An ambitious blend of historical devotion and modern experimentation characterises the May 2026 theatrical schedule, which represents a bright turning point for Bollywood. Massive historical epics like Raja Shivaji and Krishnavataram sit alongside grittier social critiques and psychological thrillers like Bandar and Aakhri Sawal on this month's schedule, which is renowned for its diversity. In a time when Bollywood is embracing high-concept storytelling and international production methods, May presents a cinematic palette that appeals to fans of both classic "masala" films and more modern prestige dramas.
A series of highly anticipated partnerships and spiritual heirs are poised to dominate the box office. The astounding range of performances includes Varun Dhawan's dual-role shenanigans in the classic David Dhawan comedy, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui's tech-forward, live-synced performance in Main Actor Nahin Hoon. May 2026 is shaping up to be a culturally and cinematically explosive month, what with all these films preparing to premiere throughout the world and a major international push for regional pride stories on Maharashtra Day.
Here are the big-ticket Bollywood releases to look forward to in May 2026
Ek Din - May 1, 2026
The story of Ek Din takes place at a business retreat in Japan's snowy landscapes and follows Dinesh "Dino" Kumar Srivastav, played by Junaid Khan, an office nerd who loves trivia and has a secret infatuation with Meera Ranganathan, played by Sai Pallavi. He takes advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presented by a local "Fortune Bell" to spend a single day with Meera after she experiences transitory global amnesia, a rare ailment that wipes her memories for precisely 24 hours, due to an injury she had. Pretending to be her lover, he takes her on an enchanting, surreal journey, making memories that will last a lifetime in the span of a single day. The only thing he knows is that she will forget about him and their love by the time tomorrow rolls around.
Raja Shivaji - May 1, 2026
Raja Shivaji, which stars Riteish Deshmukh and is directed by him, is an epic historical drama about the legendary life and unbreakable spirit of the Maratha Empire's founder, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In this film, Rahyl Deshmukh stars as a young Shivaji, and Riteish plays him as an adult, as he fights the Adil Shahi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire in an epic struggle for independence from their oppressive dominion over India in the 17th century. Afzal Khan (Sanjay Dutt), Sambhaji Shahaji Bhonsale (Abhishek Bachchan), and Badi Begum (Vidya Balan) are all part of the stellar cast that promises an intense storyline fuelled by a leader's Maratha pride, as well as spectacular action sequences. The epic showdowns that changed the course of the Deccan conclude the film, which is set to be released internationally on Maharashtra Day, featuring a score by Ajay-Atul and cinematography by Santosh Sivan that includes spectacular visuals.
Krishnavataram Part 1: The Heart - May 7, 2026
The first film of an ambitious trilogy, Krishnavataram Part 1: The Heart, is directed by Hardik Gajjar and reimagines the story of Lord Krishna from myth to historical epic. This film, which stars Siddharth Gupta as the eponymous character, explores the "Hridayam" (heart) of the god, following his journey from his carefree, romantic days in Vrindavan with Radha (Sushmitha Bhat) to his calculated rise to the throne of Dwarka. The story shows Krishna as a wise leader, balancing his responsibilities and moral duties, while also connecting his divine relationships with Rukmini and Satyabhama to the growing tensions of the Kurukshetra conflict. This magnificent devotional extravaganza features words by Irshad Kamil, a passionate soundtrack by Prasad S, and music by Prakash Kapadia and Raam Mori.
Main Actor Nahin Hoon – May 8, 2026
Aditya Kripalani's Main Actor Nahin Hoon is a groundbreaking drama that follows the unlikely friendship of two people: Adnan Baig (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), a recently retired banker from Frankfurt, and Mouni (Chitrangada Satarupa), a puritanical and agitated Mumbai actor. After a chance encounter during a virtual audition, where Mouni's candid improvisation strikes him deeply, Adnan convinces her to teach him acting via a day-long video conference across two continents. The virtual acting class turns into a psychological unmasking as they explore their towns, bringing to light long-ignored flaws and emotional realities. The film's notable aspect is that it was shot "live" in both India and Germany at the same time, allowing the audience to witness the actors' interactions in real-time despite the 4.5-hour time difference.
Aakhri Sawal - May 8, 2026
Aakhri Sawal explores the complex history and ideals of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) from its establishment in 1925 to the present day. The film is directed by National Award-winner Abhijeet Mohan Warang. Vicky Hegde, played by Namashi Chakraborty, is a brilliant but unstable researcher who, in a high-stakes national discussion with Professor Gopal Nadkarni, played by Sanjay Dutt, sets off a public discourse firestorm. The film questions established narratives and institutional prejudices as it explores controversial historical events, such as the Babri Masjid demolition and the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Actors Sameera Reddy, Neetu Chandra, and Amit Sadh are all part of the film's powerful ensemble cast, which is billed as a political and psychological exposé.
Daadi Ki Shaadi - May 8, 2026
Daadi Ki Shaadi is a delightful and wacky family comedy that was written and directed by Ashish R Mohan. Kapil Sharma plays the role of Tony, a guy whose wedding preparations with his perfect girlfriend Sadia (Sadia Khateeb) are derailed when an unexpected romantic rival—her grandmother—enters the picture. Yograj Singh, Tony's grandpa, finds out that Neetu Kapoor, the bride's grandmother, is going to remarry at 70 years old to the enigmatic Adivishnu Reddy, played by R. Sarathkumar. In a humorous display of desperation, Tony attempts to intimidate the groom, but the powerful army veteran ultimately defeats him. His family has insisted that he must prevent an "elderly alliance" from ruining his wedding. The film mixes slapstick humour, generational tensions, and suspense as the family starts to believe that "Daadi" might genuinely be in danger, culminating in a wild finale. It also features Riddhima Kapoor Sahni's big-screen debut as the daughter of the grandmother.
Pati Patni Aur Woh Do - May 15
A spiritual successor to the 2019 smash hit, Pati Patni Aur Woh Do (directed by Mudassar Aziz) takes the classic "pativerse" and turns it into a riotous comedy of mistakes set in the holy city of Prayagraj. Ayushmann Khurrana plays the role of Prajapati Pandey, a regular guy whose life takes a dramatic turn when he makes a decision that sets in motion a chain reaction of betrayal, scandal, and love affairs. The stakes have been raised thrice this time around as Sara Ali Khan, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Rakul Preet Singh—three strong women—test the old saying of "patiyon ki fitrat" (the character of husbands) by ensnaring Prajapati in a comical tug-of-war. The film combines contemporary interpersonal dynamics with slapstick humour and energetic dance tunes; it also features a supporting cast that includes Vijay Raaz as a dogged cop and Tigmanshu Dhulia.
Bandar - May 22, 2026
The grittier crime thriller Bandar (also titled Monkey in a Cage), directed by Anurag Kashyap, stars Bobby Deol as Samar, a fading old TV star, and is based on true events. Amidst Samar's newfound comfort in his relationship with Khushi (Saba Azad), his life takes a dramatic turn when Gayatri (Sapna Pabbi), his ex-girlfriend, resurfaces and accuses him of rape following their breakup. The story explores the #MeToo aftermath, cancel culture's violence, and the systemic stifling of voices in the courtroom as it follows Samar through a prejudiced and corrupt justice system. The film explores the psychological unveiling of somebody experiencing freefall, and it features a stellar cast including Sanya Malhotra, Raj B. Shetty, and Jitendra Joshi.
Chand Mera Dil - May 22, 2026
The first film collaboration between Ananya Panday and Lakshya, Chand Mera Dil is a passionate and emotional coming-of-age romance drama directed by Vivek Soni. The story portrays the whirlwind college romance between Aarav and Chandni in Hyderabad, viewed through the lens of "life happens faster than love." The film explores the heartbreaking reality that while falling in love is easy, growing up often alters the dynamics of their relationship as they transition from the carefree classroom environment to the challenging emotional demands of adulthood. With a score by Sachin-Jigar and production by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, this moving story explores the pain of first loves and the quest for redemption.
Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai - May 22, 2026
David Dhawan's Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is the fourth film in which he and his son Varun Dhawan have worked together; it is a romantic comedy. The plot features Jass (Varun Dhawan, playing a dual role), a man entangled in a comical web as he tries to maintain harmony between two families in different places. The film inspired outstanding masala comedies from the 90s, such as Sandwich. When Jass's two spouses, Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur, and their sons unexpectedly wind up in the same place, the "double trouble" starts. This propels Jass into a frenzied slapstick race to avert the collision of his worlds. With an energetic ensemble cast that includes Jimmy Sheirgill, Maniesh Paul, and Kubbra Sait, and accompanied by a nostalgic score of remixed hits, the film is a joyful ode to secretive families and their tumultuous love lives.
