You know what’s interesting? Lately, Bollywood isn’t just telling stories — it’s living them on screen. From gripping war dramas to high-octane espionage thrillers and patriotic sagas, 2026 has kicked off with a wave of films based on or inspired by real-life events and audiences are eating it up.It all started with ‘Dhurandhar’, which stormed cinemas in late 2025 and carried its momentum well into early January. This espionage thriller, inspired by real-world intelligence operations, mixed pulse-pounding action with grounded tension, giving viewers that rare thrill of “this could almost happen.” And the excitement hasn’t died down — ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, set to release on March 19, promises bigger stakes, a pan-India rollout and enough buzz to make the next few weeks feel like a cinematic countdown. Fans are eagerly speculating about returning characters, new adversaries and whether this sequel might even surpass its predecessor in sheer spectacle.Just as theaters were still buzzing with ‘Dhurandhar’, ‘Ikkis’ arrived on January 1, a stirring war biopic about Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee. Directed by Sriram Raghavan and featuring Agastya Nanda alongside Dharmendra in a memorable cameo, it’s a film that does not just showcase battles, it explores courage, sacrifice and the personal cost of heroism. Audiences have responded strongly, drawn to the emotional depth as much as the action sequences.And if that wasn’t enough, ‘Border 2’ followed shortly after, bringing a patriotic punch to theaters during Republic Day weekend. With a star-studded cast including Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh, the sequel to the beloved 1997 classic hits all the right notes: high-octane action, heartfelt camaraderie and stirring visuals that make you almost feel like you’re on the front lines. Its success proves audiences are still hungry for films that celebrate bravery and national pride, especially when wrapped in an epic cinematic package.Raja ShivajiSet to release on May 1, this historical drama by Riteish Deshmukh explores the early life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. With supporting roles from heavyweights such as Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt, it’s shaping up to be a grand, heartfelt look at one of India’s most inspiring figures. Fans are eager for a film that balances heritage storytelling with blockbuster spectacle and early buzz suggests it might just deliver both.Battle of GalwanFrom history to modern conflict, this one zeroes in on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. With Salman Khan leading the cast under director Apoorva Lakhia, it captures the tension, patriotism and personal stories behind a recent conflict. Audiences seem ready for a cinematic take on events that feel so fresh, proving contemporary real-life stories are just as compelling as historical ones.Cricket BiopicsCricket and cinema have always had a special relationship in India and 2026 is doubling down. Rajkummar Rao is preparing for the ‘Sourav Ganguly biopic’, exploring one of India’s most charismatic captains, while Anushka Sharma headlines ‘Chakda ’Xpress’, inspired by the journey of Jhulan Goswami, India’s legendary women’s cricketer. Both films highlight perseverance, triumph and the emotional highs and lows of real sporting heroes, proving cricket biopics remain a winning formula.Hollywood to join the partyIf you thought this trend was only in Bollywood, think again. Globally, filmmakers are pulling truth into drama with big projects such as ‘Michael’, directed by Antoine Fuqua, chronicling the life of Michael Jackson and Roosevelt, Martin Scorsese’s long-awaited project featuring Leonardo DiCaprio as US President Theodore Roosevelt. Across continents, filmmakers are embracing real stories, whether historical, cultural or personal, and audiences are showing up in droves.So here’s the thing: 2026 isn’t just another year for cinema. It’s shaping up to be a celebration of courage, heroism and real-life narratives that stick with you. From spies to soldiers to sports legends, these films aren’t just stories on screen, they’re mirrors reflecting our history, our pride and our fascination with the human spirit. And honestly? That’s a trend worth watching.