Upcoming Bollywood Releases April 2026
If January through March has been any indication, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Bollywood. And April isn't letting up. The release calendar is stacked with films spanning action epics, intimate dramas, comedies, and at least one film that could join the year's box office top five. Here's everything hitting theatres in April 2026.
War 2 — April 3, 2026
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, Kiara Advani
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Why we're excited: The original War was a massive hit, and the sequel brings together two of Indian cinema's most physically gifted actors. Hrithik Roshan's action credentials are well-established; Jr NTR brings a ferocity that's been honed through decades of Telugu cinema. Ayan Mukerji (post-Brahmastra) has something to prove, and a big action film is the perfect canvas. The trailer suggests globe-trotting action set-pieces and a Hrithik vs NTR face-off that could be legendary. This is the month's biggest release by far.
Expectations: 300+ crore opening weekend. Easily.
Dharma's Untitled Rom-Com — April 10, 2026
Stars: Janhvi Kapoor, Varun Dhawan
Director: Shashank Khaitan
Why we're watching: Karan Johar's production house is returning to its rom-com roots after a series of experimental misfires. Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor are a fresh pairing, and Shashank Khaitan has demonstrated a knack for crowd-pleasing entertainment with Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and Badrinath Ki Dulhania. The teaser suggests a light, fun, commercial entertainer. Sometimes that's exactly what you want.
Expectations: Moderate. 80-120 crore lifetime if the reviews are decent.
Raag — April 17, 2026
Stars: Vicky Kaushal, Tripti Dimri
Director: Amar Kaushik
Why we're excited: Amar Kaushik directing Vicky Kaushal in a music-drama? Sign us up immediately. Details are scarce, but Kaushik has described it as "a love letter to Indian classical music, wrapped in a story about obsession and sacrifice." Vicky reportedly trained in classical vocals for six months. Tripti Dimri continues her ascent as one of Bollywood's most interesting young actors. This could be the month's critical darling.
Expectations: Depends on the genre balance. If it leans commercial, 150+ crore. If it's art-house, 40-60 crore but awards season potential.
Inspector Rishi (Hindi Remake) — April 17, 2026
Stars: Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Director: TBA
Why we're watching: The Tamil web series Inspector Rishi was a fantastic supernatural thriller, and a Hindi theatrical adaptation with Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the lead sounds perfect. Siddiqui has the chops to play the methodical, sceptical inspector confronted with the unexplainable. Whether the web series format translates well to a two-hour film remains to be seen, but the source material is strong.
Expectations: Modest. 50-80 crore if the scares land.
Tauba Tauba — April 24, 2026
Stars: Rajkummar Rao, Sanya Malhotra
Director: Laxman Utekar
Why we're watching: After Chhaava's success, Laxman Utekar shifts gears back to comedy with a quirky romantic film about a couple dealing with the chaos of an interfaith marriage. Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra are proven screen partners, and the premise offers both comedic potential and social commentary. Could be this month's sleeper hit.
Expectations: 60-100 crore if word of mouth is positive.
What We're Most Excited About
War 2 is the obvious choice for spectacle, but we're personally most excited about Raag. Amar Kaushik hasn't made a bad film yet (Stree, Bala, Stree 2), and the combination of Indian classical music with his storytelling sensibility could produce something genuinely special. Plus, Vicky Kaushal in a musically demanding role is a prospect that excites us far more than another action sequel, however good Hrithik Roshan looks while running.
Box Office Strategy
April's calendar is well-spaced, with releases on consecutive Fridays avoiding the clash that plagued some months in 2025. War 2 gets two clear weeks before the rom-com arrives, and the mid-month releases are positioned to catch the tail end of school holidays. It's smart programming, and it gives each film room to breathe. The audience wins when films don't cannibalise each other's screens.
See you at the theatres. April is going to be fun.