In a move highlighting strategic foresight over star ego, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has decided to postpone the release of his upcoming horror comedy 'Bhooth Bangla'. The film, which marks his reunion with acclaimed director Priyadarshan after 14 years, was initially scheduled to hit theatres on April 3, 2025.
The Strategic Decision Behind the Delay
According to industry reports, the primary reason for this shift is the anticipated box office dominance of 'Dhurandhar 2'. Akshay Kumar, known for his sharp business acumen, reportedly does not want his film to release amidst the massive wave expected from the Aditya Dhar-directed sequel. He believes in giving each cinema enough space to breathe and succeed.
The 'Khiladi' star has always prioritized smart decisions over personal ego. Having witnessed firsthand how big-banner releases can overshadow smaller films, he took a collaborative approach. Reports indicate he recalled the performance of the first 'Dhurandhar' during its Christmas release, which faced stiff competition.
After extensive discussions with producer Ekta Kapoor, as well as the 'Dhurandhar 2' team at Jio Studios and director Aditya Dhar, Kumar voluntarily chose to delay 'Bhooth Bangla'. The film is now expected to release eight to twelve weeks later than the original date, with a new announcement pending.
A Sweet Birthday Interlude with Twinkle Khanna
On the personal front, Akshay and his wife, author Twinkle Khanna, recently shared a charming family moment. Celebrating Twinkle's birthday on December 29, the family opted for a unique experience over a traditional party. They visited the Musée du Parfum, where they explored dozens of fragrances and even crafted a custom scent together.
Twinkle aptly named their creation "Birthday Note." Akshay further added to the festivities by sharing a playful photo on social media. The picture captured Twinkle humorously kicking him while he laughed and held her foot. His caption celebrated her as the real "action hero" in his life.
What's Next for the Prolific Star?
Despite the delay for 'Bhooth Bangla', Akshay Kumar's calendar remains packed. The actor is swiftly moving on to his next project, a comedy film co-starring Vidya Balan. Shooting for this untitled venture is slated to begin between January 15 and January 20. This follows his recent work on the highly anticipated 'Jolly LLB 3'.
This decision to postpone a major release underscores a growing trend of strategic planning in Bollywood, where collective industry health is sometimes placed above individual claim to a release date. It sets a precedent for collaboration and market-sensitive scheduling.