The lines between Bollywood and South Indian cinema proceed to blur, and 2026 is shaping as much as be a landmark 12 months for cross-industry collaborations. With compelling stories, pan-India ambitions, and exciting creative partnerships, several Bollywood actors are moving into South Indian projects many for the very first time. From Tamil and Telugu to Kannada ventures, these actors are expanding their cinematic footprint and embracing latest languages, industries, and audiences.
As Indian cinema becomes increasingly borderless, these collaborations highlight a future driven by shared stories, diverse talent, and pan-Indian appeal.
Bollywood Actors To Be Seen In South Indian Cinema In 2026
Gulshan Devaiah – Legacy (Tamil, Netflix) & Maa Inti Bangaram (Telugu)
Gulshan Devaiah continues his streak of unconventional decisions with a robust South Indian presence in 2026 after the huge success of Kantara: Chapter 1 last 12 months. He’ll feature within the Tamil Netflix web series Legacy and may even be seen within the Telugu project Maa Inti Bangaram, where he shares screen space with Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Known for his intensity and flexibility, Gulshan’s foray into the South further reinforces his repute as a fearless performer.
Abhishek Banerjee – Legacy (Tamil)
After redefining himself beyond comedy, Abhishek Banerjee steps into Tamil storytelling with the Netflix series Legacy. The project marks his expanding presence across industries and highlights his growing demand for layered, performance-driven roles in pan-Indian content.
Adarsh Gourav – Completely happy Birthday Uma (Telugu)
Adarsh Gourav is all set to make his South Indian debut with the Telugu film Completely happy Birthday Uma. Making the move especially meaningful, Adarsh can be acting in his mother tongue, adding a private and cultural layer to this milestone in his profession. The project marks an exciting latest chapter for the globally acclaimed actor.
Akshay Oberoi – Toxic (Kannada)
Akshay Oberoi makes his South Indian debut with the much-anticipated Kannada film Toxic. Known for his sharp decisions across movies and web series, Akshay’s entry into Kannada cinema signals a daring expansion into latest cinematic territories.
Kiara Advani – Toxic (Kannada)
Joining Toxic, Kiara Advani steps into Kannada cinema, adding one other language and industry to her already diverse filmography. The pan-India scale of the project and her growing presence across markets make this considered one of her most enjoyable ventures yet.
Wamiqa Gabbi – G2 (Telugu) & DC (Tamil)
Wamiqa Gabbi continues her impressive multi-industry journey with two major South Indian projects in 2026. She can be seen within the Telugu motion thriller G2 and the Tamil film DC, further cementing her status as a very pan-Indian performer with strong screen presence across languages.
Mrunal Thakur – Dacoit (Telugu)
Mrunal Thakur will star within the Telugu pan-India film Dacoit opposite Adivi Sesh. The project places her firmly within the South Indian cinematic space while reaching audiences nationwide, marking a vital step in her pan-Indian journey.
Janhvi Kapoor – Peddi (Telugu)
Janhvi Kapoor returns to Telugu cinema with Peddi, her second Telugu-language film after Devara: Part 1. With this project, Janhvi continues to strengthen her presence in South Indian cinema, reflecting her growing comfort and ambition across industries.
Raghav Juyal – Paradise (Telugu)
Raghav Juyal is about to make his South Indian debut with the Telugu film Paradise. Known for his distinct screen personality, this move marks a big transition for Raghav as he explores latest cinematic spaces beyond Hindi entertainment.
Saiee M Manjrekar – The India House (Telugu)
Saiee is about to star within the Telugu film The India House, which has already grabbed attention following the discharge of its striking first-look poster. Set against the backdrop of pre-independence London, the film weaves a compelling love story amid the political turbulence surrounding the historic India House movement. Saiee essays the role of Sati, the feminine lead, sharing screen space with Nikhil Siddhartha and Anupam Kher. Helmed by debutant director Ram Vamsi Krishna, the film is currently underway and marks actor Ram Charan’s first enterprise as a producer.
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Varsha Tiwari is a budding content author keen about Bollywood, popular culture, and the stories behind the highlight. She enjoys breaking down trends, celebrity moments, and film narratives into engaging, reader-friendly content. All the time curious and observant, she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Communication and Journalism. Outside of writing, she enjoys painting because storytelling doesn’t at all times need words to make an impact.