2026 is shaping up to be a year when Bollywood’s writers’ rooms and even fashion ateliers empty out onto film sets. A striking number of this year’s directorial ventures are coming not from assistant directors climbing the traditional ladder, but from established screenwriters, a comedian-actor, a celebrated fashion designer, a veteran cinematographer, and a first-time filmmaker with no prior industry background. And out of these, some have already seen their films released, while the others are still gearing up. Here are the names that are making that leap this year.
Vir Das
The comedian-actor made his directorial debut with Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, a spy comedy produced by Aamir Khan, which released theatrically in January 2026 and began streaming on Netflix in April. He has since wrapped his second directorial venture, the found-footage horror film Baara Number.
Shaneil Deo
A veteran cinematographer known for films like Goodachari, Shaneil Deo made his directorial debut with Dacoit: A Love Story, co-written with actor Adivi Sesh. It released in Telugu and Hindi in April 2026.
Radhika Bansal
A former corporate professional with no prior filmmaking background, Radhika has written and directed her feature debut, a family drama that is scheduled to release on one of India’s leading OTT platforms, this upcoming festive season. Akin to Hollywood’s Christmas movies, Radhika’s debut movie deviates sharply from the dark portrayal of dysfunctional families that have dominated Indian cinema of late.
Ritesh Shah
The writer of films like Kahaani, Pink, and Airlift is set to make his directorial debut with Ghooskhor Pandat, a crime drama produced by Neeraj Pandey, premiering on OTT.
Aakash Kaushik
The writer of films like Housefull 4 and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 & 3, Aakash Kaushik steps into direction with Udta Teer, a Dharma Productions romantic comedy scheduled for October 2026.
Sreeti Mukerji
Formerly an assistant director to Ayan Mukerji, Sreeti Mukerji is set to make her directorial debut with an Amazon Prime film produced by Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt’s Eternal Sunshine Productions.
Shiv Rawail
Son of veteran director Rahul Rawail, Shiv made his feature directorial debut with Alpha, the first female-led installment in YRF’s Spy Universe, which released theatrically in July 2026. He had previously director The Railway Men on OTT.
Vikram Phadnis
The celebrated fashion designer made his Hindi directorial debut with Pal Bhar Ke Liye, which had its world premiere at IFFM in August 2026.
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