Upcoming Hindi Period Dramas in Bollywood 2025: Anticipated Period Movies Worth Watching
As the new year commences, industry insiders have mapped out their strategies and objectives for Bollywood 2025. With "Heeramandi The Diamond Bazaar" being the sole Indian production to appear on Google's list of most-searched films and shows worldwide, filmmakers have turned their attention towards period dramas. Here, we explore some of the highly anticipated projects based on Indian historical events or personalities, scheduled for a 2025 release.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Netflix India original appeared on Google's list of top ten most-searched shows in 2024, ranking fourth. It stands as the only Indian film or show to make it onto the global list of most-searched films or shows. Pawan Kalyan and Hina Khan managed to secure spots on the list of most-searched actors worldwide, with Kalyan taking second place and Khan landing in fifth.
Upcoming Indian Period Movies to Watch Out For in 2025: Sky Force, Chhaava, Emergency, Lahore 1947, The Delhi Files
Despite Bhansali's unmatched grandeur, "Heeramandi The Diamond Bazaar" being included among the top ten most-searched films and shows worldwide in 2024 suggests a global appetite for the reinvention of Indian history. With that in mind, projects centered on real-life events or personalities appear to be promising ventures.
Heeramandi The Diamond Bazaar
Manisha Koirala and Sonakshi Sinha star in Bhansali's epic historical saga, "Heeramandi The Diamond Bazaar," playing feuding courtesans. Aditi Rao Hydari, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Richa Chadha, and Sharmin Segal are also featured in the series, which is now available on Netflix. Fardeen Khan, Taha Shah Badussha, Shekhar Suman, and Adhyayan Suman are among the star-studded cast.
The show delves into the love lives and power struggles of the Lahore courtesans, examining the impact of the British colonial rule on their lives and providing an unusual political perspective from Bhansali's viewpoint. The series boasts stunning sets and breathtaking costumes.
Here's a roundup of films based on significant Indian historical moments and personalities lined up for a 2025 theatrical release:
Emergency
Although marked by certification-related hurdles in India, Kangana Ranaut's film on one of India's darkest chapters is set to hit screens on January 17, 2025. Directed by Ranaut, the film features herself in the lead role as India's first female Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. Veteran actor Anupam Kher, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Mahima Chaudhary, and Vishak Nair are among the ensemble cast, which also includes the late Satish Kaushik.
Ranaut's Manikarnika Films, in collaboration with Zee Studios and Renu Pitti, have brought "Emergency" to the big screen. Ritesh Shah was responsible for writing the dialogues and screenplay for the film, while Sanchit Balhara and G.V. Prakash Kumar crafted the music. With an intriguing plot and an impressive cast, "Emergency" is expected to captivate audiences.
Sky Force
Co-directed by Abhishek Anil Kapur and Sandeep Kewlani, "Sky Force" features Akshay Kumar and Nimrat Kaur. The film delves into the Indian army's counterattack on Pakistan's Sargodha airbase during the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war. Maddock Films and Jio Studios financed the production, which also stars Sara Ali Khan and Veer Pahariya. "Sky Force" is slated for a January 24, 2025, release.
Chhaava
Vicky Kaushal leads the historical action film "Chhaava," directed by Laxman Utekar. Set against the life of Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the film is an adaptation of Shivaji Sawant's Marathi novel "Chhava." Akshaye Khanna and Rashmika Mandanna are also significant parts of the film, scheduled for a 2025 release. Legendary musician AR Rahman created the music for the film, which was written by Rishi Virmani. Given the track record of both Kaushal and Utekar, the film should prove to be an enthralling tale.
The Delhi Files
The first installment of Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri's two-part project, titled "The Delhi Files: The Bengal Chapter," is set to release on August 15, 2025. Writer, director, and producer Agnihotri is also responsible for the film, which is being jointly produced by Abhishek Agarwal and his wife, Pallavi Joshi.
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Movie director Rajkumar Santoshi is working on his latest project, which centers around the India-Pakistan partition that occurred in 1947. The film, known for its grand train sequence filled with thrilling action, stars Preity Zinta and Sunny Deol in the lead roles. This production is backed by Aamir Khan Productions.
In the anticipation of Bollywood 2025, period dramas have garnered increased attention due to the global success of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Heeramandi The Diamond Bazaar." Reflecting this trend, various Indian historical films are scheduled for release in 2025, including "Lahore 1947" and "The Delhi Files."
Kangana Ranaut, renowned for her powerful performances, is set to direct and star in "Lahore 1947," a film chronicling one of India's darkest historical chapters. The movie, slated for a January 17, 2025, release, also features an intriguing ensemble cast, including Anupam Kher and Milind Soman.
Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, meanwhile, is excited to release the first installment of his two-part project, "The Delhi Files: The Bengal Chapter," on August 15, 2025. The film, produced by Agnihotri, his wife Pallavi Joshi, and Abhishek Agarwal, is expected to be a significant contribution to this growing genre.
