2026 Horror Preview: The year 2026 is going to be incredibly exciting for fans of Bollywood and South Indian cinema! A strong lineup of horror-comedy films is ready to hit the box office. From Prabhas to Akshay Kumar, big stars are coming to make you laugh and scare you.
Read on to learn about the most anticipated horror-comedy films that may release in 2026:
1. The Raja Saab – Prabhas’ horror-comedy avatar!January 9, 2026.
Star cast: Prabhas, Sanjay Dutt, Nidhi Agarwal, Malavika Mohanan, Riddhi Kumar
Director: Maruthi Dasari
Language: Telugu (Pan India release – also available in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam)
‘Baahubali’ star Prabhas is entering the world of horror-comedy with this film, which is big news in itself! This is a Telugu film, but it will be released pan-India in four other languages, including Hindi. Directed by Maruti Dasari, it stars Prabhas and Bollywood’s “villain,” Sanjay Dutt. The makers have confirmed that the release date is January 9, 2026, and the film will make a big splash on the occasion of Sankranti.
2. Bhooth Bangla – Akki and Priyadarshan return!, April 2, 2026.
Star Cast: Akshay Kumar, Tabu, Vamika Gabbi, Paresh Rawal
Director: Priyadarshan
Language: Hindi
Akshay Kumar, who delivered superhit horror-comedies like “Bhool Bhulaiyaa,” is returning to the genre once again. The film is titled “Bhoot Bangla,” directed by veteran director Priyadarshan. The pairing of Akshay and Priyadarshan is always amazing, and with seasoned actors like Tabu and Paresh Rawal, the fun is sure to be doubled.
3. Vvan – Force of the Forest – The Secret of the Jungle!
Release Date: May 15, 2026
Star Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, Tamannaah Bhatia
Directors: Arunabh Kumar and Deepak Kumar Mishra
Genre: Folk Mythological Horror-Thriller
Language: Hindi
This is a different kind of Bollywood film, a horror-thriller based on the mysterious folk tales of the forest. Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia will be seen in the lead roles in this story depicting the power of the forest. This pair is coming together on the big screen for the first time, which will be interesting to watch.
4. Jambi – A Horror Story from Kerala, 2026 (Date yet to be finalized)
Ramkumar (Lead), George Kora.
Language: Malayalam
If you like horror films based on local South Indian stories, this is the film for you. ‘Jambi’ is a horror film inspired by Kerala folk tales. Directed by George Kora, it stars Ramkumar in the lead role. Details about the rest of the cast are awaited, but South Indian horror fans should definitely check it out!
5. Shakti Shalini – Maddock’s Horror-Comedy Universe, December 24, 2026
Anit Padda (‘Saiyaara’ fame), rest of the cast awaited. Amar Kaushik or Aditya Sarpotdar (possible), Horror-Comedy.
Maddock Films, which produced hits like ‘Stree’ and ‘Bhediya,’ is expanding its horror-comedy universe. The new film, titled ‘Shakti Shalini,’ will begin shooting in January 2026. Kiara Advani was originally slated to play the lead role, but now ‘Saiyaara’ fame Anit Padda will be seen in the lead role.