The 2026 theatrical calendar is witnessing significant changes as production houses move their release dates to avoid genre clashes and secure solo windows. The biggest highlights involve Akshay Kumar’s anticipated reunion with Priyadarshan and a massive face-off between Salman Khan and Kartik Aaryan.
Akshay Kumar’s ‘Bhooth Bangla’ Gets a New Date
In a strategic move, the makers of the horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, starring Akshay Kumar and Tabu, have decided to prepone its release. Originally slated to hit screens on May 15, 2026, the film will now premiere on April 10, 2026.
The primary reason for this shift is the release of another horror-themed film, Vvan (starring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia), which is scheduled for May 15. To avoid cannibalizing the audience for the same genre, Akshay Kumar’s team opted for an earlier window. However, Bhooth Bangla won’t have a completely free run; it is now set to compete with Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur’s pan-India film Dacoit, which also arrives on April 10.
The Eid 2026 Mega-Clash: Salman vs. Kartik
While Akshay Kumar moved his film forward, the spotlight has shifted to April 17, 2026, marking the festive occasion of Eid. This window is set to witness one of the biggest box office battles of the year:
- Salman Khan’s ‘Battle of Galwan’: Salman Khan returns to the big screen with this high-octane patriotic actioner. Given Salman’s history of dominating the Eid window, expectations are sky-high.
- Kartik Aaryan’s ‘Naagzilla’: In a bold move, Kartik Aaryan’s upcoming project Naagzilla is also scheduled for the same weekend. The clash between a seasoned superstar and a younger hit-maker has become the talk of the industry.
The April 2026 Release Timeline
| Release Date | Movie Title | Lead Cast | Genre |
| April 10, 2026 | Bhooth Bangla | Akshay Kumar, Tabu | Horror-Comedy |
| April 10, 2026 | Dacoit | Adivi Sesh, Mrunal Thakur | Action-Drama |
| April 17, 2026 | Battle of Galwan | Salman Khan | Patriotic Action |
| April 17, 2026 | Naagzilla | Kartik Aaryan | Fantasy-Action |
Industry Impact
The preponement of Bhooth Bangla gives Akshay Kumar a one-week lead before the Salman Khan juggernaut arrives. Trade analysts suggest that while Bhooth Bangla benefits from avoiding a genre clash with Vvan, it will need to maximize its earnings in the first seven days before the Eid releases take over the majority of screen counts across the country.
For fans, April 2026 is shaping up to be a blockbuster month with a diverse mix of horror, comedy, patriotism, and fantasy on offer.