BIG RELEASES: BOLLYWOOD FILMS TO LOOK OUT FOR

FROM BIG BIOPICS AND REMAKES TO HUGE ACTION BLOCKBUSTERS, A LOOK HEAD TO HOTLY ANTICIPATED HINDI CINEMA RELEASES AND WHAT TO EXPECT

THE Covid-19 pandemic may have halted Bollywood badly, but that isn’t stopping the most prolific film industry from powering ahead with more productions.

With a combination of delayed films from 2020 and new ones going on the floors, there are some big releases on the way that are set to entertain audiences. Eastern Eye looked ahead to bring a countdown of 40 Bollywood films and what to expect.

40. Shershaah: The war drama based on real events sees Sidharth Malhotra portray Captain Vikram Batra, who was awarded India’s highest award for valour during the 1999 Kargil War and gave his life while trying to rescue a fellow soldier. Malhotra also plays the twin brother of the late soldier, and Kiara Advani co-stars in the army drama. Expect: A patriotic story about an Indian soldier.

39. Saina: The sports biopic is on the life of ace badminton player Saina Nehwal, who rose up from humble beginnings to win medals internationally for India, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. Parineeti Chopra plays the title role in the film, which also sees Paresh Rawal portray her father. Expect: An inspiring story of sporting triumph with a rousing finale.

38. Roohi Afzana: The horror comedy reportedly revolves around a ghost who abducts brides on their honeymoons and sees Janhvi Kapoor playing a double role. Rajkummar Rao, Varun Sharma and Pankaj Tripathi also play pivotal roles in a film that promises plenty of laughs and lots of scares. Expect: The same kind of comedy as 2018 sleeper hit Stree.

37. Toofan: The Bhaag Milkha Bhaag team of director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and actor Farhan Akhtar reunite for another powerful sportsbased drama. This time around they tell the story of a boxer who balances a troubled personal life with sporting glory. The film also stars Paresh Rawal, Isha Talwar and Mrunal Thakur. Expect: Inspiring exercise scenes and lots of punches.

36. Dostana 2: The next instalment in the Dostana franchise is a standalone story that stars Kartik Aaryan, Janhvi Kapoor and Laksh Lalwani in the lead roles. The Karan Johar produced film will once again be a comedy that explores the theme of homosexuality. Expect: Lead star Janhvi said Dostana 2 is more emotional than the first one and Kartik thinks it will push the envelope.

35. Bachchan Pandey: Akshay Kumar and Kriti Sanon play the lead roles in what is reportedly a Bollywood remake of Tamil language thriller Jigarthanda. The new adaptation will be a story of a female filmmaker getting caught up with a dreaded gangster and going on an unexpected journey. Expect: A masala entertainer with action, romance and comedy.

34. The Girl On The Train: The Bollywood remake of the Hollywood film of the same name, which was based on a 2015 novel, sees Parineeti Chopra play an alcoholic divorcee who gets tangled in a missing person’s investigation. She gets embroiled with other female characters connected to the mystery. Expect: Edge-of-the-seat tension.

33. Cirkus: The Simmba team of director Rohit Shetty and lead star Ranveer Singh reunite for the film reportedly based on William Shakespeare classic The Comedy Of Errors. The laughter-filled film also has Varun Sharma, Jacqueline Fernandez and Pooja Hegde in key roles. Expect: The first double role from Ranveer Singh.

32. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Although the horror comedy is billed as a sequel to 2007 film Bhool Bhulaiyaa, it will have a standalone story following a similar spooky theme and a new cast. There will be a combination of laughs and scares in the film starring Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani and Tabu in the lead roles. Expect: Some songs from the original and a psychological thriller element injected into the story.

31. Bell Bottom: The Bollywood film, which was shot in UK during lockdown, is reportedly inspired by a 2019 Kannada language film of the same name. The 1980s set crime comedy, which stars Akshay Kumar, Huma Qureshi, Vaani Kapoor and Lara Dutta, revolves around a detective trying to solve a crime, which opens up a Pandora’s box. Expect: Lots of funky fashion, like big flairs and cool sunglasses.

30. Mayday: Ajay Devgn produces, directs and stars in the action-thriller about the Indian air force. Amitabh Bachchan and Rakul Preet Singh also star in a story that is likely to be about a stranded air force pilot. Expect: A story based on real life that exaggerates true events.

29. Bob Biswas: The Kolkata set crime-thriller is based on a mysterious character that first appeared in smash hit 2012 film Kahaani. The spin-off sees Abhishek Bachchan take on the title role in what is expected to be the story of an ordinary man with a decidedly dark side. Chitrangada Singh also stars in this film, which is co-produced by Shah Rukh Khan’s company. Expect: It will be a story with a mystery and twists.

28. Jayeshbhai Jordaar: Actor turned filmmaker Divyang Thakkar makes his directorial debut with the comedy-drama about a kind-hearted Gujarati, who believes in equal rights, and decides to take a stand. Ranveer Singh plays the title role in the message driven satire, which also stars Shalini Pandey, Boman Irani and Ratna Pathak. Expect: A quirky story with a unique twist and an important social message.

27. Haseena Dillruba: Two of commercial Indian cinema’s fastest rising stars Taapsee Pannu and Vikrant Massey play the lead roles in this murder mystery, which is promising to offer plenty of twists from start to finish. The exact plot is being kept under wraps, but one thing that is apparent is that there will be a deadly femme fatale in the story. Expect: A sleeper hit filled with shock value.

26. Rambo: Tiger Shroff takes on the title role in the official Bollywood remake of a Hollywood action franchise that started with the 1980s films First Blood and Rambo. The story will see a fearless soldier who is like a one-man army and is a deadly killing machine. Expect: There could be elements of a few different Rambo movies rolled into one and lots of bloodshed.

25. The Big Bull: The drama based on real events revolves around the life of cunning stockbroker Harshad Mehta, who was involved in financial crimes throughout the 1980s, which exposed massive loopholes in the Indian banking system. Abhishek Bachchan plays the lead role of the financial criminal mastermind in the movie, which also stars Nikita Dutta and Ileana D’Cruz in key roles. Expect: An eye-opening crime drama and a standout performance from Abhishek Bachchan.

24. Jug Jugg Jeeyo: Director Raj Mehta will follow up his hit debut Good Newwz with another unique comedy about two married couples. This time around they are from different generations, with Varun Dhawan and Kiara Advani playing the younger couple. The more mature couple will be portrayed by Anil Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor. Expect: A comedy satire where everyday couples face a unique challenge.

23. Maidaan: The sports biopic revolves around pioneering football team coach Syed Abdul Rahim,

who led India to victory in the Asian games in 1951 and 1962, along with reaching the semi-finals of the 1956 Melbourne Olympic football tournament. Ajay Devgn plays the lead role in India’s first highprofile historical football biopic. Expect: A feelgood story of sporting triumph, which is scheduled for release on August 13, 2021.

22. Thalaivi: A biopic revolving around late film actress turned influential politician J Jayalalithaa. The big budget drama charts her journey from starring in south Indian films to becoming the popular chief minister of Tamil Nadu and becoming an icon for millions. Expect: Lead star Kangana Ranaut to undergo a massive physical transformation during the film.

21. Phone Bhoot: The horror-comedy caper stars Katrina Kaif, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Ishaan Khatter in the lead roles. The eerie slapstick film will see the protagonists trying to catch spooky spirits haunting people and getting in way above their heads. Expect: The Bollywood answer to Hollywood film Ghostbusters.

20. Atrangi Re: The next film from acclaimed director Aanand L Rai stars Akshay Kumar, south Indian superstar Dhanush and Sara Ali Khan in a double role. The story is expected to be a romantic drama with a unique twist and one that offers up a different take on relationships. Expect: Dhanush to sing a song, which has been composed by AR Rahman, and one that will likely go viral.

19. Rashmi Rocket: Taapsee Pannu takes on the challenging lead role in the sports drama of a village girl from the desert who aspires to be a worldclass athlete. The actress has gone through an impressive physical transformation for the uplifting film, which is directed by Akarsh Khurana. Expect: A fast-paced film filled with girl power.

18. Sardar Udham Singh: Vicky Kaushal plays the title role in this biopic of a revolutionary freedom fighter who assassinates the former lieutenant governor of Punjab (Michael O’Dwyer) on March 13, 1940, in revenge for the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The Shoojit Sircar-directed drama based on real-life events charts his daring journey and him getting hanged. Expect: A historical drama that attempts to shed new light on a legendary story.

17. Prithviraj: The historical action-drama stars Akshay Kumar and Miss World winner Manushi Chhillar in the lead roles. Sanjay Dutt, Sonu Sood and Manav Vij also star in the story of Prithviraj Chauhan, who was a king from the Chahamana dynasty in the 12th century. Expect: Big battle sequences and rousing dialogues.

16. Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui: Acclaimed director Abhishek Kapoor directs what is being touted as a progressive north India-set romance. Ayushmann Khurrana and Vaani Kapoor play the lead roles in a story about two unlikely individuals who unexpectedly fall in love. Expect: Ayushmann to unveil a very muscular physique for the first time as he is playing a sportsman and for Vaani to be a surprise element with her unique role.

15. Bhuj: The Pride of India: The 1971 army drama based on real life events is set during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha, Rana Daggubati and Ammy Virk star in the story of an army officer who reconstructs a runway at an IAF airbase with the help of 300 local women, so Indian soldiers could land and take off planes safely. Expect: A rousing race-against-time patriotic army movie.

14. Bunty Aur Babli 2: A sequel to the 2005 crime comedy, it is set 10 years after the events of the first film. Siddhant Chatruvedi and Sharvari play two young con artists, with Rani Mukerji and Saif Ali Khan playing the older criminals, who will likely go up against them. Expect: Saif Ali Khan described the film as a family friendly entertainer.

13. Mumbai Saga: The gritty crime drama based on real events looks at the changing face of the Mumbai underworld during the 1980s and 1990s. The Sanjay Gupta directed film boasts an impressive star cast that includes John Abraham, Emraan Hashmi, Suniel Shetty, Kajal Aggarwal, Huma Qureshi, Vivek Oberoi and Prateik Babbar. Expect: An episodic film with multiple stories overlapping one another and plenty of violence.

12. Mogul: The long-awaited biographical drama directed by Subhash Kapoor is expected to finally go on the floors in 2021. Aamir Khan takes on the challenging role of late music mogul Bhushan Kumar, who had set up India’s most successful record label T-Series and then was murdered at a relatively young age by the underworld. Expect: A story of triumph and tragedy.

11. Shamshera: Director Karan Malhotra follows up his films Agneepath and Brothers with this period action film set in the 1800s. Ranbir Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt and Vaani Kapoor play the lead roles in the story of a dacoit tribe who take on the might of the British army, ruling India at the time. Expect: Big action sequences and an exaggerated account of a lost chapter from history.

10. Radhe Shyam: The romantic drama, which has simultaneously been shot in Telugu and Hindi, will get a big Bollywood release. Prabhas and Pooja Hegde play the lead roles in the period set love story aimed at a global audience, which has been shot extensively across Europe. Expect: A fairy tale like love story told on a grand scale.

9. Gangubai Kathiawadi: Alia Bhatt plays the title role in award-winning director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period gangster film based on real events. The story revolves around a young girl sold into prostitution, who rises through the underworld ranks and becomes the powerful madam of a brothel. Expect: A period set mafia story of a fearless woman with strong connections in the Mumbai underworld.

8. Sooryavanshi: The first high-profile Bollywood film to have its release delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak in March 2020 will finally hit cinemas this year. Akshay Kumar plays an anti-terrorism officer trying to stop a sleeper cell from launching a deadly attack on Mumbai. Jackie Shroff and Katrina Kaif also star in the stunt-heavy movie from director Rohit Shetty. Expect: Cameos from Ranveer Singh and Ajay Devgn portraying title characters they played in Simmba and Singham, respectively.

7. Radhe - Your Most Wanted Bhai: This year’s major Eid release is a big-budget Bollywood remake of South Korean film Veteran and sees Salman Khan playing a merciless police officer hot on the trail of a powerful villain. Disha Patani, Jackie Shroff and Randeep Hooda also star in the largerthan-life escapist action film loaded with big stunts. Expect: Lots of bullets. 6. Jersey: Shahid Kapoor plays the lead role in the Hindi language remake of 2019 Telugu film Jersey, which revolves around a struggling man trying to resurrect his cricketing career later in life in order to support his family. Mrunal Thakur also stars in the sports drama that is told by the man’s now grown-up son and how it is connected to a precious jersey. Expect: An inspiring story filled with emotion.

5. Brahmastra: The long-delayed superhero movie is scheduled to release at the end of the year and will be the first of a trilogy. The Ayan Mukerji directed fantasy adventure stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Amitabh Bachchan and south Indian superstar Nagarjuna in the lead roles. Expect: A surprising redefinition of the superhero genre in Bollywood and state-of-the-art special effects.

4. Adipurush: The next film from Tanhaji - The Unsung Warrior director Om Raut is a mega-budget 3D action mythological billed as the battle of good over evil. Prabhas and Saif Ali Khan will lock horns in the special-effects laden film, which is based on legendary Indian epic Ramayana. The film will be released in multiple languages and boast huge action sequences. Expect: The hotly anticipated film, which also stars Kriti Sanon, will release on August 11, 2022, and have a thunderous opening weekend.

3. ‘83: One of the highest profile casualties of 2020 resisted the urge of premiering on a streaming site and will release when cinemas fully open. Ranveer Singh portrays Kapil Dev in the sports film based on real events, which revolves around India’s history-making first cricket World Cup win in 1983. The Kabir Khan-directed drama charts the remarkable journey of a team that defied odds and caused cricket’s greatest upset. Expect: An inspiring period set film that combines India’s three big passions of cricket, Bollywood and patriotism.

2. Pathan: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan makes a return after a relatively long hiatus in the action movie, which pits him against John Abraham. Like Siddharth Anand’s last directorial outing War, the high-octane film will see two stars going up against one another in a turbo-charged battle. Expect: Big stunts, breathless action and beautiful leading lady Deepika Padukone.

1. Laal Singh Chaddha: The big-budget Bollywood remake of iconic 1994 Hollywood film Forrest Gump was postponed by 12 months due to the Covid-19 pandemic and will now release during Christmas 2021. Aamir Khan takes on the title role in the story of a slow-witted man who finds himself in the middle of important moments in Indian history. Kareena Kapoor Khan also plays a key role in the feel-good film, which has reportedly been shot at over 100 eye-catching locations. Pritam has composed the music for a film which is expected to generate big numbers in cinemas when they do finally open up again. Expect: State-of-the-art special effects, familiar moments in history, including from Hindi cinema, and big-named cameos.