Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur's upcoming film "Dacoit: A Love Story," initially slated for a March 19, 2026, release, is reportedly considering a shift to April to avoid a clash with two other major releases: Ranveer Singh's "Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge" and Yash's "Toxic".
A Strategic Recalibration
According to trade sources, the makers of "Dacoit" are keen on securing a clearer theatrical window for their film, especially with the hype surrounding "Dhurandhar 2". "Dhurandhar 2" is set for a massive release in multiple Indian languages and movie buffs are eagerly waiting to watch the backstory of Jaskirat Singh Rangi. The first "Dhurandhar," released in December 2025, was a major commercial success, grossing over ₹1,000 crore worldwide.
"Toxic," starring Yash, Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi and others, is also scheduled to release on March 19, 2026, in six languages. The makers of "Toxic" have dismissed any rumors of delay and reconfirmed its March 19 release date.
Given the potential box office congestion, the team behind "Dacoit" believes that a strategic postponement would allow their film greater visibility and "breathing room". The rumored new release date is April 10, 2026, but official confirmation is still awaited.
About "Dacoit: A Love Story"
"Dacoit: A Love Story" is a bilingual action thriller, shot simultaneously in Telugu and Hindi. The film stars Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur in lead roles, with Anurag Kashyap and Prakash Raj in key roles. The film is directed by Shaneil Deo. "Dacoit" was initially planned for a December 2025 release but was postponed due to production delays caused by Adivi Sesh's injury.
The film is produced by Supriya Yarlagadda and Suniel Narang under Annapurna Studios, S. S. Creations, and Suniel Narang Productions.
The movie revolves around a man who escapes from prison and seeks revenge against a woman whose betrayal led to his imprisonment. The narrative explores themes of love, crime, and retribution. An earlier report called it a gripping story of two former lovers who reunite to pull off a series of robberies in a bid to change their lives.
The Box Office Equation
The decision to potentially move "Dacoit" highlights the increasing competition in the Indian film industry, where multiple big-budget movies vie for audience attention. By avoiding a direct clash with "Dhurandhar 2" and "Toxic", "Dacoit" aims to maximize its reach and potential earnings.
Whether the rumored April release date materializes remains to be seen, but it underscores the strategic considerations filmmakers must take into account in today's crowded marketplace.