After a lacklustre first half in 2025 with field workplace collections simply crossing ₹1,900 crore, the Hindi movie trade is pinning hopes on a stronger second half. A packed launch calendar, a wave of sequels, and tales rooted in mythology and people traditions are anticipated to drive revenues up by 20–30%, theatre homeowners and producers mentioned.
The restoration technique centres on reaching audiences in tier-two and tier-three cities via culturally resonant tales. Franchises like Son of Sardaar 2, Warfare 2, Baaghi 4, and Jolly LLB 3, together with folklore-inspired movies like Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 and Thama, are anticipated to dominate the theatrical panorama within the coming months.
Franchises are a sequence of movies that proceed the story of in style characters or worlds—constructing on previous successes to draw loyal audiences with sequels and spin-offs.
“There’s a clear technique (to achieve out to small-town audiences). A variety of the upcoming movies are sequels, mythological tales, or based mostly on Indian folklore. These should not simply inventive selections—they’re strategic,” mentioned Bhuvanesh Mendiratta, managing director at Miraj Leisure Ltd, which operates multiplex theatres.
Franchises, he mentioned, have a prepared viewers, whereas mythological and folklore-based content material resonates strongly with households in smaller cities.
“These movies work higher in single screens and tier-two and tier-three cities, the place individuals desire larger-than-life, rooted tales,” Mendiratta added.
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Return of epics
The development is anticipated to proceed properly into 2026. Ranbir Kapoor will headline a two-part Ramayana franchise scheduled for Diwali 2026 and 2027, whereas Vicky Kaushal will play everlasting warrior Parashurama in Mahavatar, slated for a December 2026 launch.
“Movies which are rooted in our tradition or drawn from epics typically join properly with the viewers,” mentioned movie producer Anand Pandit. “The broad canvas provided by mythology or folklore permits filmmakers to form narratives that enchantment to viewers who take pleasure in grand, impactful tales anchored in nostalgia or custom.”
Pandit added that the following six months would possible showcase audience-friendly spectacles, emotional mid-budget tales, and the return of acquainted franchises. “If these movies succeed, they might present the type of breakthroughs the trade wants proper now,” he mentioned.
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Franchises over originals
Franchise-building is rising as a go-to mannequin within the absence of contemporary tales. One viable technique at this level is to create franchises and due to this fact construct on a universe audiences already know of, mentioned Satwik Lele, chief working officer at MuktaA2 Cinemas.
Whereas this may point out a scarcity of originality, Lele identified that Hollywood depends closely on sequels too, citing upcoming releases like The Unbelievable 4: First Steps and Avatar: Fireplace and Ash.
Packed launch calendar
Specialists say the discharge schedule within the second half of 2025 marks a transparent departure from the sporadic releases of 2024 and early 2025.
Movie producer and commerce knowledgeable Girish Johar mentioned the regular circulate of movies is essential to restoring the movie-going behavior.
“The consistency in launch schedules is vital to make sure individuals keep used to coming to theatres. That behavior formation additionally helps the small and mid-budget movies to carry out,” he mentioned.
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