The “Bangle se khabar” is finally official. In a strategic move that has redefined the Summer 2026 box office calendar, the makers of the highly anticipated horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla have officially announced a new release date. Moving away from its original April slot, the film will now open its doors to audiences on May 15, 2026.
The announcement came via a chilling yet playful social media update from Balaji Motion Pictures and Cape of Good Films. Featuring a new look at Akshay Kumar in the eerie setting of a haunted mansion, the caption read: “Bangle se ek khabar aayi hai!6 The doors open on 15th May 2026. See you in cinemas #BhoothBangla.”
While the makers haven’t explicitly cited a single reason for the shift, industry experts point to a clear tactical decision: the looming shadow of Dhurandhar 2. With the Ranveer Singh-starrer spy epic set to create a ruckus at the box office starting March 19, 2026, the trade anticipated a massive screen crunch throughout April.
By moving to May 15, Akshay Kumar and producer Ektaa Kapoor have secured a clearer window. This postponement allows the “Dhurandhar wave” to settle, ensuring that Bhooth Bangla gets the 4,000+ screen count it deserves. Additionally, insiders suggest that the extra month provides director Priyadarshan more time to perfect the high-end VFX and “slapstick horror” elements that are the hallmark of his films.
The buzz surrounding Bhooth Bangla is largely fuelled by nostalgia. This project marks the monumental reunion of Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan after a hiatus of 14 years. Their last collaboration, Khatta Meetha (2010), remains a fan favourite, but it is their work on cult classics like Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, and the original Bhool Bhulaiyaa that has fans counting down the days.
The film also serves as a landmark 25-year reunion for Akshay and Tabu, who last shared the screen in Hera Pheri (2000). Their chemistry, combined with Priyadarshan’s vision, promises to revive the “desi horror” genre that has seen a massive resurgence in Indian cinema recently.
If the director-actor duo wasn’t enough, Bhooth Bangla boasts an ensemble cast that feels like a “greatest hits” collection of Indian comedy. The makers have assembled a powerhouse team to bring the haunted mansion to life:
- Akshay Kumar: Leading the madness in his seventh collaboration with Priyadarshan.
- The Iconic Trio: Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, and Asrani reunite, promising the same comedic friction that defined a generation of cinema.
- The Veterans: Tabu brings her unmatched intensity and grace to a pivotal role, while Jisshu Sengupta adds a layer of mystery.
- Fresh Energy: Wamiqa Gabbi joins the “Priyadarshan Universe” for the first time, marking a significant step in her burgeoning Bollywood career.
Notably, the film features one of the final on-screen appearances of the late veteran actor Asrani, who shot extensively for the film in Jaipur and Hyderabad before his passing in late 2025.
Produced by Ektaa Kapoor’s Balaji Motion Pictures and Akshay Kumar’s Cape of Good Films, the project is mounted on a massive scale. Shot across picturesque and atmospheric locations in Rajasthan, Jaipur, and Hyderabad, the film aims to blend rich visuals with spine-chilling scares.
The script is a collaborative effort, with the story credited to Akash A. Kaushik and the screenplay developed by Priyadarshan, Abilash Nair, and Rohan Shankar. With dialogues penned by Shankar (of Stree fame), the film is expected to be as sharp in its wit as it is in its horror.
With the new release date set for the peak of summer, Bhooth Bangla is now positioned as a prime family entertainer for the holiday season.The film will likely face a clash with Sidharth Malhotra’s VVAN: Force of the Forest, ironically another Balaji production, which may lead to further reshuffling in the coming weeks.
However, the sheer pull of the Akshay-Priyadarshan brand remains unmatched. As the trade gears up for a historic 2026, Bhooth Bangla stands as a testament to the enduring power of classic Indian comedy.
