So far, 2016 has been a mixed bag for Bollywood. On one hand, we’ve had some fantastic, content-driven films raking in the moolah at the box office but the year has also seen otherwise potential blockbusters fail miserably at the ticket window. The success of films such as Kapoor & Sons, Neerja, Airlift and Udta Punjab has proved that Indian audience is indeed eager to lap up good content on the big screen. However, the flat-out failure of films like Great Grand Masti & Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3 also shows why blindly banking on franchises won’t work for Bollywood.
The year has also proved that even superstars such as SRK and Hrithik Roshan can’t guarantee a film’s success. With Fan & Mohenjo Daro failing miserably, it’s obvious the two need to do some massive thinking going forward. Salman Khan though still rules and Sultan‘s success is testimony to that fact.
However, the year’s not done yet. With the festival season all set to begin, it’s safe to presume that Bollywood has indeed saved the best of the year for the last quarter.
Here are 15 upcoming Bollywood films you just can’t afford to miss:
1. Baar Baar Dekho
Release date: September 9
The songs of this film are on the top of the charts already & there’s no escaping Kala Chashma right now! The trailer of the film suggests an unusual storyline where Jai (Sidharth Malhotra) gets a chance to go ahead in time and see how his life, and his relationship with girlfriend Diya (Katrina Kaif) will pan out in the future. Will he then change his present?
2. Freaky Ali
Release date: September 9
Starring Nawazzuddin Siddiqui, Freaky Ali, is the story of a tapori who happens to be an amazing golfer. The trailer of the film looks quite promising & the way the makers have meshed golf with cricket is praiseworthy. Ours is a country obsessed with cricket & the promotion of other sports via films is certainly a good initiative. Besides, who can doubt Nawaz’s talent?
3. Pink
Release date: September 16
Pink is a social commentary on the dubious morals of our society. Starring Amitabh Bachchan & Taapsee Pannu, the film is the story of three women who are victims of sexual harassment but are framed for assaulting the accused men instead. The trailer looks particularly promising and boasts of spectacular performances by the cast.
4. M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story
Release date: September 30
This biopic is definitely the most awaited film of the year! Sushant Singh Rajput impressed everyone with his performance in the film’s trailer and the audience has high expectations from this Neeraj Pandey film. Dhoni is certainly the most loved captain we’ve ever had and watching his journey unfold on screen is going to be a dream come true.
5. Mirzya
Release date: October 7
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s film is based on the folklore of Mirza-Sahiban. The trailer looked quite different from the usual Bollywood fare and we’re certainly keeping our expectations high. Also, both the newcomers, Harshvardhan Kapoor & Saiyami Kher look rather promising.
6. 31st October
Release date: October 7
31st October is based on the aftermath in Northern India after the assassination of Indira Gandhi, leading to the 1984 riots. The trailer of the film, starring Vir Das & Soha Ali Khan, will literally give you goosebumps.
7. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
Release date: October 28
Watching Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan & Anushka Sharma in the teaser of the film was dreamy enough to get us excited for this one. The film looks like an intense love triangle and since it’s a Karan Johar film, we are certainly expecting this one to be a tear-jerker. The film also has Fawad Khan adding a fourth angle to the plot.
8. Shivaay
Release date: October 28
Ajay Devgn’s second directorial venture is an action-packed film that has been shot at some exotic locales. The trailer is nearly 4 minutes long and promises some major destruction. The film stars Devgn along with debutantes Sayyeshaa Saigal & Erika Kaar.
9. Rock On 2
Release date: November 11
The sequel to the 2008 film, Rock On!!, this film brings back the star cast from the first film with Shraddha Kapoor & Shashank Arora (of Titli fame) as the new additions. The film has been shot in Shillong & explores the music scene in North East India.
10. Force 2
Release date: November 18
This film is a sequel to the 2011 film, Force, and stars John Abraham, Sonakshi Sinha & Tahir Bhasin. Just like the first one, this one too will be an action packed film. The film is being directed by Abhinay Deo (of Delhi Belly fame).
11. Tum Bin 2
Release date: November 18
The 2001 film is still remembered for its soulful music and director Anubhav Sinha is directing the sequel as well. Not much is known about the plot but it’s safe to assume that it’ll be a full of love and heartbreak. The film stars Neha Sharma, Aditya Seal and Aashim Gulati.
12. Dear Zindagi
Release date: November 25
Directed by Gauri Shinde (of English Vinglish fame), this film is the story of a girl (Alia Bhatt) who, while seeking answers to pertinent questions about life, meets various people who change her perception. The star cast also includes Shah Rukh Khan, Kunal Kapoor, Ali Zafar, Aditya Roy Kapoor & Angad Bedi.
13. Kahaani 2
Release date: November 25
Kahaani was a nail-biting thriller and we’re hoping that the sequel will be even better. The film stars Vidya Balan & Arjun Rampal and is being directed by Sujoy Ghosh.
14. Befikre
Release date: December 9
Aditya Chopra’s next directorial venture starring Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor, Befikre, has been teasing the audience by releasing a poster every month. Here’s hoping they release the trailer of the film soon.
15. Dangal
Release date: December 23
Based on the life of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters, this film stars Aamir Khan in the lead role. Aamir has been in the news for his massive physical transformation for this role.