📌 Key Points
- Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Ramayana Part 1’ is India’s most anticipated film, set for Diwali 2026.
- Alia Bhatt’s spy thriller ‘Alpha’ secures the second spot, making it a couple’s sweep.
- Shah Rukh Khan’s much-hyped ‘King’ ranks fourth, despite immense buzz and star power.
- The top 20 list features films across five Indian languages: Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and Kannada.
In a surprising turn, Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Ramayana Part 1’ and Alia Bhatt’s ‘Alpha’ have claimed the top two spots on India’s most anticipated movies list. This places the power couple’s films ahead of superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s much-hyped ‘King’, which landed in fourth place, redefining industry expectations.
Ranbir & Alia Dominate Anticipation Charts
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan ‘s King is easily one of Bollywood’s biggest upcoming releases. Marking his return to the big screen after three years, the film also features his first on-screen collaboration with daughter Suhana Khan and reunites him with Om Shanti Om co-star Deepika Padukone . Despite the immense buzz, however, King has missed out on being named India’s most anticipated film of the year, with the top two spots going instead to films led by one of Bollywood’s young celebrity couples.
As per the list, Ranbir Kapoor ’s Ramayana Part 1, which will follow the journey of Lord Rama, his period of exile, the abduction of Sita, and his ultimate battle against Ravana, the king of Lanka, is the most anticipated film of the year. The film will be released in two parts, with the first instalment arriving in theatres on Diwali 2026 and the second on Diwali 2027.
SRK’s King: Buzz vs. Rankings
It is followed by his wife Alia Bhatt ’s spy thriller Alpha in the second spot. Alpha is the first female-led spy thriller in the Yash Raj Films Spy Universe. Produced by Aditya Chopra and directed by Shiv Rawail of The Railway Men fame, Alpha is set to release on July 3. The film also stars Sharvari, Anil Kapoor and a cameo appearance by Hrithik Roshan .
According to the list, Yash’s Toxic ranks third, while Shah Rukh Khan’s King follows closely in fourth place. Shah Rukh’s film reportedly draws heavy inspiration from the 1994 classic Léon: The Professional, with the superstar in the role of a veteran hitman who steps in to protect a young girl. Shah Rukh Khan’s King is scheduled for a Christmas 2026 release.
Beyond Bollywood: India’s Diverse Top 20
The rankings continue with Awarapan 2 at No. 11 and Ikka at No. 12. They are followed by Arasan, Khalifa, I’m Game, Ranabaali, Shakti Shalini, Idhayam Murali, Sigma, and Vvan – Force of the Forest, which complete the top 20 list. The list spans five languages: 12 Hindi, four Tamil, two Malayalam, one Telugu and one Kannada title.
This unexpected ranking highlights a shift in audience anticipation, with new narratives and star power challenging established norms. While SRK’s ‘King’ still holds immense buzz, the Kapoor-Bhatt duo’s dominance signals an exciting future for Indian cinema.
