‘Gadar 3’ To ‘Pushpa 3’, Indian Movie Franchises Returning With A Threequel
From ‘Gadar 3’ and ‘Pushpa 3’ to ‘Stree 3’, explore the highly anticipated third installments of Indian cinema's biggest blockbusters, including star cast, directors, and release dates.
Indian cinema loves greenlighting a sequel when a movie hits the blockbuster mark. But pulling off a threequel? That is a different level of commitment entirely. Earning a third installment means the characters have etched themselves into pop culture, the cinematic universe is rock-solid, and the makers have enough narrative fuel to confidently invite audiences back into the theatres one more time. Right now, the Indian box office is gearing up for a massive wave of third installments, featuring some of the biggest stars and most lucrative IPs in the country.
From hyper-violent action sagas to supernatural comedies, here is a look at the biggest Indian movie franchises returning with a highly anticipated threequel.
Without further ado, check out the list below:
1. Gadar 3
25 years after Tara Singh first ripped a hand pump from the ground and redefined mass cinema, the patriotic saga of the ‘Gadar’ franchise is far from over. Following the historic, record-shattering box-office run of the second film in 2023, director Anil Sharma has officially confirmed that work on ‘Gadar 3’ has already begun. Sunny Deol will naturally reprise his legendary role as the fiercely protective Tara Singh, with Ameesha Patel and Utkarsh Sharma also expected to return. While the exact plot details are tightly under wraps, the story is expected to push the timeline forward, bringing a new cross-border conflict that forces Tara Singh to unleash his rage to protect his family and his country. No official release date has been locked in yet, but the project is in active development.
2. Pushpa 3: The Rampage
The fire of Pushpa Raj is far from burning out. Building on the massive pan-Indian hysteria of the first two films, director Sukumar has confirmed that ‘Pushpa 3: The Rampage’ is officially happening, with pre-production work already underway. Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna will return as Pushpa and Srivalli for the third and final cinematic chapter of this red sandalwood smuggling saga. The plot will centre on Pushpa Raj’s absolute peak as a global syndicate boss and the inevitable, explosive downfall or final war that comes with ruling the underworld. Interestingly, intense online speculation suggests that Rashmika’s husband, actor Vijay Deverakonda, is being considered as a potential new antagonist. While a release date is yet to be announced, this face-off promises an unprecedented theatrical event.
3. Drishyam 3
Of all the films on this list, ‘Drishyam 3’ is the closest to the finish line. Filming has officially wrapped, and director Abhishek Pathak has confirmed that the thriller is currently in post-production. The makers have strategically locked in October 2, 2026 (Gandhi Jayanti) — a date that serves as the narrative backbone of the entire franchise — for its theatrical release. Ajay Devgn, Tabu, and Shriya Saran are reprising their iconic roles, joined by stellar new additions including Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj. The plot will mark the ultimate, final showdown between Vijay Salgaonkar and the relentless police force. As the authorities close in with irrefutable new evidence, Vijay must execute his most complex, desperate mind game yet to protect his family one last time.
4. Stree 3
After the sequel rewrote Hindi box office history in 2024 and emerged as a massive all-time blockbuster, the third chapter of the Maddock Supernatural Universe was never a question of if, but when. Maddock Films has officially locked in August 13, 2027, as the release date for ‘Stree 3’. Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao will return to the town of Chanderi under the visionary direction of Amar Kaushik. The plot is expected to delve deeper into the origins of Shraddha Kapoor’s unnamed character, expanding the supernatural lore and introducing a new, terrifying entity. Adding to the massive excitement, Akshay Kumar, who made a highly acclaimed cameo in the second film, is expected to return in a pivotal role as a descendant of a powerful supernatural lineage.
5. KGF: Chapter 3
Rocky Bhai will be back; the only question is exactly when. Hombale Films sent the internet into a meltdown when they officially confirmed ‘KGF: Chapter 3’ through a celebratory video, promising that the monster's story is not over. Director Prashanth Neel has confirmed that the script for the third part is completely ready. The plot will explore the international aftermath of Rocky Bhai’s empire, revealing how he survived the naval bombardment at the end of Chapter 2 and detailing his global dominance from 1978 to 1981 — the missing years teased in the previous film's climax. Kannada superstar Yash has stated that the team will begin filming "when the time is right," asking fans to be patient as the makers focus on delivering a climax worthy of the massive hype.
6. Border 3
The ‘Border’ franchise is currently enjoying an incredible resurgence. After ‘Border 2’ hit theatres in January 2026 and conquered the Republic Day box office, the makers barely waited for the dust to settle before confirming a third installment. Backed by producers Bhushan Kumar (T-Series) and Nidhi Dutta (JP Films), ‘Border 3’ is currently greenlit and in early development. Sunny Deol will continue to lead the franchise alongside Varun Dhawan, who successfully integrated into the high-octane war franchise with this year's sequel. The plot will once again draw inspiration from the real-life bravery and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces during a critical historical conflict.
7. Hera Pheri 3
This is arguably the most turbulent, yet eagerly awaited, project in modern Bollywood history. After years of premature announcements, cast walkouts, and legal disputes regarding intellectual property rights, the beloved comedy trio of Raju, Shyam, and Baburao is finally returning. Director Priyadarshan has confirmed that ‘Hera Pheri 3’ is in the works, though it will not go into production until late 2026, aiming for a potential 2027 release. Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal will headline the film, as fans flatly refused to accept any substitute casting. The plot will pick up from the cliffhanger of ‘Phir Hera Pheri’, focusing on the trio's frantic attempts to untangle themselves from the international mafia after their antique gun heist goes hilariously wrong.
8. Force 3
John Abraham is officially bringing back the muscle. After an extended break from the franchise, ‘Force 3’ was recently announced and is already in production. Directed by Bhav Dhulia (known for ‘Khakee: The Bihar Chapter’), the film is officially locked for a March 19, 2027, theatrical release. John Abraham will reprise his role as the brooding, bone-breaking ACP Yashvardhan Singh. Joining the franchise as the new antagonist is Harshvardhan Rane, promising a massive, brute-force physical showdown, with Tanya Maniktala stepping in as the female lead.
9. Indian 3
Kamal Haasan and S. Shankar originally planned to conclude the ‘Indian’ saga with a sequel, but the script expanded so massively that they shot ‘Indian 2’ and ‘Indian 3’ simultaneously. While ‘Indian 2’ released to a mixed reception earlier this year, ‘Indian 3’ is reportedly 90 per cent complete. The plot will shift gears significantly into a period-patriotic drama, delving into the intense backstory of Senapathy’s father during the freedom struggle. While the film is currently navigating some post-production and release date uncertainties following the sequel's box office performance, Kamal Haasan and Shankar are reportedly fully committed to ensuring the threequel sees the light of day.
10. Munna Bhai 3
The wait for the ultimate "Jaadu ki Jhappi" continues to dominate fan wishlists, but the gears are finally turning. In a recent update, director Rajkumar Hirani and actor Arshad Warsi confirmed that the much-awaited threequel is actively being developed. Arshad Warsi revealed that they currently have three brilliant, nearly finished scripts that are just waiting for the final jigsaw puzzle piece to connect the climax perfectly. Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi are absolutely locked in to return as the legendary duo of Munna and Circuit. While the exact release date is pending the final script lock, Rajkumar Hirani has assured fans that he refuses to compromise the franchise's legacy for a quick cash grab, promising a film that matches the heartwarming, socially conscious gold standard of the originals.
11. Pyaar Ka Punchnama 3
Tapping right back into the frustrations of modern urban relationships, the ‘Pyaar Ka Punchnama’ franchise is officially gearing up for its third outing. After the massive cultural and commercial success of the first two films, producer Abhishek Pathak confirmed that a third part of the beloved battle-of-the-sexes comedy is highly desired by the entire original team. While director Luv Ranjan and star Kartik Aaryan have been busy with other massive commitments, the makers are actively conceptualising the next chapter. Though currently in early development with a release date TBA, the plot is expected to tackle the complex, hilarious realities of modern dating apps and evolving relationship dynamics, ensuring the franchise's signature monologues are as sharp and relatable as ever.
12. Tanu Weds Manu – The Next Chapter
One of Bollywood’s most beloved and quirky romantic-comedy franchises is officially making a massive comeback. After years of speculation, Eros Innovation recently confirmed the third installment, officially titled ‘Tanu Weds Manu – The Next Chapter’. The iconic duo of Kangana Ranaut and R. Madhavan is expected to return to their legendary roles, with early rumours suggesting Kangana might even tackle a triple role this time around. In a major behind-the-scenes shakeup, director Aanand L. Rai is not returning for this chapter. Instead, the directorial reins have been handed over to Mitakshara Kumar, known for her grand visual storytelling in ‘Heeramandi’ and ‘The Empire’. The project is scheduled to go on floors in late 2026, with a theatrical release date currently TBA.
The rise of threequels shows how Indian cinema has changed. Earlier, films were treated largely as standalone stories, and sequels were rare. Now, producers are building long-term franchise value. A successful character is no longer just a role; it is a brand. Tara Singh, Pushpa Raj, Vijay Salgaonkar, Rocky Bhai, Stree, Baburao, and Senapathy all carry built-in recall.
