Salman Khan’s Sikandar to Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par: Top Film Picks for 2025

Mumbai : As 2024 wraps up with a rather underwhelming performance at the box office, Bollywood is gearing up for a much-anticipated year in 2025. Trade experts and film exhibitors are looking to Salman Khan’s Sikandar, set for an Eid release in March, as a game-changer. The action-packed film is expected to draw large crowds, rekindling audience interest in the cinema halls.

In addition to Sikandar, the year’s slate includes a mix of high-profile franchises and original stories. Among the anticipated releases are Kangana Ranaut’s political drama Emergency, Akshay Kumar’s war film Sky Force, Shahid Kapoor’s thriller Deva, and Vicky Kaushal’s historical drama Chhaava, based on the life of Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

The second half of 2025 promises a slew of sequels and franchise films that are expected to dominate the box office. Highlights include Jolly LLB 3, Raid 2, Housefull 5, War 2, Baaghi 4, De De Pyaar De, and Son of Sardaar 2. Additionally, Varun Dhawan’s romantic-comedy with father David Dhawan, Shahid Kapoor’s action movie directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, and Kajol’s horror-thriller Dil Ka Darwaaza Khol Na Darling! (starring Jaya Bachchan, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Wamiqa Gabbi) are set to stir excitement.

Also on the horizon is Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par, a film that’s expected to resonate deeply with audiences. The year’s line-up showcases a blend of sequels, star-driven vehicles, and fresh concepts, including the next installment in Yash Raj Films’ Spy Universe starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari.

Trade experts like Nitin Datar, president of the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India, and Amit Sharma, MD of Miraj Entertainment Limited, are optimistic about the year ahead. “2025 looks promising, especially with films like Sikandar, Housefull 5, Jolly LLB 3, Emergency, and Chhaava,” says Datar. However, he acknowledges that the success of some films may take time to build momentum.

Taran Adarsh, a renowned trade analyst, points out the potential risk of audience fatigue due to the heavy focus on franchises and sequels but remains hopeful that each film will strike a chord with audiences.

Girish Wankhede, a trade expert, suggests that Sikandar might set the tone for the year, followed by Sitaare Zameen Par, which could bring a fresh wave of interest. “With a stellar mix of content, 2025 is expected to captivate audiences across genres, from action to historical dramas,” says Wankhede.

Adarsh also stresses the need for more original content, urging Bollywood to move away from remakes of South Indian films. “The future lies in creating compelling stories. We’ve learned that remakes are not working,” he concludes.

With such a packed and diverse lineup, Bollywood’s 2025 is set to be a year full of excitement, innovation, and potential blockbusters.