Cinema enthusiasts waiting to see the explosive chemistry between Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur will have to wait just a little bit longer. In a strategic move that has sent ripples through the trade circuit, the makers of Dacoit have announced yet another delay for the highly anticipated Pan-India film.
Originally slated to capture the holiday spirit on December 25, 2025, the film was first pushed to March 19, 2026. However, fresh reports confirm that the film has moved its theatrical debut further to April 10, 2026. This shift isn’t just about finishing touches; it is a calculated tactical maneuver to navigate a crowded box office and secure a “clean window” for its high-octane narrative.
The primary catalyst for this shift is the impending “storm” of two of 2026’s biggest cinematic juggernauts: Dhurandhar (the sequel to Ranveer Singh’s 2025 blockbuster) and Toxic (featuring the “Rocking Star” Yash). Both films were looming large over the mid-March release window, creating a congested environment that threatened to dilute the screen count and audience attention for any other project.
By moving to April 10, the team behind Dacoit effectively steps out of the crossfire. The decision reflects a growing trend in the Indian film industry where content-driven films choose breathing room over vanity dates. The makers aim to capitalize on a solo release window, allowing the film’s unique blend of action and romance to resonate without the shadow of multi-starrer sequels.
In an era of aggressive box office battles, the stance taken by the Dacoit team is refreshingly professional. The production house released a statement emphasizing that this “make-shift” is born out of respect rather than fear.
“The team holds great respect for both Dhurandhar as well as Toxic and their creative teams. We firmly believe that every theatrical release deserves its own moment with audiences,” the makers noted.
This philosophy of “clarity and fairness” ensures that the audience doesn’t have to choose between three major spectacles in a single weekend. By rescheduling, Dacoit ensures it gets the “rightful spotlight” its story demands while allowing the March releases to have their own uninterrupted run.
While the release date has been a moving target, the creative core of the film remains one of its biggest selling points. Dacoit is directed by the acclaimed Abhinay Deo, known for his ability to weave gritty realism with high-concept drama. The film is produced by Supriya Yarlagadda and receives strong backing from S S Creations and Suniel Narang Production.
Adivi Sesh, who has built a reputation as the “king of content” with hits like Major and HIT: The Second Case, reportedly plays a dual-layered role in this heist drama. Alongside him, Mrunal Thakur—fresh off the success of her recent romantic epics—is expected to deliver a performance that blends vulnerability with fierce grit.
Dacoit is being positioned as more than just a standard action film. It is described as an “explosion of guns and roses,” focusing on two former lovers who reunite under the most dangerous circumstances to execute a series of high-stakes robberies.
The film has already generated significant buzz through its teaser, which showcased a dark, atmospheric world. Trade analysts suggest that the April 10 window, which aligns with several regional holidays, could provide the perfect launchpad for the film to become a sleeper hit of the summer.
The delay of Dacoit is a testament to the “quiet confidence” the makers have in their content. Rather than rushing into a three-way clash that could lead to cannibalized collections, they have chosen a path that prioritizes the long-term theatrical experience. For fans of Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur, the additional three-week wait is a small price to pay for a film that promises to be a standalone cinematic event.
