The highly anticipated mythological saga gets pushed back as the actor juggles multiple high-profile commitments
Fans eagerly awaiting Vicky Kaushal’s transformation into the legendary warrior Parashurama will have to exercise a little more patience. The actor’s ambitious mythological project, Mahavatar, has reportedly been delayed from its original Christmas 2026 release to sometime in 2027.
A Scheduling Challenge
The postponement stems from Kaushal’s packed filming schedule, particularly his involvement in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period romance Love & War. According to industry sources, the Bhansali production is taking longer than anticipated to wrap up, creating a domino effect on the actor’s subsequent projects.
Originally planned to begin production in the final quarter of 2024, Mahavatar will now likely commence filming in April 2025. This shift makes a December 2026 theatrical release virtually impossible, pushing the film’s debut into the following year.
Maddock’s Most Ambitious Venture
Producer Dinesh Vijan, speaking at the WAVES 2025 conference, described Mahavatar as Maddock Films’ most ambitious undertaking to date. The veteran producer emphasized the importance of creating content that resonates with Indian cultural values while appealing to a broader audience.
“We’re finally understanding that stories need to be made for the common man,” Vijan noted during his panel discussion. “Any region that breaks out into the world first explores deeply within that region. Post-pandemic, we’re getting our act together in presenting stories deeply connected to our culture.”
The Viral First Look
Last year’s revelation of Kaushal’s fierce warrior avatar sent social media into overdrive. The actor’s first look as Chiranjeevi Parashurama showcased a dramatic transformation that immediately captured public imagination. His announcement post declared: “Dinesh Vijan brings to life the story of the eternal warrior of dharma! Vicky Kaushal stars as Chiranjeevi Parashurama in #Mahavatar, directed by Amar Kaushik.”
A Promising Collaboration
The project brings together an exciting creative team, with Stree director Amar Kaushik at the helm. This collaboration between Kaushal and Kaushik has generated significant buzz, given the director’s proven track record in balancing commercial appeal with innovative storytelling.
Meanwhile, Love & War Progresses
While Mahavatar faces delays, Kaushal remains busy with Bhansali’s Love & War, where he shares screen space with Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. This star-studded period romance is currently scheduled for a March 2026 release, marking another significant milestone in the actor’s evolving career.
The delay, while disappointing for fans, ensures that both projects receive the attention and production values they deserve. For an actor who has consistently chosen quality over quantity, this strategic scheduling may ultimately benefit the final product that audiences will experience in theaters.
