The release schedule of the much-anticipated film Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, starring Yash, has been postponed, setting up a fresh box office clash in Bollywood. The film, which was initially scheduled to release in March 2026, will now arrive in theatres on June 4, 2026. With the new date, it is expected to compete directly with Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, the upcoming romantic comedy starring Varun Dhawan.
The change in release plans has generated discussion within the film industry as two high-profile projects may now face each other at the box office. While Yash’s film targets a pan-India audience with a large-scale action drama, Varun Dhawan’s movie is designed as a family-oriented romantic entertainer.
Release delayed to avoid clash with ‘Dhurandhar 2’
Originally, Toxic was slated for release on March 19, 2026. However, that date also coincided with the scheduled release of Dhurandhar 2, starring Ranveer Singh. Trade analysts believed that releasing two major films on the same day could divide audiences and negatively affect the box office performance of both projects.
To avoid such a direct confrontation, the makers of Toxic decided to postpone the release. According to reports, the decision was also influenced by the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which the producers believed could affect global market conditions for the film.
The makers felt that shifting the release to June would provide a more favourable environment for the film’s international rollout. As a result, June 4, 2026, was selected as the new release date.
However, the revised schedule created an unexpected situation for another film that was already planning to release around the same time.
New box office battle with Varun Dhawan’s film
With Toxic now arriving in June, it is set to clash with Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, a romantic comedy directed by David Dhawan. The film features Varun Dhawan alongside Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde in prominent roles.
The upcoming film is expected to be a lighthearted entertainer aimed at family audiences. Known for his successful comedy films, David Dhawan is returning with a classic romantic comedy style that has been popular among mainstream Bollywood viewers.
According to reports from Bollywood Hungama, the team behind Varun Dhawan’s film was reportedly unaware of the revised release date of Toxic until the announcement was made publicly. The producers and creative team were said to have learned about the clash only after Yash shared the update on social media.
Sources suggest that this development has caused some disappointment among the makers of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, as the film had already locked its release window.
Meanwhile, the producers of Toxic have maintained that they had communicated with the team of the other film before confirming the new date. According to them, discussions were held in advance to avoid misunderstandings, and the process was handled transparently.
Trade experts believe that the situation could result in a fascinating box office contest. Yash’s film carries significant expectations following his massive success with the KGF franchise, which established him as one of India’s biggest pan-India stars.
On the other hand, Varun Dhawan has built a strong reputation in the commercial entertainment space, particularly with romantic comedies and family-friendly films directed by his father David Dhawan.
Industry observers say the two films target different audience segments. Toxic is expected to deliver a gritty action drama with large-scale production values, while Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai aims to attract viewers looking for a lighter cinematic experience.
Despite the difference in genres, the simultaneous release could still divide theatre screens and audience attention. As the release date approaches, it remains to be seen whether either production house decides to adjust its schedule or if audiences will witness one of the biggest box office clashes of 2026.
