2020 may have been a dampener for movie releases in theatres.
But 2021 is expected to be better.
There's the entire backlog of 2020 releases that will be carried forward in the new year, plus many more movie announcements.
Joginder Tuteja lists the new releases in an extensive four-part special.
Prithviraj
Yash Raj Films had wanted to release Prithviraj on Diwali 2020.
Though that could not happen, its star Akshay Kumar made sure that the shooting was completed in quick time.
Directed by Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi, the post production is on.
Former Miss World Manushi Chillar will make her debut with this film.
Satyameva Jayate 2
Originally slated for release on Gandhi Jayanti 2020, Satyameva Jayate 2 has now been slotted for the new year.
John Abraham has shot a major portion of the film already, which will see the comeback of actress Divya Khosla.
Director Milap Zaveri has made sure to take the drama a few notches higher than the first part.
If the plans stay on course, John will clash with Salman Khan's Radhe - Your Most Wanted Bhai on Eid 2021.
Dostana 2
Another franchise in the offering is Dostana 2 with Kartik Aaryan.
The actor has wrapped up a substantial portion of this Karan Johar production where he pairs up with Janhvi Kapoor for the first time.
A comedy, the film will introduce Lakshya.
Thalaivi
Kangana Ranaut's Panga, which released at the beginning of 2020, didn't do much for her. Will Thalaivi make a big splash for her?
A biopic on the late J Jayalalithaa, Thalaivi is bound to grab attention whenever it releases.
Maidaan
Ajay Devgn has been working on multiple films, one of which is em>Maidaan which tells the story of an Indian football coach.
A sports drama that requires an elaborate shooting schedule, the makers are notin a hurry to release the film.
Directed by Amit Ravindranath Sharma, its has been pushed to Dusshehra.
Shamshera
Had things stayed on course, Ranbir Kapoor would have enjoyed two releases in 2020, a rare feat, considering he does few films.
While Ayan Mukerji's Brahmastra is keeping itself busy with VFX work, Karan Malhotra's Shamshera had to be pushed ahead due to the pandemic.
Yet another film with an epic feel to it, the Yash Raj biggie also features Sanjay Dutt in a key role.
From a summer 2020 release, it may now become a summer 2021 release.
Jayeshbhai Jordaar
Yash Raj Films had an option to release Jayeshbhai Jordaar in theatres during Christmas.
But since it is a Ranveer Singh starrer and so by default, a potential Rs 100 crore club film, they didn't want to take a chance.
Arjun Reddy fame Shalini Pandey makes her Hindi feature film debut in Jayeshbhai Jordaar after her OTT release, Bamfaad.
Shershaah
Shershaah stars Sidharth Malhotra as Captain Vikram Batra, one of the legends of the Kargil War.
At one point, there were rumours of the film arriving straight on OTT.
But Karan Johar has been standing by the film. There is no release date yet, but it should arrive before the summer of 2021.
Tadap
Suniel Shetty's son Ahan will be launched by Sajid Nadiadwala who gave his dad his first big break in Waqt Hamaara Hai.
Director Milan Luthria has been entrusted with the job of making this romantic action entertainer, a remake of the Telugu film, RX100.
Attack
John Abraham has promised that the kind of action designed for Attack belongs to the never-seen-before category.
The shooting of this action entertainer had to be halted due to COVID-19 and it could take a while before it resumes.
