What's new in cinemas this week

This week's theatrical slate brings together some of the year's most anticipated releases, from Pixar's long-awaited Toy Story 5 and Cocktail 2 to intimate regional dramas and an acclaimed international documentary. Spanning romance, animation, psychological thriller and social drama.

Here is the lineup for every kind of moviegoer:

Balan: The Boy (Malayalam)

Release Date: June 19, 2026

Directed by Chidambaram and written by Jithu Madhavan, Balan: The Boy is a psychological thriller centred on a young boy trying to uncover the truth behind his troubled childhood and the disappearance of his mother. Starring Adhisheshan K. R. and Farzana Palathingal, the film blends mystery and family drama while exploring themes of memory and trauma.

Chinna Chinna Aasai (Malayalam)

Release Date: June 19, 2026

Making her directorial debut, Varsha Vasudev presents a romantic drama set in Varanasi. The story follows two strangers whose chance meeting gradually develops into a deeper emotional connection. Featuring Indrans, Madhoo, Aparna Balamurali and Vishnu Agasthya, the film promises a character-driven approach to romance supported by music from Govind Vasantha.

Secret of Kalinga (Malayalam)

Release Date: June 18, 2026

Directed by Saneesh Unnikrishnan, this fantasy comedy follows a group of college students whose New Year's Eve celebrations take an unexpected turn when an ancient spirit is accidentally awakened from a hidden well. As strange events begin unfolding across campus, they find themselves at the centre of a mystery that blends supernatural adventure with humour. The film stars Dhyan Sreenivasan and Althaf Salim.

Cocktail 2 (Hindi)

Release Date: June 19, 2026

Among the most anticipated Hindi releases of the season is Cocktail 2, which sees director Homi Adajania return to the world of modern relationships fourteen years after the original became a pop-culture phenomenon. Starring Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna and Kriti Sanon, the film follows an unexpected reunion that complicates an established romance. Positioned as a contemporary relationship drama, it is among the most anticipated Hindi releases of the season.

Nooru Saami (Tamil)

Release Date: June 19, 2026

Director Sasi's latest drama focuses on a widowed mother whose decision to pursue happiness later in life challenges the expectations of her family and community. Starring Vijay Antony, Ajay Dhishan and Lijomol Jose, the film examines questions of personal freedom, social norms and the pressures placed on women as they age.

Maa Inti Bangaaram (Telugu)

Release Date: June 19, 2026

Produced by and starring Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Maa Inti Bangaaram follows a woman whose carefully constructed family life is threatened when long-buried secrets from her past resurface. Directed by B. V. Nandini Reddy, the film also stars Gulshan Devaiah, Diganth and Gautami.

Toy Story 5 (English)

Release Date: June 19, 2026

Pixar returns to one of its most successful franchises with Toy Story 5. Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the rest of the gang confront a modern challenge when Bonnie becomes attached to a tablet called Lilypad. As technology begins to dominate her attention, the toys are forced to question their place in an increasingly digital world.

The Furious (English)

Release Date: June 19, 2026

For action fans, The Furious offers a straightforward but high-intensity revenge thriller. Directed by action choreographer Kenji Tanigaki, the film stars Xie Miao as a mute tradesman whose daughter is kidnapped by a criminal network. Teaming up with a journalist, he embarks on a relentless search through the city's underworld. The film's primary draw is expected to be its action sequences and fight choreography.

The Voice of Hind Rajab (Arabic)

Release Date: June 19, 2026

Among the week's most significant releases is The Voice of Hind Rajab. Directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, the documentary combines real emergency call recordings with dramatized scenes to tell the story of Hind Rajab, the five-year-old Palestinian girl killed in Gaza in January 2024. The film follows the efforts of rescue workers attempting to reach her and has emerged as one of the year's most discussed documentaries following major festival recognition and awards attention.