Jaideep Ahlawat, Aparshakti Khurana to Raghav Juyal: 5 Actors Stepping into 2026 with Releases that Could Firmly Place them at the Centre of the Conversation

2026 is the year of substantial actors who cast an impact with performances so real and loud that they connect deeply. Given the depth and intensity they bring to each character and each project, they’ve never failed to grab headlines and attention for the right reasons, and it surely seems like they’ve stepped into this year with releases that could firmly place them at the centre of the conversation and spotlight.

Jaideep Ahlawat

Jaideep Ahlawat is geared up to set the screens on fire alongside Shah Rukh Khan in the much-anticipated King. While the details of his role are kept under wraps, audiences are mighty eager to see him unravel his unseen shade as an actor. In addition to King, Jaideep also has Drishyam 3 in the pipeline. Given the gravitas he brings to films and a solid screen presence that stays, trust Jaideep Ahlawat to dominate headlines this year.

Aparshakti Khurana

Aparshakti Khurana is all geared up to step into the shoes of an antagonist in Gunmaaster G9, bringing together intelligence, pain and an emotional backstory that drives the madness. Directed by Aditya Datt, the film is scheduled to release in theatres this year. In addition to this, he’s also making a pumped-up Tamil debut with an upcoming sci-fi film, ROOT – Running Out Of Time. Plot details, along with the film’s release date are yet to be announced by the makers.

Raghav Juyal
Raghav Juyal has come onboard for Shah Rukh Khan’s King and will be seen shifting his roots as a dance sensation to a commanding screen presence in physically demanding roles. Raghav is also making his South cinema debut with The Paradise, wherein he’ll be seen stepping into the shoes of a menacing antagonist opposite Nani. As per an IMDb report, the actor’s character is seen as ruthless and lean with a unique moustache and with an intense, scary vibe. The film is slated for a theatrical release on March 26.

Abhishek Banerjee
Abhishek Banerjee has teamed up with Gajraj Rao and Ahsaas Channa for an upcoming comedy film. While the details of his role are kept under wraps, it is being said that the Stolen actor is expected to bring a refreshing energy on screen. Considering his versatility in projects like Stree, Apurva, Bhediya and others, trust him to surprise audiences with something entirely different!

Vijay Verma
Vijay Verma has completed filming for his upcoming web series, Matka King, which promises to showcase a new shade of his craft. Set in the gritty world of 1960s, the series explores the exciting story of Matka gambling, and with Vijay Verma headlining it? – surely worth a watch!

These actors have stepped into 2026 with releases that are definitely their ‘league’ and performances that promise to put them at the centre of healthy conversation.