As action cinema continues to dominate box office trends across the country, a powerful wave of high-octane pan-India films is set to raise the bar in 2025 and beyond. From sleek spy thrillers to rustic dacoit dramas, this new slate brings together India’s biggest action stars, each leading ambitious projects that promise style, scale, and substance. Here’s a look at the actors who are headlining the most awaited action films across languages.
Adivi Sesh – Dacoit
After winning hearts with Major and establishing himself as a thinking man’s action hero, Adivi Sesh is all set to transform his image with Dacoit. Directed by Shaneil Deo, Starring Mrunal Thakur and Anurag Kashyap, the pan-India film features Adivi in a rugged, intense avatar exploring the world of modern-day bandits. With a powerful blend of stylized action and emotional depth, Dacoit promises to be a game-changer in the action genre.
Hrithik Roshan – War 2
The Greek God of Bollywood returns to his most celebrated action avatar in YRF Spy Universe’s War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji. Hrithik Roshan reprises his role as Kabir, the elite spy from War, and this time, the stakes are higher with global consequences. Packed with slick sequences and set across multiple continents, War 2 sees him lock horns with Jr. NTR is touted as one of the biggest action showdowns in Indian cinema.
Ranveer Singh – Dhurandhar
Known for his energy and transformation, Ranveer Singh is reportedly stepping into the shoes of a powerful Macho Man in Dhurandhar, a big-budget pan-India action drama. The film was shrouded in secrecy, but now early visuals and teaser suggest a fierce Ranveer in a never-seen-before action-heavy role. His physical transformation and the film’s grand scale are already creating massive anticipation.
Ali Fazal – Mirzapur: The Movie
After dominating the OTT space as the fan-favourite Guddu Pandit, Ali Fazal is taking Mirzapur to the big screen with Mirzapur: The Film. Known for his raw intensity and physical prowess, Ali will be seen in an even more brutal, evolved version of Guddu. With a full-blown cinematic canvas and an action-forward storyline, the film is set to turn the cult series into a full-scale action franchise.
Tiger Shroff – Baaghi 4
One of Bollywood’s youngest action sensations, Tiger Shroff returns to his blockbuster franchise with Baaghi 4. Known for his unmatched martial arts skills and high-flying stunts, Tiger is pushing the envelope further in this installment, which is expected to be bigger and more global in its narrative. The film will feature choreographed set-pieces on par with international action cinema.
Vijay Deverakonda – Kingdom
Vijay Deverakonda is ready to bounce back with Kingdom, an action drama set in a high-concept fictional world. After experimenting with multiple genres, Vijay returns to intense action in a film that features him in a warrior-like avatar, complete with elaborate combat choreography and VFX-laden war sequences. The film aims to offer an immersive action experience with national appeal.
Allu Arjun – AA22xA6
Fresh from his National Award win for Pushpa, Allu Arjun is reuniting with the film Jawan director Atlee for a tentatively titled project AA22xA6. The action-drama is being designed as a character-driven, with Allu Arjun expected to explore a never-before-seen emotional and physical range. Known for combining style with substance, Arjun’s next is said to be one of the biggest films mounted from the South.
Yash – Toxic
After the monstrous success of KGF: Chapter 2, Yash’s next project Toxic, directed by Geetu Mohandas, is one of the most anticipated pan-India films of 2025. Billed as a gangster-action drama with a strong emotional core, Toxic will showcase Yash in a gritty, stylized role that blends urban realism with large-scale spectacle. His new look for the film has already gone viral.
John Abraham – Tehran
A consistent face in the action genre, John Abraham’s Tehran is inspired by true geopolitical events and sees him playing a RAW agent navigating complex international missions. With real stunts, no body doubles, and a gritty espionage plot, Tehran adds another layer to John’s repertoire of patriotic, high-octane actioners. The film is expected to deliver realism over spectacle, with John in his element.
Jr. NTR – War 2
Riding high on the success of RRR, Jr. NTR is making his Hindi action debut with War 2. Cast opposite Hrithik Roshan in the same universe, Jr. NTR plays a formidable adversary, bringing South Indian action sensibilities and screen presence to the forefront. His inclusion marks a historic crossover moment in Indian action cinema.
