As Bollywood continues to evolve, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for fresh directorial talent. A wave of debutant directors is set to leave their mark, bringing fresh perspectives and storytelling styles to the industry. While established filmmakers continue to dominate the landscape, these newcomers are stepping up to the challenge, backed by some of the biggest names in the business. From hard-hitting dramas to big-scale commercial films, this new generation of directors is ready to redefine Bollywood cinema. Here’s a look at some of the most anticipated debuts of the year.
Shazia Iqbal – Dhadak 2
One of the most talked-about directorial debuts in 2025 is that of Shazia Iqbal, who is making her feature film debut with Dhadak 2. Known for her work in short films and as an assistant director in Bollywood, Iqbal now takes the big leap with this project, which stars Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri in lead roles.
The film is a remake of a Tamil film, much like its predecessor, Dhadak (2018), which was a remake of Sairat. However, Dhadak 2 promises a more nuanced take on its source material, with Iqbal’s vision bringing a fresh, modern perspective to the narrative. With Siddhant and Triptii as the central leads, expectations are high for this film to offer a mature, hard-hitting romance while exploring themes of caste, privilege, and love against all odds.
Shauna Gautam – Naadaniyan
Another notable debut is that of Shauna Gautam, who is not only making her directorial debut but also launching a star kid in the process. Naadaniyan marks the debut of Ibrahim Ali Khan, son of Saif Ali Khan, alongside Khushi Kapoor, daughter of Boney Kapoor and the late Sridevi.
Naadaniyan is said to be a coming-of-age drama that explores youthful rebellion, love, and self-discovery. Gautam’s storytelling approach is expected to be fresh and relatable, particularly for younger audiences. Given the strong backing from a reputed production house, her film is generating significant buzz. With new talent in front of and behind the camera, Naadaniyan has the potential to be a breakout success of 2025.
Karan Singh Tyagi – Kesari 2
Karan Singh Tyagi steps into the director’s chair for the much-anticipated Kesari 2. Starring Akshay Kumar and Ananya Panday, this historical drama is based on the life of C. Sankaran Nair, a lawyer and freedom fighter known for his contributions to India’s independence movement.
With Akshay Kumar playing a pivotal role, the film is expected to be a compelling mix of action, drama, and patriotism. Tyagi’s challenge will be to deliver a film that not only meets the high expectations set by Kesari (2019) but also carves out its own identity. Given the film’s subject and Akshay’s inclination towards historical narratives, Kesari 2 is poised to be a major release in 2025.
Karan Sharma – Bhool Chuk Maaf
Karan Sharma, another promising newcomer, makes his debut with Bhool Chuk Maaf, starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi. While not much has been revealed about the plot, the film is expected to be a blend of romance, drama, and possibly a touch of mystery, given its intriguing title.
With Rajkummar Rao’s proven track record of delivering powerful performances and Wamiqa Gabbi’s growing presence in Bollywood, Sharma has a talented cast to work with. If executed well, Bhool Chuk Maaf could become one of the most engaging films of the year, cementing Sharma’s place as a director to watch.
Vijay Kumar Arora – Son of Sardaar 2
Although Vijay Kumar Arora is not a newcomer to filmmaking, he is making his Bollywood directorial debut with Son of Sardaar 2. A well-known name in Punjabi cinema, Arora is known for his expertise in cinematography and direction, with critically acclaimed films under his belt. Now, he steps into mainstream Bollywood with this highly anticipated sequel starring Ajay Devgn and Mrunal Thakur.
The first Son of Sardaar (2012) was a high-energy action-comedy, and fans expect the sequel to maintain the same entertaining vibe. However, with Arora at the helm, there’s speculation that Son of Sardaar 2 may bring a more refined storytelling approach while keeping the humor and action intact. His transition from Punjabi cinema to Bollywood will be interesting to watch.
A New Era for Bollywood Filmmaking?
The emergence of these debutant directors signals an exciting shift in Bollywood. With a mix of fresh storytelling, diverse backgrounds, and strong production backing, these filmmakers are well-positioned to make a significant impact. Whether they’re crafting remakes, launching new talent, or taking on historical subjects, each of these directors is bringing something unique to the table.
Moreover, this wave of newcomers comes at a time when Bollywood is seeking new voices to reinvigorate its narratives. The success of these films could encourage more studios to take risks on first-time directors, leading to a broader range of cinematic experiences for audiences.
As 2025 unfolds, these directors and their films will be closely watched, not just for their box-office performance but for the creative direction they bring to Bollywood’s future. If they succeed, they won’t just be one-time filmmakers—they’ll be the new architects of Indian cinema.
