Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan’s upcoming untitled comic caper, directed by Anees Bazmee, will no longer arrive in cinemas on December 4, 2026. According to a new report, the makers have decided to vacate the date, with the film now expected to release either in the second half of November or sometime in 2027.
The change has also altered the December release calendar, as Shraddha Kapoor’s Eetha will now get a solo release on December 4.
The development comes shortly after Ajay Devgn’s Ranger was also moved from December 4 to 2027. The Akshay Kumar-Vidya Balan film had originally been scheduled for the same date and was expected to share the release window with Eetha.
Eetha Gets December 4 Release Date
With Akshay Kumar’s comedy moving away from December 4, Eetha is currently the only major Bollywood film listed for theatrical release on that date.
The Shraddha Kapoor-starrer was earlier scheduled for August 28 but was officially shifted to December 4. Directed by Laxman Utekar, the film also stars Randeep Hooda and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub.
Eetha is based on the life of Vithabai Narayangaonkar, a celebrated Marathi Tamasha and Lavani performer. Shraddha plays the central character, with the film exploring the life and legacy of the folk artist.
The movie is produced by Maddock Films and Kathputli Creations and features music by Ajay-Atul.
Akshay Kumar and Shraddha Kapoor Avoid Another Clash
The release-date change is particularly interesting because it avoids what would have been another theatrical clash between Akshay Kumar and Shraddha Kapoor.
Shraddha’s previous film, Stree 2, had released on Independence Day 2024 alongside Akshay Kumar’s Khel Khel Mein. The two films therefore could have been in competition again if Akshay’s untitled comedy had retained its December 4 date.
However, with the Akshay Kumar-Vidya Balan film moving out of the date, that repeat clash has now been avoided.
The December 4 release calendar has consequently become less crowded, at least for these two films.
Why Is Akshay Kumar’s Film Being Delayed?
According to the latest Bollywood Hungama report, the makers of Akshay Kumar’s film have decided not to release it on December 4.
A source cited by the publication said the film could potentially arrive in the second half of November. If the project is not ready by then, the release will be moved to 2027.
The exact new release date has not yet been announced.
The decision means audiences will have to wait longer to see Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan reunite under the direction of Anees Bazmee.
Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan Reunite With Anees Bazmee
The untitled film brings together Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan once again, with Anees Bazmee directing.
The project was officially announced for a December 4, 2026 theatrical release earlier this year. At that time, the makers described it as a big-screen family entertainer.
The film also stars Raashii Khanna, Vijay Raaz and Sudesh Lehri in important roles. Production had progressed through a major Kerala schedule, which was completed earlier this year.
The project marks another collaboration between Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan, who have previously worked together in films including Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Heyy Babyy and Mission Mangal.
Anees Bazmee Returns to Comedy
Anees Bazmee is known for directing large-scale Hindi comedy entertainers, and the upcoming film reunites him with Akshay Kumar.
The filmmaker and actor have previously collaborated on successful comedy projects, making their latest partnership a significant part of the film’s appeal.
The new project is being presented as a family-oriented comedy, although its complete storyline has not been revealed.
The presence of Vidya Balan adds another familiar face to the ensemble, while Raashii Khanna, Vijay Raaz and Sudesh Lehri further expand the cast.
Eetha Has a Different Story
While Akshay Kumar’s film is an untitled comedy, Eetha belongs to a completely different genre and tells the story of a real-life cultural figure.
The film follows Vithabai Narayangaonkar, who rose from humble beginnings to become an acclaimed name in Maharashtra’s folk theatre tradition.
Shraddha Kapoor plays Vithabai, while Randeep Hooda and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub feature in pivotal roles.
Directed by Laxman Utekar, Eetha also marks his first collaboration with Shraddha Kapoor. The filmmaker has previously directed films including Luka Chuppi, Mimi, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke and Chhaava.
Ranger Also Vacated December 4
The December 4 release date has undergone multiple changes in recent weeks.
Ajay Devgn’s Ranger, which stars Sanjay Dutt and Tamannaah Bhatia, was initially expected to release on December 4. However, the film has now been postponed to 2027.
According to Bollywood Hungama, Ranger is expected to arrive after Eid in March 2027, with the makers considering a summer release for the jungle adventure.
With Ranger moving out and Akshay Kumar’s comedy now also vacating the date, Eetha has been left with a solo December 4 release according to the latest trade update.
Could Akshay Kumar’s Film Arrive in November?
The makers have not completely ruled out a 2026 release.
The latest report suggests that the film could arrive in the second half of November if it is ready in time. Otherwise, the project will be moved to 2027.
This gives the production team flexibility while avoiding the December 4 date.
An official announcement regarding the new release date is still awaited. Until then, December 4 remains locked for Eetha, while Akshay Kumar’s next does not have a confirmed new date.
What This Means for the December Release Calendar
The latest changes have significantly reshaped the Bollywood release calendar for the end of 2026.
Eetha is currently scheduled for December 4, while Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan’s comedy has moved away from that date. Ranger has also shifted to 2027.
There had been speculation that Prabhas’ period action drama Fauzi could release around December 3. However, trade sources cited by Bollywood Hungama indicated that such a release appeared unlikely and that the film could also move to 2027.
The changes could therefore continue as studios finalise their schedules for the last few months of the year.
Akshay Kumar’s Next Now Awaits a New Date
For Akshay Kumar, the postponement means his next collaboration with Vidya Balan and Anees Bazmee will arrive later than previously announced.
The film remains without an official title and now also needs a new release date. The makers may still target November 2026, but if the project requires more time, a 2027 release is possible.
Meanwhile, Shraddha Kapoor’s Eetha is set to occupy December 4, 2026, giving the film a clearer release window after the exit of the two other major titles.
The latest change also ensures that Akshay Kumar and Shraddha Kapoor will not face each other at the box office for a second consecutive time, following their 2024 Independence Day releases.
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