Akshay Kumar's 'Bhooth Bangla' Release Date Shifted Forward, Triggers Online Criticism
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has made a significant announcement regarding his upcoming horror-comedy film, 'Bhooth Bangla.' The actor took to his social media platforms to reveal that the movie's theatrical release has been advanced by over a month. Originally scheduled to premiere on May 15, 2026, the film will now hit cinemas on April 10, 2026.
Netizens Slam AI-Generated Announcement Video as 'Trash'
However, the announcement was met with immediate backlash from internet users. On Saturday, Akshay Kumar shared a promotional video for the date change, which quickly drew criticism for its use of artificial intelligence. The clip featured a black cat scratching out the original May 15 date on a calendar, then spilling milk over it. As the cat licks the milk, the new release date of April 10 is revealed.
Many users on social media platform X labeled the promo as 'trash' due to its AI-generated nature, expressing disappointment with the creative approach. The actor's post, which included the caption 'Bhooth Bangla ka countdown rewind! 15 May ❌ 10 April ✅ Milte hain theatres mein?' and the hashtag #BhoothBangla, was shared on February 7, 2026.
Concerns Over Box Office Competition and Timing
Beyond the AI controversy, netizens also raised serious concerns about the strategic timing of the release. Critics pointed out that 'Bhooth Bangla' will now debut just three to four weeks after two major Bollywood releases: 'Dhurandhar 2' and 'Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups.' This crowded schedule, they argue, could negatively impact the box office performance of the horror-comedy.
X users described the decision as a 'bad move' by the filmmakers, suggesting that the strong content of Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar 2' and Yash's 'Toxic' might overshadow 'Bhooth Bangla,' potentially leading to its failure at the box office. The online commentary highlighted fears that the film could struggle to attract audiences amid such fierce competition.
Details About 'Bhooth Bangla' and Its Cast
'Bhooth Bangla' is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan, marking a highly anticipated reunion with Akshay Kumar after a long hiatus. The collaboration has generated significant excitement among fans, who have high hopes for the project given their past successful partnerships.
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including:
- Akshay Kumar in the lead role
- Wamiqa Gabbi
- Paresh Rawal
- Tabu
- Rajpal Yadav
As of now, 'Bhooth Bangla' remains on track for its new release date of April 10, 2026, despite the mixed reactions from the online community. The film's performance will be closely watched, both for its creative merits and its commercial success in a competitive market.
