Akshay Kumar is reuniting with Priyadarshan, and it’s a big moment of celebration for Bollywood buffs! The fantasy horror comedy, Bhooth Bangla, is arriving in theatres on April 17, 2026. Expectations are massive, but can it enter our Khiladi’s top 5 post-COVID openers? Scroll below for a detailed analysis.
Bhooth Bangla Box Office Expectations
The post-COVID phase has been a tough one for Akshay Kumar. Despite delivering as many as 15 films, he witnessed very limited successes. Even in 2025, most of his films crossed the 100 crore mark but failed to recover their 100% budget. Hopefully, 2026 will turn the tables and the 58-year-old star will finally deliver his first hit.
It was indeed a smart move to avert a clash with Dhurandhar 2. Bhooth Bangla was earlier slated to be released on April 10, 2026. Hopefully, the new arrival will give it a freeway to shine at the ticket windows. We expect nothing but a 20 crore+ opening for a collaboration between Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan. However, the picture would be clear upon the release of the official trailer.
Can it enter his top 5 post-COVID openers?
If not the top spot, Bhooth Bangla should at least enter Akshay Kumar’s top 5 post-COVID openings at the Indian box office. It would need to earn at least 13.25 crore+ to beat Bachchhan Paandey and secure a spot for itself. Post that, it will be competing against Sky Force, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, and other competitors.
Check out Akshay Kumar’s top 10 post-COVID openers at the Indian box office (net collection):
- Sooryavanshi: 26.29 crore
- Bade Miyan Chote Miyan: 16.07 crore
- Sky Force: 15.30 crore
- Ram Setu: 15.25 crore
- Bachchhan Paandey: 13.25 crore
- Jolly LLB 3: 12.5 crore
- Samrat Prithviraj: 10.70 crore
- OMG 2: 10.26 crore
- Raksha Bandhan: 8.20 crore
- Kesari Chapter 2: 7.84 crore