International expertise meets a leading Indian distribution powerhouse as Korea’s biggest box-office film prepares for its theatrical release across key Indian markets. Star Entertainment, the official distributor of acclaimed Korean sci-fi action thriller Hope in India, has partnered with AA Film, for the film’s theatrical release across the English and Hindi-speaking markets, including North India, Karnataka and Marathwada.
The partnership brings together Star Entertainment’s expertise in international cinema with AA Films’ extensive distribution network and understanding of the Indian theatrical landscape. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Na Hong-jin, Hope features an ensemble cast comprising Hwang Jung-min, Hoyeon, Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander and Taylor Russell, bringing together a distinctive Korean filmmaking sensibility and an international cast in a large-scale sci-fi action thriller.
Since 1980, Star Entertainment has built a legacy of bringing compelling international cinema to Indian audiences, with a portfolio spanning Hollywood, European and Asian films. From titles such as Dirty Dancing, City of God , Ong Bak, East Is East, The Witch 2, Margin Call, Tintin, Desert Child (currently in AMAZON INDIA TOP 10 Action films), its distribution experience spans diverse cinematic markets and genres. with over 100 international titles released in cinemas and more than 1,000 titles across television and digital platforms, Star continues to engage with the global film industry through major markets including Cannes, AFM, Hong Kong FILMART, Busan’s Asian Contents & Film Market and TIFFCOM Tokyo. Its longstanding engagement with international studios, producers and sales agents, alongside its strong track record in Korean cinema, underpins its continued efforts to bring distinctive global stories to India.
Jiten Hemdev, MD and CEO of Star Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., said, “Korean cinema continues to push creative boundaries and find audiences across cultures. With Hope, we see an opportunity to bring an ambitious international production from an acclaimed director with Korean and American stars to Indian theatres, combining Star Entertainment’s experience in international cinema with AA Films’ strength in theatrical distribution.”
Anil Thadani, AA Films, said, “Hope brings together a distinctive directorial vision and an ambitious scale with superlative action that Indian audiences love and that makes it an exciting theatrical proposition. Our collaboration with Star Entertainment will help bring this compelling work of Korean cinema to audiences across India.”
The collaboration comes at a significant moment for Hope, which has emerged as Korea’s biggest box-office film, while also generating international attention for its ambitious storytelling, scale and ensemble cast. The film has been making its way through international markets ahead of its Indian theatrical release.
Hope is scheduled to release in Indian theatres on October 23, 2026. The film will release across India in English and Hindi with Star Entertainment handling national distribution in collaboration with AA Films
