Akshay Kumar-Anees Bazmee Family Comedy Backed By Dil Raju Locks December 4, 2026 Release.
Akshay Kumar is set to return to his family comedy roots, and this time with two powerhouse names backing him. In an internet-breaking announcement on Friday, production house Sri Venkateswara Creations confirmed that Akshay Kumar and Anees Bazmee’s yet-untitled family comedy will hit cinemas worldwide on December 4, 2026. The project is being produced by top Telugu producer Dil Raju, marking his second major Hindi venture after Shaadi Mubarak and HIT: The First Case remake. The release date reveal has already sent Akshay fans and trade circles into a tizzy, with Akshay Kumar Anees Bazmee Dil Raju trending within minutes.
The announcement ends months of speculation around Akshay’s next in the comedy space. While the title remains under wraps, sources confirm it is a full-length family entertainer in the vein of Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Welcome, but with a fresh North-meets-South flavor. Director Anees Bazmee, who delivered blockbusters like Welcome, Singh Is Kinng, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 with Akshay, is reuniting with the star after 15+ years. The film went on floors in Hyderabad in March 2026 and is currently in its second schedule in Mumbai. Dil Raju’s SVC, known for Telugu family blockbusters like F2, F3, and Sankranthiki Vasthunam, is making a calculated entry into Hindi comedy, leveraging Akshay’s pan-India appeal and Bazmee’s mass sensibilities.
Choosing December 4, 2026 is a strategic move by the makers. The first Friday of December has historically been a strong window for family films, positioned after the Diwali rush and before the Christmas holiday crowd. With schools heading toward winter break and no major event films announced yet for that date, the Akshay-Bazmee comedy gets a clean solo run for at least two weeks. Trade expects the film to target the Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Housefull 5 audience base families, kids, and Tier-2/3 centers where Akshay’s comedy brand remains strongest. A December release also allows the team to exploit the lucrative New Year holiday period in Week 3 and 4.
The Akshay + Anees + Dil Raju combo has triggered huge buzz in trade and exhibition sectors. Akshay Kumar is coming off a mixed 2025 with Sky Force doing well and Sarfira underperforming, making this comedy crucial for his box office narrative. Anees Bazmee’s last Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 crossed ₹300Cr, proving his command over the genre. Dil Raju’s entry adds strong South distribution muscle and credibility with family audiences. Casting buzz suggests a big ensemble with two heroines and veteran comedians from both industries, though the makers are keeping names secret to maximize the first-look impact. Music is said to be by Tanishk Bagchi and Devi Sri Prasad, promising a chartbuster album.
With the release date now locked, the campaign for the untitled film will begin post-August 2026 with title reveal and first look. The December 4, 2026 slot puts it in direct competition with the award season, but a clean family comedy could be counter-programming gold. For Akshay Kumar, it’s a return to the genre that made him a household name. For Dil Raju, it’s his biggest Hindi bet yet. And for audiences, it’s the promise of laughter in cinemas to close 2026. The internet-breaking announcement has done its job now all eyes are on the title, teaser, and whether the Akshay-Bazmee magic can recreate the Welcome mania 18 years later.
