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March 2026 was shaping up to be one of the most exciting months at the Indian box office, with multiple big-ticket releases lining up across languages.
However, a series of postponements by several films have now significantly altered the release calendar. From Gabru and Dacoit to Ram Charan’s much-awaited Peddi and even Ayushmann Khurrana’s Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, filmmakers appear to be rethinking their strategies. With Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Yash’s Toxic set for a high-stakes clash on March 19, a big question hangs in the air: are these postponements a direct result of the Dhurandhar 2 - Toxic aka the 'Dhuroxic' effect?
Sunny Deol's film fourth mega project to back out of March release
According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, Sunny Deol’s Gabru was originally slated to hit theatres on March 13. However, the makers have now decided to delay the release. A source told the publication that the makers are considering a few more options and will lock a date soon. An official announcement will follow. While the makers have not officially cited a reason, multiple factors are at play.
he impending clash between Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Toxic on March 19 has made the release environment extremely competitive. With Sunny Deol enjoying a strong box office resurgence after the blockbuster success of Gadar 2 (2023) and Border 2, the makers of Gabru reportedly feel it is wiser to arrive when audience availability is higher and screen space is less contested.
Dacoit, Peddi to release in April
Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur’s much-anticipated action drama Dacoit has also officially moved out of March. Initially scheduled for a March 19 release, the film will now hit theatres on April 10. The announcement was made by the makers on Wednesday, making it clear that the decision was taken to avoid a direct box office clash with Dhurandhar 2 and Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-Ups. In an official statement, the team said that Dacoit, is an ambitious, content-led theatrical project and the makers have taken this decision keeping long-term audience engagement at the centre of it all.
The move also takes into account the overall congestion in March, which includes not just Dhurandhar and Toxic, but also Pawan Kalyan’s Ustaad Bhagat Singh. By opting for April, the makers hope Dacoit will get a clearer run at the box office without being overshadowed by simultaneous big releases.
Meanwhile, Ram Charan’s pan-India film Peddi has officially been postponed, ending weeks of speculation. Director Buchi Babu Sana confirmed that the film, earlier slated for a March release, will now arrive in cinemas on April 30, 2026. Reports state that the makers are keen on securing a solo release window, especially since Peddi is being mounted as a multi-language, pan-India project. The March 26 slot originally earmarked for Peddi has now been taken by Pawan Kalyan’s Ustaad Bhagat Singh.
Pati Patni Aur Woh Do postpones Holi release
Ayushmann Khurrana’s Pati Patni Aur Woh Do is another film that has quietly moved out of March. Originally scheduled for a Holi release on March 4, 2026, the romantic comedy has been delayed due to pending VFX work and song shoots. As per Bollywood Hungama reports, the semi-finals and finals of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled between March 4 and 8, along with Ramzan and the Dhurandhar - Toxic clash later in the month, made March an unattractive window.
Taken together, these shifts clearly indicate that the massive scale and anticipation surrounding Dhurandhar 2 and Toxic have had a ripple effect across the industry. With exhibitors, distributors and filmmakers all vying for optimal screens and audience attention, many have chosen caution over confrontation. As things stand, March 2026 may still see fireworks at the box office, but it is evident that several films have strategically stepped aside to fight another day.
