It’s still over two months to go for 2026 to arrive, but the film release calendar for the year is already crowding up. As filmmakers and stars scurry to ‘book’ festive release dates, it has created a crowded release weekend in March. Two festivals – Gudi Padwa and Eid – are coinciding, leading to four big films in three languages releasing pan-India on the same weekend. This ₹700 crore clash is one of the biggest talking points of 2026 already.

Gudi Padwa, an auspicious day for Marathi Hindus and Konkanis, falls on March 19 next year. Eid-ul-fitr also falls on the same weekend, either on March 19 or 20, subject to sighting of the moon. This gives the weekend a slightly longer festive off, ripe for big films. As a result, four big titles have announced their release on that weekend.

Dhamaal 4 and Love & War clash

From Bollywood, Sanjay Leela Bhansali ’s ambitious love triangle Love and War will compete with Ajay Devgn’s Dhamaal 4. While Love and War has the stardom of Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal behind it, Dhamaal 4 has the advantage of being a franchise film, complemented by Ajay’s reach in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. Both films are scheduled to release on March 20. According to reports, the two films have a combined budget of ₹325 crore.