From Historical Epics To Desi Horror: Our Pick Of Films To Watch In 2025

I'm not a new-year-new-me kinda person. Time is, after all a social construct. But that doesn't stop me from the excitement a new calendar year brings when it comes to film releases. And this odd timeline of what came out when and who we were when it did, is the grease to my wheels. Now, we've got films like Bong Joon-Ho's Mickey 17 & Guillermo Del Toro's Frankenstein that have us biting our nails but things are looking great here at home too. Indian cinema is going through an exciting transformation. Gone are the days when Bollywood was the only face of Indian films; now, the spotlight is shifting to regional industries like Kollywood, Tollywood, and beyond. In fact, they're are no longer catering to just local audience but embracing a pan-India approach, delivering stories that resonate across languages and cultures. Beneath the glitter of mainstream Bollywood fluff lies a refreshing wave of films with regional roots and unconventional themes, offering a much-needed breath of fresh air.

From biographical dramas to gritty crime sagas, and stories that blend entertainment with social commentary, this new era of filmmaking is carving out a promising future for Indian audiences. So, as 2025 kicks into full gear, it’s time to get into some groundbreaking cinema. Here are five films to watch out for that promise to shake things up and keep us hooked!

Santosh, directed by Sandhya Suri is a gripping story set in contemporary North India. The film dives into themes of gender, power, and societal brutality, all through the lens of a widow’s unexpected journey into law enforcement. Shahana Goswami plays Santosh, a woman thrust into the role of a police officer after inheriting her late husband’s job through a government scheme. Raised in a deeply patriarchal society, Santosh is unprepared for the world she’s entered but is paired with Geeta, a hardened senior officer portrayed by Sunita Rajwar. Geeta’s. The film explores the darker realities of caste violence and police corruption through a female gaze and is powered by a complex mentor-mentee relationship. Santosh premiered at Cannes last year and was also the offical Oscar entry from the UK. It was supposed be released on January 10 this year but that has been delayed awaiting a censor clearance from CBFC.

Chhava is an upcoming biographical drama that brings the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the fearless Maratha Emperor and son of Shivaji Maharaj, to life. Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan, the film features Vicky Kaushal in the powerful role of Sambhaji, with Akshaye Khanna portraying his formidable rival, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Rashmika Mandanna also joins the cast in a key role. The title, 'Chhava', which means ‘lion cub’ in Marathi, is a nod to Sambhaji’s legacy as the successor to his father, Shivaji — the lion who founded the Maratha Empire. With an epic storyline and a stellar cast, the movie promises to be a gripping tribute to one of history’s most iconic warriors. With a film score and lyrics by AR Rahman and Amitabh Bhattacharya, It is scheduled for a theatrical release on February 14, 2025.

Reknowed for revolutionizing Tamil cinema, director Bala's Vanangaan is a gritty drama that packs a punch with its emotional depth and hard-hitting storyline. Arun Vijay takes the lead as Koti, a hearing and speech-impaired man who turns vigilante after witnessing a horrific crime. The film follows Koti’s intense fight for justice and his quest for redemption, delivering a narrative driven by purpose. Roshini Prakash plays Teena, while Mysskin, Samuthirakani, and Chhaya Devi add depth to the story with their pivotal roles. Vanangaan has already started a chatter among Indian cinephiles thanks to its heartfelt performances and Bala’s signature storytelling. Fans are especially raving about Arun Vijay’s portrayal of Koti, showcasing his knack for tackling challenging roles. It was released on January 10.

Sitaare Zameen Par is an upcoming Hindi sports drama that promises to tug at your heartstrings but through comedy. Directed by R. S. Prasanna and produced by Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao, this movie is a spiritual sequel to Taare Zameen Par and dives into the theme of Down syndrome, much like its predecessor explored dyslexia. Aamir Khan stars alongside Genelia Deshmukh in its story inspired by the Spanish film Campeones. The original was a hilarious yet touching tale about a basketball coach whose life changes when he’s assigned to train a team of individuals with developmental disabilities. Sitaare Zameen Par is expected to bring that same mix of humor and warmth, shining a light on prejudices while celebrating the power of perseverance and acceptance. It’s shaping up to be another thought-provoking masterpiece from Aamir Khan’s camp. He has shared that the film will be out in the middle of 2025.

From Krish Jagarlamudi, comes Ghati, a dark, intense tale that takes you on a wild ride through the transformation of a woman from a victim to a criminal mastermind in the illicit cannabis trade. The tagline 'victim, criminal, legend' sums up her journey, and the teasers have already given us a glimpse of her rise as the 'Queen of the Valley'. With a tribal-inspired background score adding depth to her origins, the film promises a gripping criminal-empire narrative. Releasing in five languages — Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi — Ghati is all about grit, ambition, and the unstoppable force of a woman reclaiming her power. The film is scheduled to release theatrically on April 18 this year.

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