been films like F1 and Obsession since then that have done well. The advance bookings for The Odyssey are good – director Christopher Nolan is a big name here. And then there is Spider-Man, one of India's favourite franchises," says Johar.
All of which could make the battle just a bit tougher for Bollywood over the next months. The film trade, of course, is bullish.
Nahta reveals his choices from among the mid-year releases, and why he thinks these films could score at the box office: "With Batwara 1947, the team is the advantage. Sunny Deol and (director) Rajkumar Santoshi have been a hit combination in the past, and when Aamir Khan produces a film he is known to back quality content. I'd say Welcome To The Jungle and Dhamaal 4 have promised joyrides in their promos, so that's a positive for these films. Cocktail 2 looks good – the cast, the music, the costumes, the locales – everything seems to have aligned for this film. Awarapan 2 belongs to a brand, that's its advantage."
MID-YEAR BOLLYWOOD BUFFET
Here's our top picks to choose from in the months ahead, and all that's trending for these films.
(Release dates are subject to change)
COCKTAIL 2 (June 19)
Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Rashmika Mandanna
Director: Homi Adajania
Shahid and Rashmika play a couple in a steady relationship, which goes haywire with the entry of an old friend (Kriti). A simple plan the two women cook up goes out of control. That's a promise of chaos, confusion and comedy galore. The Homi Adajania directorial is billed as a spiritual sequel to the 2012 film, Cocktail, starring Deepika Padukone, Diana Penty and Saif Ali Khan.
What's trending: Gen Z vibes, hit songs, good-looking cast, great locales.
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE (June 26)
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Aftab Shivdasani, Jackie Shroff.
Director: Ahmed Khan
Akshay Kumar is back in the Welcome franchise, with a huge ensemble cast. While the story of the film has been kept under wraps, rumours suggest Akshay might have a double role. Does that spell double the fun? Watch this space.
What's trending: Madcap adventure vibes, Akshay Kumar's back in comic form after Housefull 5 and Bhooth Bangla.
ALPHA (July 3)
Cast: Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, Bobby Deol
Director: Shiv Rawail
The YRF Spy Universe moves forward with Alpha after Salman Khan's Tiger films and Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan. Alia Bhatt switches on killer mode in what promises to be a fastpaced action thriller, with Sharvari and Bobby Deol adding to the drama.
What's trending: The film belongs to the YRF Spy Universe, and that's an advantage given the franchise's popularity. Plus, Alia Bhatt fans would look forward to watching her action avatar.
BABY DO DIE DO (July 3)
Cast: Huma Qureshi, Chunky Pandey, Sikander Kher
Director: Nachiket Samant
Huma Qureshi plays a serial killer – but that's not the sales pitch. Her protagonist is deaf and mute. There's more: The differently-abled serial killer can only hear her dead sister's voice.
What's trending: This must be the first Hindi thriller that pitches a deaf-and-mute woman as a serial killer.
DHAMAAL 4 (July 10)
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Mishra, Jaaved Jaaferi, Ravi Kishan, Esha Gupta, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Anjali Anand
Director: Indra Kumar
One of Bollywood's most successful comedy franchises, the fourth film comes nearly two decades after Indra Kumar launched the first film in 2007. This one's about maps and treasures, crocs and jungles, ghosts and pirates. And a lot more.
What's trending: Trademark Dhamaal factor that has built a loyal fan base over three films.
BATWARA 1947 (August 13)
Cast: Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, Shabana Azmi, Karan Deol, Ali Fazal, Abhimanyu Singh
Director: Rajkumar Santoshi
Sunny Deol stars in Aamir Khan's production directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. Set to release on the weekend of Independence Day, Batwara 1947 is set against the backdrop of Partition. The film is based on Asghar Wajahat's controversial play, Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai (You haven't truly lived until you've seen Lahore).
What's trending: Sunny Deol in a film with India-Pakistan theme has so far always been a winning deal.
AWARAPAN 2 (August 14)
Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi
Director: Nitin Kakkar
The sequel to Awarapan (2007) brings back Emraan Hashmi as the hitman Shivam, this time opposite Disha Patani. Shabana Azmi plays an important character in the film.
What's trending: Emraan Hashmi's return in a role that ranks among his best and also most popular.
ALSO LINED UP
THE INDIA STORY (July 24): Kajal Aggarwal and Shreyas Talpade feature in Cheytan Dk's film that aims to expose the impact of pesticide contamination and industrial negligence.
TERA YAAR HOON MAIN (July 31): Milap Zaveri's directorial introduces filmmaker Indra Kumar's son, Aman Indra Kumar, alongside Paresh Rawal and Akanksha Sharma.
PRAHAAR: THE UJJWAL NIKAM STORY (AUGUST 7): Paatal Lok helmer Avinash Arun's film has Rajkummar Rao as public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, known for handling the 1993 Mumbai bombings and the 2008 Mumbai train attacks. Also starring Wamiqa Gabbi.
VVAN (August 28): Sidharth Malhotra battles a supernatural force in the film directed by Arunabh Kumar and Deepak Kumar Mishra. Tamannaah Bhatia and Shweta Tiwari also feature in the cast.
EETHA (August 28): Chhava director Laxman Utekar's bipopic is about Tamasha and Lavani legend Vithabai Narayangaonkar, played in the film by Shraddha Kapoor. The film also features Nana Patekar and Randeep Hooda.
KHOSLA KA GHOSLA 2 (August 28): Anupam Kher as Khosla and Boman Irani as Khurrana return from the 2006 cult classic along with Parvin Dabas and Kiran Juneja, while Ravi Kishan and Tanya Maniktala are additions to the sequel's cast. The film is directed by Prashant Bhagia.
There are other small to medium-budget Hindi films vying for space during this release window, but none have been confirmed. These include: Samarpit, Hum Angrezon Ke Zamane Ke Jailor Hai, Tera Mera Nata, Navya Chakra, Nagabandham: The Secret Treasure, Uttar Da Puttar, Aryabhatt Ka Zero.
Salman Khan's war drama, Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace, was reportedly gearing up for an Independence Day release at one point. There has, however, been no confirmation. The film is directed by Apoorva Lakhia and co-stars Chitrangada Singh.
KEY HOLLYWOOD DATES
June 19: Toy Story 5
July 10: Evil Dead Burn
July 10: Moana
July 17: The Odyssey
July 30: Spider-Man: Brand New Day
August 21: Insidious: Out of the Further
August 28: The Dog Stars
August 28: Paw Patrol 3: The Dino Movie
Clearly, a lot to catch up with if you're a true-blue movie buff!
