2026 has been a remarkably strong year for cinema, particularly in its purest medium to connect with: the theatrical experience. Three films in particular stand out to me. These films serve as evidence that the depth storytelling can achieve through the big screen is irreplaceable, regardless of the commercialization from streaming platforms or the fast-paced, short-lived nature of social media content and the convenience of mobile viewing.
Dhurandhar
Simply titled Dhurandhar, this work was released in two separate parts, though it is truly a continuation of a single, expansive narrative.
Technically, the first part debuted in late 2025 (December 5th), while the second part and the film's ultimate conclusion took place in 2026.
It's a story of a man destined to be free. Yes, free. Jaskirat is a character the audience doesn't fully grasp until the very end. We see a patriot spy with a painful past, a lonely man whose miserable existence is transformed into a mission within the land of enemies. Loss, pain, heartbreak, courage of the lion and a revenge without hatred are the themes around him that we see. Though on surface film tells a story of defending one's country and it seems to be about patriotic spies, I see deep down it's a story of Arjuna the warrior who has to go through ultimate dilemma and misery to keep following his Dharma. There is a very important scene (comes in second part) where heartbroken Jaskirat is on verge of escape his duties until his mentor reminds him his Dharma through lines of Saint Kabir (from Guru Granth Sahib)
Soora so pehchaniye jo lare deen ke het, purja purja kat mare kabhoo na chaade khet.
This mirrors the message Krishna conveys to Arjuna through Karma Yoga: to let go of the "doer" , the ego that survives through an illusory attachment to one's actions.
This film is a milestone for Indian cinema, boasting exceptional scripts, cinematography, and sound design. It is a testament to the conviction of Aditya Dhar, a masterful filmmaker. Despite production challenges and external pressures, the film's sheer cinematic power drew global audiences to theaters, making it a massive success. It achieved this with almost zero traditional promotion or forced marketing, a true display of the power of cinema.
Main Vaapas Aaunga
The generation that directly witnessed the hardships of partition and migration is now fading. This film reveals the permanent wounds that thousands of people have carried in silence.
While there are many documentaries and movies about this period, this film is a tale of the deep pain Ishar Singh hides within. At its core, it is a love story the kind that repeats throughout history as a tale of separation.
The movie demands that you slow down and feel the magic of its visuals and the emotions they evoke. We are pulled into the inner world of an elderly patient with dementia, seeing that Ishar Singh’s deteriorating brain cannot let go of deeply engraved memories. Having promised Jiya that he would not leave without her permission, he proves that promises made with a pure heart create imprints on the soul that survive the fragility of the mind. Thus, "Main Vaapas Aaunga" is a story of keeping that promise of love.
Imtiaz Ali is a storyteller who transcends the technicalities of filmmaking; his ability to tell stories through nuance and subtlety feels as natural as the fragrance of a flower. He continues to evolve, moving intuitively between ishq-e-majazi (passionate human love) and ishq-e-haqiqi (divine love) which can be witnessed in the song "Wo nahin," created by Rahman and written by Irshad Kamil, is an example of one such magical moment that comes through these three legends.
This film will continue to touch audiences as time passes. It also performed miraculously at the box office; despite a weak opening and no formal PR, it grew organically through word-of-mouth. This is the power of cinema.
The Odyssey
Many of us are familiar with the story of Troy, or have perhaps watched the movie Troy. The Odyssey, however, is about a journey a journey to get back home and, more importantly, a journey within. Odysseus was a brilliant warrior, a master of strategy, deception, and manipulation who played a key role in the Trojan War. During the war, many rules were broken, accompanied by immense killing and violence. They won the war, but the toll of it weighed heavily on Odysseus; he now simply wanted to return home with his crew. The journey begins, but they soon become lost, burdened by the curses of war and facing increasing difficulties in finding their way back home.
This whole story, and the way it is depicted, is truly about the inner journey of Odysseus and, in a way, all of us.
Like Odysseus, we encounter our suppressed baggage of shame, regret, and guilt during our inner journey. We must face and overcome these challenges and dissolves them which clears the way for self-discovery.
One of the greatest challenges Odysseus faces is not physical pain, but the trap of desire; this is conveyed magically by composer Ludwig Göransson through the sirens song and visually captured respectfully by Nolan.
This film represents a significant moment in history, having been shot entirely on IMAX 15-perf 70mm film (the ultimate, true IMAX large-format standard).
Watching this movie in a true IMAX 70mm theater is a cinematic experience everyone should witness. There are only 41 such theaters worldwide, with 30 in the USA, and one of the best happens to be within 5 miles of my home yet I am still waiting to secure my preferred seat, as shows are consistently sold out. It is rare to see people rushing to theaters like this.
These films, made with honesty and conviction, tell the story of the human journey. Filmmaking requires both skill and passion to bring a vision to life, and directors like Aditya Dhar, Imtiaz Ali, and Christopher Nolan are exceptional at visualizing stories with a depth that makes us question our purpose, emotions, and love.
Cinema is a medium of expression through audio-visual storytelling. It time and again proves that the natural flow of expression cannot be overpowered by shiny, convenient streams of entertainments however impressive it may be.
One more potentially defining moment for cinema will be released in November 2026. Ramayana. I have written about the very first teaser released here.