Movies to look forward to in October 2025: 'The Smashing Machine,' 'Thamma', 'Kantara Chapter 1', 'Nikka Zaildar 4'

After the months of cinematic thrills on the silver screen, the climax of the year begins now with the list that screams – variation. With the chants of ‘Lights, Camera, and Action,’ the ‘Halloween’ month presents a range from a sports biopic to a film that celebrates the roots. From the former basketball player-turned-bartender to a romantic comedy that takes you back to good old perplexing days, let’s take a look at films to look forward to in October.

Read on to know more.

The film that received a 15-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, ‘The Smashing Machine,’ is a sports biopic that makes you feel like you booked a seat in the stadium and not the theatre. Starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Emily Blunt, the story revolves around the MMA fighter Mark Kerr and his struggles outside the ring with addictions, along with volatile relationships. Written and directed by Benny Safdie, the drama will be released on October 3, 2025, in the theatres.

When a software program from a digital world is sent to the real world, marking the first encounter of humans and AI, ‘TRON: Ares’ presents you with the consequences that can’t be presumed. Directed by Joachim Rønning, the sci-fi thriller is the installment of the original film, which was released 40 years ago. Starring Jared Leto, Gillian Anderson, and Evan Peters, the action film will be released on the silver screens on October 10, 2025. The dangerous mission is going to meet the modern world – and it can’t get more dramatic.

‘After the Hunt’ revolves around the intricate lines of an assault scandal, where the professor confronts the situation of a student accusing a fellow professor of the heinous crime. With the layers of educational institutions and a lack of accountability, the psychological thriller questions the realities. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the film stars Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, and Ayo Edebiri. The film will be released on October 17, 2025, in India, only in the theatres.

‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ takes its viewers through the historical world of pre-colonial Karnataka, where culture and traditions are sown as the roots. Delving into the ancestral conflict, Rishab Shetty will play the warrior to save his fellow villagers from the brutal king. Directed by Shetty, the other cast members include Gulshan Deviah and Rukmini Vasanth. The action thriller will stun the screens on October 2, 2025.

Taking the Indian audience through the world of fangs and blood, ‘Thamma’ presents a pop culture version of an ancient lore. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Paresh Rawal, the supernatural film revolves around the chaos after the actor turns into a bloody vampire. While vampires are known to be the blood-sucking creatures, in this multiverse – they are powerful and charming. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, the film will be released on October 23, 2025, in the theatres.

The ultimate romantic comedy of October, ‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari,’ revolves around the four individuals who are trying to figure out ‘love.’ Starring Varun Dhawan, Sanya Malhotra, Rohit Saraf, and Jahnvi Kapoor, the confusion meets the table when the couple’s exes meet each other to curate a plan, hoping to stop the arranged marriage. Directed by Shashank Khaitan, the film will hit the screens on October 2, 2025. The catchy songs from this film have taken over the internet, making people collaborate and dance on the beats.

Bringing the tormenting feeling of heartbreak, family values, and love, ‘Vadapav’ is set to release in theatres on October 2, 2025. The film channels spice, sweetness, crispness, softness, and a hint of zest, just like the classic Mumbai snack. The Marathi film revolves around a set of lovers who have to go through the obstructions, proving their love that questions internal realities and eternal love. Directed by Prasad Oak, the film stars Savita Prabhune, Abhinav Berde, Gauri Nalawade, Rasika Vengurleka, and himself.

The Punjabi drama brings you the laughter you need for the festive season. Starring Ammy Virk and Sonam Bajwa, ‘Nikka Zaildar 4’ is the fourth installment of the comedic franchise. The film revolves around the family drama, where the man who despises liquor finds the woman who is obsessed with it. Adding the spice to the drama, the star cast features Nirmal Rishi, Nisha Bano, Sukhi Chahal, and many more. Directed by Simerjit Singh, the film will be released in theatres on October 2, 2025.

‘The Game: You Never Play Alone’ revolves around the repercussions faced due to misogyny, which goes too far, hindering virtual realities for obsession. When a career-driven woman is challenged by a man, she goes ahead to prove her worth. However, she faces online hate that soon turns into physical attacks and assaults. Starring Shraddha Srinath, Santhosh Prathap, and Bala Hasan, the Tamil film will be released on October 2, 2025, on Netflix.