BY NAMITA DOGRA SUDAN*
As 2025 draws to a close, the Indian film industry reflects on a year that redefined the “superstar” mythos. From the heartbreaking loss of a legend to a box office revolution that bypassed traditional international strongholds, here are the top five stories of the year.
1. The End of an Era: Dharmendra Passes Away at 89
The most somber and significant news of the year broke on November 24, 2025, when the legendary Dharmendra passed away at his Mumbai residence. Known as the “He-Man of Bollywood,” his death marked the closing chapter of Indian cinema’s golden age.A Global Loss: Tributes poured in from around the world, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and long-time co-star Amitabh Bachchan leading the nation in mourning.Final Farewell: Thousands of fans gathered as his last rites were performed at the Pawan Hans crematorium. His final film, Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, is set for a posthumous release this Jan 2026, serving as a final gift to his millions of admirers.
2. ‘Dhurandhar’ & The Death of the “Global Formula”
Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller Dhurandhar didn’t just break records; it shattered the long-standing industry belief that a film needs the Gulf market to reach the ₹1,100 crore milestone.The Gulf Ban: Despite being banned in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait due to its thematic content—territories that usually provide a massive chunk of revenue for Khan-led films—Dhurandhar became the highest-grossing Hindi film of all time.The Lesson: Its success, driven largely by domestic footfalls and the Western diaspora, has sent a clear message to YRF and other major houses: the “bubble” of safe, formulaic cinema designed for specific international pockets is bursting. The only formula that matters now is an honest story told with conviction.
3. The Diljit Dosanjh & Hania Aamir Controversy
Global superstar Diljit Dosanjh found himself at the center of the year’s most intense political controversy. The reveal of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir as the lead in his film Sardaar Ji 3 triggered massive boycott calls across India.The Conflict: The controversy peaked in June following heightened border tensions. Industry bodies like the FWICE demanded a total ban on Diljit, leading to the unprecedented decision to cancel the film’s theatrical release in India entirely.Diljit’s Stand: Diljit defended the project, noting it was filmed before the escalation, and the film went on to become an overseas blockbuster, proving his global “Dil-Luminati” pull remains unshakable despite domestic turbulence.
4. Historical Might & The “Star Power” Reality Check
2025 proved that audiences are over the era of “lazy” stardom.
Content is King: Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava and Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 collectively earned over ₹1,500 crore, proving that “rooted” storytelling is the most potent force in Indian cinema today.
Star Fatigue: In contrast, Salman Khan’s Sikandar struggled to maintain momentum, and Hrithik Roshan’s War 2, while successful, failed to hit the “all-time blockbuster” status many expected.
Even the biggest stars now realize they cannot coast on charisma alone.
5. The “Casting Cold War”: High-Profile Exits
The internal dynamics of Bollywood shifted as several top stars reclaimed their agency, leading to shocking franchise exits:
Deepika Padukone: walked out of the Kalki 2898 AD sequel and Prabhas’ Spirit, prioritizing creative alignment and work-life balance over mega-budgets.
Ranveer Singh: Despite the success of Dhurandhar, he reportedly stepped away from Don 3, a move that has left the future of the iconic franchise in a state of “creative silence.”
Akshaye Khanna: His public disagreement with producers over the direction of Drishyam 3 underscored a year where actors demanded more than just a paycheck—they demanded creative control.
2026: The Year of Epic Scale in Indian Cinema
If 2025 was about breaking the old system, 2026 is set to be the year of the Epic Scale—bigger stories, grander canvases, and cinema that aims to leave a lasting cultural imprint. Here’s a look at the films already shaping the year ahead.
Films to Watch in 2026
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Ramayana: Part 1 (Diwali 2026)
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the epic stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash as Ravana—bringing India’s most enduring myth to the big screen at unprecedented scale. -
King
Shah Rukh Khan returns in a gritty action saga alongside daughter Suhana Khan, marking a high-profile generational moment in Bollywood. -
Love & War (August 2026)
A wartime romance by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal. -
Border 2 (January 2026)
Sunny Deol leads a massive ensemble in the long-awaited patriotic sequel. -
Toxic (March 2026)
The return of Rocking Star Yash to the big screen in a dark, high-octane entertainer. -
Alpha (April 2026)
A female-led entry in the Spy Universe, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari.
Looking Ahead
As the curtains fall on an eventful 2025, we stand at the threshold of a year that promises even grander spectacles and deeper narratives. The lesson of the past twelve months has been clear: cinema thrives when it is honest, bold, and connected to its roots.
Whether it’s the roar of a blockbuster or the quiet legacy of a departing legend, the magic of the silver screen continues to unite us all.
We wish all our readers a magnificent, blockbuster Happy New Year 2026!
May your year be filled with stories that inspire, entertain, and move you.
*Namita Dogra Sudan is the entertainment news editor and video news producer of NRIPulse.
