Though theatres are packed year in and year out, like fruit and vegetables, films also have seasons.
And because the Indian year begins peaking from August onward, thanks to festivals galore and the prospect of cooler weather, the films that release from now to December are always the most keenly-awaited of the year.
We're midway through August now, and have watched Varun Dhawan's ABCD: Any Body Can Dance 2, followed by Salman Khan's Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Ajay Devgn's Drishyam and Akshay Kumar's Brothers. Coming up from September onwards, are films that we hope will be even better.
Welcome Back
Director - Anees Bazmee
Cast - John Abraham, Shruti Haasan, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar
On screens: 4 September 2015
This sequel to Akshay Kumar's 2007 blockbuster Welcome is definitely much anticipated. Director Anees Bazmee wants to create an independent Welcome franchise, and Welcome Back is just its beginning. While John Abraham and Shruti Haasan have replaced Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif respectively, the director has retained the heart of Welcome, Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar.
Trailer:
Hero
Director - Nikhil Advani
Cast - Sooraj Pancholi, Athiya Shetty
On screens: 11 September
In this remake of Subhash Ghai's classic by the same name, Salman Khan launches two star kids - Sooraj Pancholi (Aditya Pancholi's son) and Athiya Shetty (Suniel Shetty's daughter). The film's trailer and music, especially the title track, have managed to generate a buzz.
Trailer:
Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon
Director - Abbas Mustan
Cast - Kapil Sharma, Elli Avram, Arbaaz Khan
On screens: 25 September
If you're a fan of Kapil Sharma's television show, Comedy Nights with Kapil, chances are you'll like this film, the comedian's big screen debut. The theatrical trailer hints at a confusing story with many comic situations, slightly reminiscent of David Dhawan's films.
Trailer:
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Singh Is Bliing
Director - Prabhudheva
Cast - Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson, Kay Kay Menon
On screens: 2 October
Akshay Kumar returns to comedy entertainers with Singh Is Bliing. Its first song is already popular, but the audience is more interested in the return of Akshay Kumar as a Sikh after Sing is Kinng. A solo holiday release, we can expect Singh Is Bliing to open big at the box office.
Poster:
Jazbaa
Director - Sanjay Gupta
Cast - Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Irrfan Khan
On screens: 9 October
Former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan returns to the big screen after a long maternity break. Last seen in Guzaarish, the actress plays an action role in Jazbaa. Between director Sanjay Gupta's pull with the audience and Aishwarya's screen presence, chances are the film will do well.
Poster:
Shaandaar
Director - Vikas Bahl
Cast - Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Pankaj Kapoor
On screens: 22 October
From the director of Queen, Shaandaar amalgamates weddings and romance, two of Bollywood's most accepted themes, in one film. The trailer promises a breezy ride with great music. The fresh pair of Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt coupled with the film's holiday release should keep the box office happy.
Trailer:
Prem Ratan Dhan Payo
Director - Sooraj Barjatya
Cast - Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Neil Nitin Mukesh
On screens: 12 November
According to Salman, this is one of the best films of his career, and knowing his tremendous pull at the box office, we may see some records shattered. The family drama is also a change for Salman Khan's fans who have become used to seeing him in larger than life action movies. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo also marks the return of Salman Khan with Sooraj Barjatya after 16 years.
Still from the film:
Tamasha
Director - Imtiaz Ali
Cast - Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone
On screens: 28 November
After three not very successful films with Ranbir Kapoor - Besharam, Roy and Bombay Velvet - Tamasha has caught the attention of the youth right from the word go. This perhaps has something to do with the pairing of Ranbir Kapoor with Deepika Padukone after that hit called Yeh Jaawani Hai Deewani. Other factors that explain the interest in the film: it's by the director of Highway, it's been shot at exotic locations across the globe, and it has music by A R Rahman.
Still from the film:
Dilwale
Director - Rohit Shetty
Cast - Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon
On screens: 19 December
The last time Shah Rukh Khan and Rohit Shetty got together with a film, it was Chennai Express that became the highest grossing film in Bollywood history upon its release. Dilwale is on a much bigger scale than Chennai Express, with a much bigger star cast, comprising of Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon and Kajol. The reunion of the Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge couple, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, makes Dilwale one of the most-awaited films of 2015, and then there's also the presence of rising superstar Varun Dhawan.
Still from the film:
Bajirao Mastani
Director - Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Cast - Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra
On screens: 19 December
This is said to be Sanjay Leela Bhansali's dream project, shot at historic locations in India. Its scale and cinematography are the major highlights of the film, not to mention the cast.
Teaser: