As we step into 2026, a diverse slate of films across genres is already taking shape. Casting choices are growing bolder, with filmmakers bringing together fresh faces and unexpected combinations. From war dramas to rom coms, these new pairings are expected to shape stories in unexpected ways. Here’s a look at the on-screen duos set to make 2026 an especially interesting year to watch.
Anya Singh & Ahan Shetty in Border 2
Border 2 introduces a fresh on-screen pairing in Anya Singh and Ahan Shetty. Anya brings emotional context to the story, adding a personal lens to the larger war narrative, while Ahan anchors the film with a strong physical presence and a disciplined performance suited to the setting.
Imran Khan & Bhumi Pednekar – Untitled Film
Imran Khan is said to make his much-awaited comeback alongside Bhumi Pednekar in an untitled romantic comedy directed by Danish Aslam. As per reports, the film is in the post-production stage and is eyeing an early 2026 release on OTT. Bhumi, known for her on-screen versatility and the drive to make daring choices, is poised to add weight to the film’s plot alongside a free-spirited Imran Khan, serving a perfect treat for audiences.
Lakshya & Ananya Panday in Chand Mera Dil
Youthful, modern, and emotionally charged, Lakshya and Ananya Panday headline Chand Mera Dil, a romantic drama that leans into vulnerability and longing. Lakshya’s earnest charm, paired with Ananya’s growing emotional range, makes this duo one of the most relatable new-age romances to watch out for.
Ram Charan & Janhvi Kapoor in Peddi
In Peddi, Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor form a striking cross-industry pairing that brings together power and poise. Ram Charan’s larger-than-life screen presence complements Janhvi’s evolving versatility, making this duo one of the most anticipated on-screen pairs of 2026.
Ranbir Kapoor & Sai Pallavi in Ramayana
One of the most anticipated pairings of the year, Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi come together in Ramayana, a cinematic retelling of the timeless epic. Ranbir’s restrained intensity as Lord Ram combined with Sai Pallavi’s grace and expressive power as Sita creates a pairing rooted in dignity, devotion, and strength, bringing mythological romance to life.
Alia Bhatt & Sharvari – Alpha
Alia Bhatt and Sharvari will share screen space for the first time in Yash Raj Films’ Alpha. The film marks a notable collaboration between the two actors and is reportedly slated for release in the second half of 2026.
Varun Dhawan & Pooja Hegde – Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hi Hai
Pooja Hegde and Varun Dhawan have collaborated for Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, a light-hearted rom-com. The details of the film have been kept under wraps, but the film’s announcement and the stellar cast have ignited buzz, setting the stage for the film’s grand release.
Varun Dhawan & Medha Rana in Border 2
Border 2 will also see another fresh pairing – Varun Dhawan and debutant Medha Rana. Varun will be seen making a shift from his commercial and comical roles to step into the world of Border. Opposite him, Medha makes her debut in a role that brings freshness and emotional balance to the story. The film will be released on January 23.
Kartik Aaryan & Sreeleela in Anurag Basu’s Film
Romance takes centre stage once again as Kartik Aaryan pairs with Sreeleela in Aashiqui. Blending Kartik’s mass appeal with Sreeleela’s expressive freshness, this pairing is poised to reignite the magic of musical romance for a new generation.
Prabhas & Malavika Mohanan in The RajaSaab
Slated for a 2026 release, The RajaSaab marks Prabhas’s return to his romantic roots, but this time with a horror-comedy twist. Sharing screen space with him for the first time is Malavika Mohanan, and their fresh pairing is already generating buzz.
Keerthy Suresh & Vijay Deverakonda in an Untitled Project
Keerthy Suresh and Vijay Deverakonda are coming together as a fresh pair in an upcoming film directed by Ravi Kiran Kola. While they previously shared screen space in Mahanati over seven years ago, this marks their first project opposite each other, which is already creating a buzz for their long-awaited on-screen pairing.
Prabhas & Triptii Dimri in Spirit
riptii Dimri teams up with Prabhas for the first time in Spirit, a high-octane cop drama directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. This fresh pairing brings together intensity and charm, and with Vanga at the helm, expectations are already sky-high.
Yash & Kiara Advani in Toxic
Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic is set to deliver a dark and edgy story. With Yash’s powerful screen presence and Kiara Advani’s versatility, it makes this an exciting and unexpected pairing, which should be one of the most intriguing collaborations of the year.
Sreeleela & Sivakarthikeyan in Parashakthi
Sreeleela and Sivakarthikeyan come together for the first time in Parashakthi, which is reportedly a political period drama. Directed by Sudha Kongara, the film is expected to offer a powerful mix of emotion and grand visuals, making this pairing one to watch.
Dhanush & Mamitha Baiju in D54
Dhanush, known for his unconventional film choices, teams up with rising Malayalam star Mamitha Baiju in a crime thriller tentatively titled D54. Directed by Vignesh Raja, the film explores gritty themes with a fresh pairing that has already piqued audience interest.
Triptii Dimri & Shahid Kapoor – O Romeo
Triptii Dimri’s grace meets Shahid Kapoor’s charm in Vishal Bhardwaj’s O Romeo, which is reportedly set for a 2026 Valentine’s Day release.
Siddhant Chaturvedi & Tamannaah Bhatia – V Shantaram
The much-awaited biopic on legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram will see Siddhant Chaturvedi and Tamannaah Bhatia share the screen for the first time. While Siddhant will be playing the iconic director, Tamannaah will be seen as Jayashree, an accomplished actress and V. Shantaram’s second wife. V. Shantaram is widely remembered as a revolutionary storyteller who transformed the industry across generations.
Siddhant Chaturvedi & Mrunal Thakur – Do Deewane Seher Mein
A romantic drama with a poetic soul, Do Deewane Seher Mein appears to be a love letter to cities, chance encounters, and fleeting connections. Starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Mrunal Thakur in the lead roles, this film is expected to take you back to the early 2000’s breezy romcoms. It is helmed by Ravi Udyawar and produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Prerna Singh, Umesh Kumar Bansal and Bharat Kumar Ranga in association with Ravi Udyawar Films. Do Deewane Seher Mein is slated for a theatrical release on February 20, 2026, coinciding with the Valentine’s Day week.
Sharvari & Vedang Raina – Untitled Film
Vedang Raina and Sharvari have teamed up for Imtiaz Ali’s upcoming film, and the curiosity is sky-high to see the collaboration of fresh energies. Both actors have begun shooting for the film. Backed by Applause Entertainment and Window Seat Films, the film also stars Naseeruddin Shah and Diljit Dosanjh.
Shanaya Kapoor & Adarsh Gourav – Tu Yaa Main
Tu Yaa Main blends romance with survival in a gripping, genre-defying narrative and stars two fresh faces, Adarsh Gourav and Shanaya Kapoor. With unpredictable turns and a standout music score, featuring rappers, beat drops, and visceral sound design, the film taps into a bold new space for theatrical storytelling.
Also Read: Janhvi Kapoor, Ram Charan to Wrap Up Peddi By January 2026
