The film "Bhooth Bangla," featuring actors Akshay Kumar and Tabu, has seen its release date altered once again. The horror-comedy is now slated to premiere in theaters on April 10, 2026. This latest adjustment follows a series of previous date changes for the production.
Background and Film Details
"Bhooth Bangla" is directed by Priyadarshan, marking his reunion with actor Akshay Kumar after a significant period. Their past collaborations include films like "Hera Pheri" and "Bhool Bhulaiyaa." The ensemble cast also includes Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jisshu Sengupta, and the late actor Asrani.

The film was initially planned for release on April 2. This date was later shifted to May 15, and has now been advanced to April 10, 2026. The production's shooting concluded in May of the previous year.
Motivations for Release Date Change
Multiple reports suggest the decision to advance the release date is partly to avoid direct competition with other films. Specifically, "Bhooth Bangla" was set to contend with Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur's pan-India film, "Dacoit," which also targets an April 10 release. Furthermore, there is mention of a similar genre film, "Vvan," starring Sidharth and Tamannaah, also in the horror category.
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The earlier release is also seen as a strategic move to leverage the Easter and early April festival period, a time when cinema attendance is typically higher.
Actor and Director Involvement
Akshay Kumar personally shared the revised release date through social media platforms. His posts often include teasers, such as one featuring a black cat interacting with a calendar, to announce the date. This engagement aims to build anticipation among the audience.

Director Priyadarshan is known for his work in the horror-comedy genre, with "Bhooth Bangla" being a testament to this. The combination of his directorial expertise and the star power of Akshay Kumar is a significant factor for the film's marketing.
Competitive Landscape and Genre Considerations
The film's genre, a blend of horror and comedy, positions it within a popular entertainment bracket. The decision to shift the release date suggests a careful assessment of the film's release environment.
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Avoidance of Clashes: The primary stated reason for preponing the release is to prevent a conflict with films of a similar nature or broad appeal releasing on the same date.
Market Timing: Releasing during holiday periods like Easter can offer a commercial advantage by drawing larger family audiences.
Public Announcement and Actor's Statement
Akshay Kumar has been the public face for the date announcements. He posted, "Bhooth Bangla ka countdown rewind! Milte hain theatres mein." This message signals the film's upcoming arrival and encourages audience engagement. The change has been officially confirmed by Balaji Motion Pictures.
Summary of Release Date Changes
| Previous Date | New Date | Source |
|---|---|---|
| April 2 | May 15 | Wion News |
| May 15 | April 10, 2026 | Hindustan Times, Wion News, Times Now News |
Expert Analysis
Industry observers note that frequent release date changes can sometimes signal underlying production issues or strategic adjustments to market conditions. However, in this instance, the producers appear to be proactively managing the film's positioning against potential competition and aiming for an opportune release window. The collaboration between Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar is recognized as a significant draw, potentially mitigating risks associated with release date volatility.
Conclusion and Implications
The shift of "Bhooth Bangla" to April 10, 2026, represents a strategic adjustment to its release calendar. The makers are evidently seeking to optimize the film's box office performance by navigating a crowded release schedule and capitalizing on anticipated audience footfall during the Easter period. The consistent involvement of Akshay Kumar in publicizing these changes underscores the film's high profile. The ultimate success of this strategy will depend on the film's reception and its ability to stand out amidst other cinematic offerings.
Sources Used:
Hindustan Times: Published 19 hours ago. Details the new release date and mentions Akshay Kumar's teaser.
Link: https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/bhooth-bangla-release-date-changed-again-akshay-kumar-horror-comedy-to-hit-theatres-earlier-now-tabu-priyadarshan-101770470368194.html
Wion News: Published 18 hours ago. Notes the multiple changes from April 2 to May 15, then to April 10.
Link: https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/bhooth-bangla-preponed-akshay-kumar-priyadarshan-s-horror-comedy-to-release-on-this-date-1770478174892
Times Now News: Published 20 hours ago. Highlights the reason for avoiding competition with "Dacoit" and "Vvan."
Link: https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/bollywood/akshay-kumar-tabu-bhooth-bangla-release-date-changed-again-know-big-reason-behind-decision-article-153577427
Bollywood Hungama: Published 21 hours ago. Confirms the official announcement from Balaji Motion Pictures and mentions the competitive release calendar.
Link: https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/akshay-kumar-starrer-bhooth-bangla-preponed-priyadarshan-comedy-now-release-april-10-2026/
NDTV: Published 20 hours ago. Reiterates the reunion of Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan after 14 years and lists the ensemble cast.
Link: https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/akshay-kumars-horror-comedy-bhooth-bangla-to-now-release-in-theatres-on-april-10-10965430
Mint: Published 19 hours ago. Explains the strategic benefit of the earlier release during the Easter period and describes the promotional video.
Link: https://www.livemint.com/entertainment/akshay-kumar-s-bhooth-bangla-locks-new-april-release-date-all-you-need-to-know-about-priyadarshans-film-11770475237280.html
New Kerala: Published 1 day ago. States the release date as April 10, 2026, and mentions the director-actor duo's successful past collaborations.
Link: https://www.newkerala.com/news/a/akshay-kumar-starrer-bhooth-bangla-preponed-hit-theatres-820.htm
Pinkvilla: Published 21 hours ago. Confirms the April 10, 2026 date and quotes Akshay Kumar's social media post.
Link: https://www.pinkvilla.com/cinema/bhooth-bangla-new-release-date-akshay-kumar-starrer-prepones-premiere-to-april-10-2026-1400547
Asianet News: Published 18 hours ago. Simply states the new release date as April 10, 2026.
Link: https://newsable.asianetnews.com/entertainment/akshay-kumars-bhooth-bangla-gets-new-release-date-of-april-10-2026-articleshow-251gzar