IMDb has released its list of the Most Anticipated Indian Movies for the second half of 2026, offering an early indicator of audience interest based on page views from its global user base of more than 250 million monthly visitors. The rankings highlight a mix of mythological epics, spy thrillers, and star-driven Bollywood projects that are expected to dominate the Indian box office landscape in the coming year. Topping the list is Ramayana Part 1, one of the most ambitious cinematic adaptations in recent years.
The film, led by Ranbir Kapoor, retells the epic journey of Lord Rama, focusing on his exile, the abduction of Sita, and the eventual battle with Ravana, the ruler of Lanka. The project is being mounted as a large-scale two-part saga, with the first installment scheduled for a Diwali 2026 release and the second part expected in Diwali 2027. Its inclusion at the top of IMDb’s anticipation list reflects the strong curiosity surrounding its scale, visual treatment, and reinterpretation of one of India’s most significant epics.
In second place is Alpha, headlined by Alia Bhatt. The film is part of the expanding Yash Raj Films Spy Universe and marks a key milestone as the franchise’s first female-led spy action film. Directed by Shiv Rawail and produced by Aditya Chopra, Alpha continues the studio’s interconnected storytelling approach that has previously delivered major box office successes. The film also features Sharvari and Anil Kapoor in important roles, with a special cameo appearance by Hrithik Roshan, further strengthening its appeal within the spy franchise narrative. Scheduled for release on July 3, 2026, Alpha has generated significant pre-release buzz due to its genre shift and high-profile casting.
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Despite being one of the most talked-about upcoming Bollywood releases, Shah Rukh Khan’s film King does not feature in the top two positions, though it remains among the most anticipated titles on the broader list. The film is particularly notable for marking Shah Rukh Khan’s return to the big screen after a three-year gap, a factor that has significantly contributed to its visibility and fan anticipation. It also draws attention for its unique casting dynamic, featuring his daughter Suhana Khan in a key role alongside him for the first time on screen. The film further reunites him with Deepika Padukone, a pairing that has historically delivered successful collaborations at the box office.
IMDb’s ranking is based on page view data and user engagement trends across its platform, which reflects global interest in upcoming releases. The list for the second half of 2026 highlights the increasing dominance of franchise-based storytelling and large-scale cinematic universes, alongside traditional star-driven films that continue to maintain strong audience pull. It also underscores the growing influence of mythological and fantasy adaptations in shaping audience expectations in Indian cinema.
The prominence of films like Ramayana Part 1 and Alpha also reflects a broader shift in Indian filmmaking, where scale, interconnected narratives, and genre expansion are becoming key drivers of audience anticipation. At the same time, established stars such as Shah Rukh Khan continue to command significant attention, even when their projects do not occupy the very top positions in predictive rankings. As the industry moves closer to 2026, the IMDb list serves as an early snapshot of audience sentiment, offering insight into which films are likely to dominate conversations, box office performance, and global visibility in the evolving landscape of Indian entertainment.
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