The makers of Akshay Kumar's upcoming horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla have decided to postpone its theatrical release from the original date of April 2, 2026, to avoid a box-office clash with the highly anticipated sequel Dhurandhar 2, which is set to hit cinemas on March 19, 2026. Sources close to the production confirmed the strategic shift, noting that an official announcement regarding the new release date is expected shortly. The film, which marks Akshay Kumar's reunion with director Priyadarshan after a 14-year gap, was positioned as a family-friendly entertainer aimed at capitalizing on the festive summer season.

The decision stems from the massive commercial dominance anticipated for Dhurandhar 2, the sequel to the blockbuster first installment that grossed over Rs 800 crore in India and more than Rs 1,200 crore worldwide. The original Dhurandhar established itself as a major action-patriotic franchise, drawing huge crowds and holding strong screen presence for several weeks. Industry insiders believe the sequel, with its high-octane sequences and star power, is likely to monopolize multiplexes and single-screen theaters during its initial run, leaving limited space for other releases to gain traction.

Bhooth Bangla, which promises a blend of laughs, scares, and nostalgia through Priyadarshan's signature style, is targeting a broad family audience rather than direct competition in the action-heavy space. By pushing the release to a later date, the producers aim to provide the film with sufficient breathing room to build word-of-mouth, secure prime screens, and maximize footfalls without being overshadowed. The move reflects a cautious approach increasingly adopted in Bollywood to protect mid-budget entertainers from clashing with potential blockbusters.

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As the Hindi film industry continues to navigate post-pandemic recovery and audience preferences, such strategic postponements have become common to optimize box-office performance. Fans of Akshay Kumar can expect more details on the revised schedule soon, while anticipation builds for both Dhurandhar 2 in March and the eventual arrival of Bhooth Bangla as a fresh horror-comedy offering in the coming months.

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