The competitive landscape of the Bollywood box office has seen an early strategic move for 2026, with a major film opting to shift its release date to avoid a direct clash with a Salman Khan powerhouse. The film in question, Alia Bhatt’s highly anticipated thriller Alpha, has been postponed by its makers, acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by the superstar’s upcoming project, Battle of Galwan. This decision underscores the immense gravitational pull of a Salman Khan release, especially following his milestone 60th birthday celebration.

The Clash That Wasn't: Alpha Moves Out

Industry sources have confirmed that the team behind Alpha has proactively adjusted its release schedule. Initially slated for an April 17, 2026 release, the film—which is expected to be directed by Taran Adarsh—will now arrive in theaters on a later, yet-to-be-announced date.

This strategic postponement was revealed by industry insider Taran Adarsh on social media, where he indicated that director Aditya Chopra made the final decision. The move is a clear measure to secure a cleaner run at the box office, minimizing direct competition with the high-stakes military drama Battle of Galwan. This choice reflects a pragmatic understanding of the Bollywood ecosystem, where going head-to-head with a major Salman Khan starrer can significantly impact opening weekend collections.

Battle of Galwan: A Powerful Start to 2026

The reason for Alpha's caution lies squarely with the magnitude of Battle of Galwan. The film is shaping up to be one of the most significant releases scheduled to kick off 2026, promising a powerful and patriotic cinematic experience.

Headlining the project is Salman Khan, who leads a cast directed by Apoorva Lakhia, known for his intense directorial style showcased in films like Shootout at Lokhandwala. The movie is set to be a hard-hitting war film, centered specifically on the 2020 India-China clash in the Galwan Valley of Ladakh. Early descriptions emphasize the film's focus on the intense hand-to-hand combat witnessed during the real-life incident, suggesting a raw and emotionally charged narrative that is likely to draw massive public interest.

Box Office Strategy: Post-Eid Run Predicted

The strategic shift in Alpha's date provides a telling insight into the planning around Battle of Galwan. Industry estimates suggest that the makers of the Salman Khan-led film are likely positioning it for a lucrative post-Eid box office run. An Eid release is a traditional blockbuster slot for Salman Khan, guaranteeing an enormous opening. However, scheduling the film immediately after this window allows it to capitalize on the festive momentum while giving the team ample time for promotions and post-production polish.

The decision by Alpha’s producers is a timely reminder that even established stars like Alia Bhatt must navigate the formidable presence of a superstar like Salman Khan. This strategic maneuvering sets the stage for a compelling 2026, with the film industry already calculating the optimal time slots for their biggest projects.
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