There was a time when Bollywood biopics largely revolved around sports stars or freedom fighters. That trend has changed dramatically. In 2026 alone, Hindi cinema is bringing stories of Kings, folk artists, spiritual leaders, lawyers, police officers, scientists and legendary filmmakers to the big screen. The genre has quietly become one of the industry’s biggest creative bets.
The year has already witnessed the release of Raja Shivaji, with Riteish Deshmukh taking on the dual responsibility of directing and portraying Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Sanjay Dutt and Abhishek Bachchan, the historical drama revisited the life of one of India’s most revered rulers.
⚔️🚩 #RajaShivaji directed by and starring @Riteishd, is officially streaming on @NetflixIndia!🍿💥💥@duttsanjay @juniorbachchan @vidya_balan @manjrekarmahesh @SachinSKhedekar @bomanirani @jiostudios pic.twitter.com/AGt8BTN0Vz
— Cine Probe🍿 (@Cineprobe) June 26, 2026
The months ahead only widen the canvas.
Shraddha Kapoor will headline Eetha, stepping into the role of legendary Lavani performer Vithabai Narayangaonkar. Directed by Laxman Utekar, the film is scheduled to release on August 28 and is expected to celebrate Maharashtra’s rich folk heritage on a scale rarely attempted in mainstream Hindi cinema.
Vikrant Massey, meanwhile, moves into completely different territory with White. Instead of a conventional life story, the film explores spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s contribution to the Colombian peace process, giving the biopic genre an international dimension.
Courtrooms replace concert stages in Prahaar, where Rajkummar Rao plays renowned public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. The film is expected to revisit several landmark criminal cases, including the legal proceedings following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, bringing one of India’s best-known legal figures to the silver screen.
John Abraham will portray former Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria in Maria IPS, a film inspired by the career of the officer who led investigations into some of Mumbai’s most significant criminal cases. The project is expected to release in theatres later this year.
Science and inspiration come together in Kalam, where Dhanush essays the role of former President and missile scientist Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Directed by Om Raut, the pan-India project remains one of the most anticipated biopics currently in production.
Bollywood is also turning the spotlight on its own legacy. Siddhant Chaturvedi has been cast in and as legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram, an upcoming biographical drama that pays tribute to one of the pioneers who helped shape Indian cinema, with Tamannaah Bhatia playing a key role.
What makes this lineup particularly interesting is not just the number of films but the diversity of personalities being chosen. A warrior king, a Lavani legend, a spiritual guru, a celebrated lawyer, a top police officer, a scientist who inspired millions and a filmmaking icon all find a place in the same release calendar.
Whether every film succeeds at the box office is a question only time can answer. But one thing is already evident. Bollywood’s fascination with true stories has never been broader, and 2026 could well be remembered as the year when the biopic genre expanded far beyond its traditional boundaries.