In a sudden and strategic shake-up of the 2026 box office calendar, the makers of Bhooth Bangla have officially announced a new release date. The highly anticipated horror-comedy, which marks the reunion of the iconic Akshay Kumar-Priyadarshan duo, will now hit the big screen on April 10, 2026.
This move comes after a series of shifts that kept trade analysts on their toes. Initially slated for an April 2 release, the film was previously postponed to May 15. However, the production team has now decided to prepone the release to the second week of April, seizing what is being described as a “perfect theatrical window.”
Industry insiders suggest that this “date-swapping” is a direct result of the shifting schedules of Bollywood’s biggest titans. The decision to move Bhooth Bangla up to April 10 coincides with reports that Salman Khan’s war epic, Battle of Galwan, is likely moving from its mid-April slot to an Independence Day release on August 14, 2026.
By preponing Bhooth Bangla, Akshay Kumar and the producers at Balaji Telefilms have effectively occupied a prime summer slot that was about to become vacant. This move allows the film to enjoy a solo run without the overwhelming pressure of a clash with a massive military drama, ensuring that the “Bhooth Bangla” madness gets the undivided attention of the family audience.
The hype surrounding Bhooth Bangla isn’t just about the genre; it’s about the nostalgia. This film marks the first collaboration between Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan in 16 years, following their long string of cult classics like Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa.
Adding to the excitement is an ensemble cast that feels like a tribute to the golden era of Bollywood comedy. The film features:
- Akshay Kumar: Leading the pack in a role that reportedly blends his “classic” comic timing with a supernatural edge.
- Tabu: Reuniting with Priyadarshan to add her signature depth and mystery to the narrative.
- The Veteran Trio: Paresh Rawal, Asrani, and Rajpal Yadav—the holy trinity of comedy—are set to share the screen again, promising a laugh riot that fans have craved for years.
- The Rising Star: Wamiqa Gabbi, fresh off her recent successes, joins the veteran lineup to infuse the film with a modern flair.
Produced by Shobha Kapoor and Ektaa R Kapoor under the Balaji Telefilms banner, in collaboration with Akshay Kumar’s Cape of Good Films, Bhooth Bangla is being positioned as a “prestige commercial” entertainer.
While the title suggests a traditional haunted house theme, director Priyadarshan has hinted that the film explores the “black magic” and “superstition” prevalent in Indian society, albeit through a lens of chaos and humour. The production value is said to be world-class, with high-end VFX being utilized to create the eerie atmosphere of the Bangla (mansion).
Releasing on April 10 offers the film a significant advantage. It allows Bhooth Bangla to tap into the early summer holidays for schools and colleges. Furthermore, by avoiding the May 15 slot, the film bypasses the intense heat of the late-summer box office where big-budget sequels often crowd the theaters.
“The chemistry between Akshay and the ensemble is electric. Preponing the film ensures we reach the audience at the start of the holiday season, giving families the perfect reason to visit the cinema,” stated a representative from Cape of Good Films.
With the “Priyadarshan Touch” back in play and a release date that avoids the Battle of Galwan storm, Bhooth Bangla is poised to be one of the biggest hits of the first half of 2026. Fans are already celebrating on social media, with “April 10” trending alongside the hashtag #BhoothBangla.
The combination of nostalgia, high-stakes horror, and the return of the legendary supporting cast makes this more than just a movie—it’s a celebration of Bollywood’s most successful comedy formula.
