Diwali 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting season for movie lovers, with major Indian and international films arriving in cinemas throughout October and November. Ranbir Kapoor and Yash’s highly anticipated Ramayana is expected to lead the festive box office, while films such as Drishyam 3, Jailer 2, Godzilla: Minus Zero and The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will give audiences plenty of options across different genres. Here are the biggest movies releasing around Diwali 2026 (8th November), along with other major October and November theatrical releases.
Diwali Movie Releases 2026: Biggest Films Arriving in October and November
Confirmed and Expected Diwali Week Releases
1. Ramayana – November 8
Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash, Ramayana is one of the most anticipated Indian films of 2026. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the mythological epic will bring the timeless story of Lord Ram, Sita and Ravana to the big screen on an ambitious scale.
The film is slated to arrive during the Diwali weekend on November 8, 2026. With its star-studded cast, large-scale visuals and nationwide appeal, Ramayana is expected to become the biggest attraction of the festive season.
2. Godzilla: Minus Zero – November 3
Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, Godzilla: Minus Zero is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed Japanese blockbuster Godzilla Minus One. The upcoming monster film is expected to offer another large-scale cinematic experience featuring destruction, human drama and the return of the iconic creature.
The film is scheduled to release in Japan on November 3, 2026, followed by its North American release on November 6. Its early-November arrival could place it in competition with Ramayana for premium and IMAX screens in international markets.
Major October Releases Before Diwali
3. Drishyam 3 – October 2
Ajay Devgn will return as Vijay Salgaonkar in Drishyam 3, the concluding chapter of the popular Hindi crime-thriller franchise. The new film is expected to continue the tense battle of intelligence and deception that began after Vijay went to extraordinary lengths to protect his family.
Also starring Tabu and Shriya Saran, Drishyam 3 will arrive in cinemas on October 2, 2026. Its release more than a month before Diwali makes it one of the biggest films opening the festive movie season.
4. Jailer 2 – October 15
Rajinikanth is set to return as Muthuvel Pandian in Jailer 2, the sequel to the blockbuster 2023 Tamil action entertainer. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, the film is expected to expand the world of the original while bringing back its combination of action, humour and larger-than-life star power.
Jailer 2 is currently expected to release in cinemas on October 15, 2026. Arriving a few weeks before Diwali, the sequel could become one of the festive season’s biggest pan-India releases.
Major November Releases After Diwali
5. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – November 20
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping takes audiences back to Panem years before the original Katniss Everdeen story. Based on Suzanne Collins’ novel, the prequel focuses on a younger Haymitch Abernathy and the events surrounding the 50th Hunger Games.
The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on November 20, 2026. Releasing less than two weeks after Diwali, it will be one of the biggest international franchise films competing at the November box office.
6. Yeh Prem Mol Liya – November 27
Director Sooraj Barjatya returns to the romantic family-drama space with Yeh Prem Mol Liya, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari. The film marks the first collaboration between the two actors and is expected to feature the warmth, romance, music and family emotions associated with Barjatya’s cinema.
Yeh Prem Mol Liya will release in cinemas on November 27, 2026. Although it arrives several weeks after Diwali, its family-friendly story could continue the festive-season mood at the box office.
Which Movie Could Win Diwali 2026?
Ramayana is currently positioned as the biggest Indian release of Diwali 2026, thanks to its scale, familiar story and star cast led by Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash. However, Godzilla: Minus Zero could provide strong competition for premium screens, especially in international markets.
Meanwhile, Drishyam 3 and Jailer 2 could build momentum before the festival, while The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping and Yeh Prem Mol Liya will keep the theatrical calendar busy after Diwali.
Release dates are subject to change. The article will be updated if the filmmakers announce revised theatrical dates.
Which Diwali 2026 movie are you most excited to watch in cinemas?