For millions of “Darling” fans, the wait is finally over. The powerhouse production house responsible for such hits as Pushpa, Mythri Movie Makers, now have the release window locked for Prabhas’ most ambitious film yet, Fauji. Now, the film is set to go on all the way around the world in 2026, with October 20, 2026, being the most likely timing for the grand opening as the nation celebrates its Dussehra holiday.
A Patriotic War Epic in the Making
Based on the classic Indian movie and television series, Fauji is the latest work of the masterful director Hanu Raghavapudi: A fictionalized British Indian drama set against 1940s British India. Prabhas is a brave soldier in the title role - "the bravest tale of a soldier from the hidden chapters of history."
The film has brought buzz for a few reasons:
- A New Avatar: Prabhas is portrayed in a rugged, intense soldier vibe that has already gone viral.
- Star: Social media star Imanvi Esmail hits silver screen for the first time, alongside Prabhas.
- Great Performers: Notorious actors in this film include Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, and Jaya Prada.
The 15-Day Contest: Fauji Vs Ramayana
A decision to release during Dussehra will set the stage for a movie-going box office showdown that will never be seen before. Fauji, which will come just 15 days apart from the release of Nitesh Tiwari’s magnum opus Ramayana. This thin line between two of the highest-grossing Indian films so far raised the bar and some trade analysts are asking whether 2026 will be the top-grossing year of Indian cinema.
Production Progress
The current reports that are available are that 60% or so of the filming is complete. The production team is currently working on extensive, colonial-style sets in Hyderabad to replicate the look and feel of the 1930s and 40s. Vishal Chandrashekhar, the music composer, has reportedly been developing a “soul-stirring yet powerful” background score to accompany the film’s patriotic fervor.
With the family-centric Dussehra holiday period giving the family a huge leg up, Fauji is set to blast records across the Pan-Indian stage.
