With hundreds of films released in Bollywood each year, only a select few manage to become major box office hits, while others, despite massive budgets, struggle to make an impact.
The year 2024 followed a similar trend, where big-budget films underperformed while low-budget productions like Stree 2 surprised with their commercial success.
As the industry gears up for 2025, several highly anticipated films are generating excitement among fans. Here’s a look at some of the major titles set to hit the big screen:
‘Raid 2’
Scheduled for release on May 1, Raid 2 features Ajay Devgn and Vaani Kapoor in a high-stakes crime thriller directed by Raj Kumar Gupta.
The story revolves around a money laundering investigation and is a sequel to the 2018 hit Raid. The film is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak, and Krishan Kumar.
‘The Bhootni’
Also set to release on May 1, this horror-comedy stars Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Singh, Mouni Roy, and Palak Tiwari, among others. Directed by Siddhant Sachdev, the film promises a humorous take on supernatural themes. The script is co-written by Sachdev and Vankush Arora.
‘Abir Gulaal’
Marking Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood after nine years, Abir Gulaal is set for release on May 9. Co-starring Vaani Kapoor, the romantic comedy is directed by Aarti S. Bagdi. Despite facing threats from extremist groups in India over Khan’s casting, the film is proceeding with its scheduled release.
‘Housefull 5’
The latest installment in the popular comedy franchise will bring together a massive ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Pooja Hegde, Sonam Bajwa, Sanjay Dutt, Jacqueline Fernandez, Bobby Deol, John Abraham, Kriti Sanon, and others. Though the trailer has yet to be released, the film is expected to premiere on June 6.
‘War 2’
Directed by Ayan Mukerji, this sequel to the 2019 action hit War stars Hrithik Roshan, NTR Jr., Kiara Advani, and John Abraham. The film, backed by Aditya Chopra, is slated for release on August 14. It continues the story of elite spies and intense action sequences that made the original a box office success.
‘Jolly LLB 3’
The courtroom comedy returns with Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi reprising their roles, alongside Huma Qureshi, Amrita Rao, and Saurabh Shukla.
Directed and written by Subhash Kapoor, the film is produced by Akshay Kumar, Dimple Kharbanda, and Naren Kumar.
‘Sitaare Zameen Par’
Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan will return to theaters with Sitaare Zameen Par, now confirmed to release on June 20, 2025, according to Indian media. Directed by R.S. Prasanna, the film is reportedly a remake of the Spanish movie Campeones, and thematically echoes Khan’s acclaimed 2007 film Taare Zameen Par.
In this film, Khan plays a basketball coach mentoring intellectually disabled players, with Genelia D’Souza also playing a pivotal role.
