Bollywood
Bhoot Bhangla and Vvan: Balaji Motion Pictures Reshuffles 2026 Release Dates to Avoid Akshay Kumar vs Sidharth Malhotra Clash
Balaji Motion Pictures, led by Ektaa R. Kapoor, is gearing up for a monumental year in 2026 with two of its most high-profile projects. The production house has officially set the stage for the highly anticipated horror-comedy Bhoot Bhangla and the mysterious folk-thriller Vvan. These films represent a strategic blend of nostalgic superstar reunions and fresh, acclaimed directorial talent, aiming to capture a wide spectrum of the Indian audience. Originally, Balaji Motion Pictures had planned for both Bhoot Bhangla and Vvan to hit theaters on the same day, May 15, 2026. However, according to a report by Bollywood Hungama, this release strategy has been revised. The source noted that since the Akshay Kumar and Tabu starrer Bhoot Bhangla—directed by Priyadarshan—was pushed from its initial April 3 slot to May 15, it was deemed impractical for Ekta Kapoor to release two major home productions on the same day. Consequently, the Sidharth Malhotra-led Vvan has been rescheduled to a new date, which is currently being kept under wraps. The makers are expected to officially reveal this secret new release date on the film's highly anticipated first look poster today. Bhoot Bhangla marks the historic reunion of Megastar Akshay Kumar and legendary director Priyadarshan after a 14-year hiatus. The duo, responsible for cult classics like Hera Pheri and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, is returning to the horror-comedy genre—a space they practically defined for modern Bollywood. Adding immense acting weight to the project is Tabu, who has become a synonymous name with box-office success in this genre, alongside the talented Wamiqa Gabbi. The film is officially scheduled for a grand release on May 15, 2026, and is expected to be a major summer blockbuster. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Simultaneously, the spotlight is on Vvan, a project that has generated massive intrigue since its initial announcement. Starring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia, the film marks the feature film directorial debut of Deepak Mishra, the mastermind behind the globally acclaimed Panchayat series. Vvan is described as a grounded folk-thriller, a genre that has seen a massive surge in popularity recently. In a significant update for fans, the official release date for this atmospheric thriller is expected to be announced today, January 16, 2026. The trade circuit is buzzing with high expectations for both films. Bhoot Bhangla is seen as a sure-shot winner given the proven track record of the Akshay-Priyadarshan combination. On the other hand, Vvan is being hailed as a potential dark horse, with Deepak Mishra's transition from OTT excellence to the silver screen being one of the most watched developments of the year. With these two juggernauts, Balaji Motion Pictures is firmly positioning itself at the forefront of the 2026 theatrical race.