“Stree 2” has taken the Bollywood box office by storm, raking in over ₹400 crores in just 12 days, a feat few films achieve in such a short span. With its horror-comedy charm, the film has become the highest-grossing Bollywood movie of the year and set new records in the horror-comedy genre. However, 2025 is shaping up to be an even bigger year for Bollywood, with several highly anticipated films set to release. Here are five upcoming films that could potentially break “Stree 2’s” impressive box office records.
1. War 2: A High-Octane Spy Thriller
The first film on this list is “War 2,” a sequel in the YRF Spy Universe. After the massive success of “War” in 2019, which starred Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff, the expectations for this sequel are sky-high. Directed by Ayan Mukherjee, known for his work in “Brahmastra,” “War 2” brings back Hrithik Roshan, but this time he will be sharing the screen with Telugu superstar Jr. NTR, who plays the antagonist. The film promises intense action sequences, high drama, and stunning visuals, which are expected to be even more grand than its predecessor.
The film also stars Kiara Advani in a pivotal role, adding to its star power. “War 2” is set to release on August 14, 2025, right before India’s Independence Day, making it a strong contender for record-breaking box office success.
2. King: Shah Rukh Khan’s Majestic Return
Shah Rukh Khan’s next big project, rumored to be titled “King,” has already created a lot of buzz. After a successful 2023 with films like “Pathaan,” SRK took a brief hiatus, but “King” marks his grand return to the silver screen. Although not officially announced, the film is reportedly a solo SRK venture, with his daughter Suhana Khan initially rumored to be in a lead role. However, with changes in the script, she has now taken a secondary role.
The shooting for “King” is expected to start by the end of September or early October 2024, with major scenes being filmed in Budapest instead of the UK as initially planned. Fans are eagerly awaiting this film, which is rumored to hit theaters in October 2025, just in time for Diwali, ensuring it gets a massive box office opening.
3. Lahore 1947: Sunny Deol’s Patriotic Saga
Following the success of “Gadar 2,” Sunny Deol is all set to return with “Lahore 1947,” a film that delves into the turbulent times during the partition of India and Pakistan. Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and produced by Aamir Khan, this film promises to be a gripping narrative that explores the emotional and physical struggles of that era.
Sunny Deol will share the screen with his son, marking an exciting collaboration for the Deol family. Preity Zinta also makes her comeback with this film after a six-year hiatus. With a Republic Day 2025 release date, “Lahore 1947” is positioned to capitalize on the patriotic fervor and could potentially rival the success of “Stree 2.”
4. Alexander: Salman Khan’s Action-Packed Epic
Salman Khan’s “Alexander” is another film that has the potential to break box office records. Directed by AR Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, this film is expected to be a massive action spectacle. Salman Khan has been reportedly putting in extra effort for this film, even doing his own stunts despite medical advice to the contrary. The film also stars Rashmika Mandanna, adding to its appeal.
“Alexander” is set to release on Eid 2025, a slot that has historically been successful for Salman Khan. The combination of Salman’s star power, the holiday release, and the action-packed narrative could make this film one of the biggest hits of 2025.
5. Love and War: A Star-Studded Romantic Drama
“Love and War” is another highly anticipated film slated for a 2025 release. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his grand cinematic vision, this film brings together Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal in a narrative that blends romance with intense drama. Ranbir Kapoor is rumored to be playing a character with grey shades, offering him a role that is neither a typical hero nor a villain.
Currently in the pre-production stage, “Love and War” is expected to begin shooting after Ranbir wraps up his work on Nitesh Tiwari’s “Ramayan.” The film is set for a Christmas 2025 release, making it a prime candidate for a box office showdown with other big films of the year.
The Year Ahead for Bollywood
The success of “Stree 2” has set a high bar, but with the slate of films lined up for 2025, Bollywood is gearing up for what could be one of its most competitive years ever. Each of these films not only boasts a strong cast and crew but also comes with the kind of anticipation that could easily lead to record-breaking performances at the box office. Whether it’s the action-packed thrills of “War 2” and “Alexander” or the emotional depth of “Lahore 1947” and “Love and War,” 2025 promises to be a year of cinematic extravaganzas that could make “Stree 2’s” achievements look modest in comparison.
