Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, fondly known as Khiladi Kumar, is famous for juggling five to six films a year, and it looks like Akki's calendar is more than packed in 2026. With a strong slate of releases lined up, the actor is gearing up for his first theatrical outing of the year. Much to everyone's surprise, Bhooth Bangla, starring Akshay Kumar, has officially received a new release date.
The film, which was earlier scheduled to hit cinemas on May 15, 2026, has now been moved up to April 10, 2026.
According to a source close to the film, the decision to advance the release was driven by strong audience buzz. "Akshay Kumar decided to prepone Bhooth Bangla after witnessing overwhelming audience interest and sustained fan demand around the film. The intent was to bring the film to audiences at the right moment rather than hold it back," the source said.
Bhooth Bangla is said to be on the lines of Akshay Kumar's cult classic Bhool Bhulaiyaa, the original franchise that was later carried forward by Kartik Aaryan. Now, the makers have roped in Akshay Kumar once again for a horror-comedy, tweaking the concept and title to present Bhooth Bangla.
Salman Khan's 'Battle Of Galwan' rescheduled for August release
Interestingly, the release date shift also coincides with reports suggesting that Salman Khan's much-anticipated war epic Battle of Galwan will not arrive in mid-April as previously planned. The delay is reportedly due to pending production requirements and regulatory approvals.
The scheduling change has also highlighted an unusually open and honest exchange between two of Bollywood's biggest stars. According to a report in Bollywood Hungama, Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar maintained clear communication to avoid any potential box-office clash. Battle of Galwan was earlier slated for an April 17, 2026, release, just a week after Bhooth Bangla's new date.
Given their long-standing friendship, Kumar and Khan are said to be candid with each other. A source revealed that Akshay directly asked Salman whether Battle of Galwan would release on April 17, to which Khan admitted that things were uncertain due to pending approvals from the Ministry of Defence.
Any rivalry between Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar?
As per reports, there is absolutely zero rivalry between the two stars. Their discussion was said to be extremely positive, with both actors holding each other in high regard. In fact, insiders suggest that the two could even come together for a two-hero film in the future, provided the script excites them.
Meanwhile, the Battle of Galwan resumed filming today, February 9, with a one-week schedule at Mumbai's Golden Tobacco Factory. Salman Khan plays Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu in the film. The delay is attributed to reshoots and screenings required by the Ministry of Defence to ensure factual accuracy regarding the 2020 Galwan Valley confrontation. The film is now reportedly eyeing an Independence Day weekend release.
According to a source quoted by the publication, "Battle Of Galwan has indeed been postponed, and it'll now release on August 14, 2026.
The new date, however, brings a new challenge. Battle of Galwan will now clash at the box office with Kartik Aaryan's Naagzilla, setting up an unexpected Independence Day face-off.
Bhooth Bangla stars Akshay Kumar, Wamiqa Gabbi, Paresh Rawal, Tabu and Rajpal Yadav, and is directed by Priyadarshan. It is produced by Akshay Kumar, Shobha Kapoor and Ektaa R Kapoor.
