This Diwali, cinema-goers from all over India have a treat in store as several big-budget movies from Bollywood, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada industries are set to hit the theatres and OTT platforms. Ranging from supernatural thrillers and romance to mythological sagas and intense dramas, this festive season has something for everyone.
Bollywood Releases:
The spotlight is on three major theatrical releases.
Thamma (Oct 21), directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Paresh Rawal in a supernatural romantic thriller.
Milap Zaveri’s Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat (Oct 21) explores obsession and love with Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa in lead roles.
Adding to the excitement, the 3D animated mythological epic Mahayoddha Rama (Oct 17) promises a spectacular visual experience.
Tamil Releases:
The Tamil film industry has three new titles coming to the theatres.
Dude (Oct 17) is a romantic coming-of-age film headlined by Pradeep Ranganathan.
Bison (Oct 17), which is directed by Mari Selvaraj, is an intense sports drama starring Dhruv Vikram. On the other hand,
Diesel (Oct 17) is a high-octane action ride with Harish Kalyan.
Telugu Releases:
Telugu cinema enters the Diwali fray with Telusu Kada (Oct 17), a contemporary romantic drama featuring Siddhu Jonnalagadda. Mithra Mandali (Oct 16) provides a tender tale of friendship, whereas K-Ramp (Oct 18) enters theaters with a romantic entertainer at its youthful best.
Malayalam Releases:
Malayalam cinema offers a mix bag with The Pet Detective (Oct 16), a zany romantic comedy, and Theatre: The Myth of Reality (Oct 16), a psychological drama about identity. Pathirathri (Oct 17) provides some chill to the line-up in the form of its gripping police drama.
Kannada Releases:
Two family entertainers arrive to join the festive season—Yarigu Helbedi (Oct 17) and Timepass (Oct 17), both promising festivity, comedy, and drama.
OTT & Streaming Premieres:
Many major films are going straight to streaming. Bhaaghi 4 (Prime Video, Sept 5) features Tiger Shroff in an action thriller. Bhagwat Chapter 1: Raakshash (ZEE5, Oct 17) promises a dark thriller, and Great Kalesh (Netflix, Oct 17) is about contemporary family life. Telugu horror thriller Kishkindhapuri (ZEE5, Oct 17) injects suspense into the season. Malayalam viewers can anticipate Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra (JioHotstar, Oct 20) and the legal comedy-thriller Aabhyanthara Kuttavaali (ZEE5, Oct 17).
With a combination of big-screen extravaganzas and streaming launches, Diwali 2025 promises to be one of the most thrilling festive periods for film enthusiasts in India.
