Bad news for Vicky Kaushal fans—if you’ve been counting the days to Christmas 2026 to finally watch Mahavatar, you might have to add another year to that wait. According to recent reports, Maddock Films’ ambitious mythological saga could be postponed to 2027. This news came as a surprise, especially because the film’s first look, revealed last year, created massive hype. From the grand visuals to Vicky’s powerful screen presence, everything about Mahavatar screamed “event film.” But now, word is that the shoot has been pushed, and the film won’t even go on floors until April 2026, making it almost impossible to meet its original release date.
Why the Delay?
The biggest reason behind this shift is scheduling conflicts. Vicky Kaushal is currently tied up with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-talked-about period romance Love & War. The film, also starring Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, has turned into a massive production and is taking longer than expected to complete. Reports suggest Vicky has committed nearly 200 days to the project, which began shooting in late 2024 and will continue until late 2025. That leaves very little room for a large-scale project like Mahavatar, which needs extensive prep, long schedules, and heavy post-production work. With Bhansali’s films known for their grandeur and attention to detail, delays are often expected, but they do tend to cause a ripple effect on other commitments.
What Makes Mahavatar Special?
Producer Dinesh Vijan has already called Mahavatar Maddock Films’ “largest production venture to date,” which says a lot considering the studio’s track record with hits like Stree and Chhaava. The film is expected to explore deep-rooted Indian mythology, something Bollywood rarely tackles at this scale.
Vijan, speaking at WAVES 2025, emphasized the importance of telling culturally rich stories that resonate with both domestic and global audiences. He said, “Any region that breaks out into the world first explores within. We’re finally understanding that stories need to be made for the common man.” This gives us an idea of the vision Maddock has for Mahavatar—not just another big-budget spectacle, but a story that’s authentic and relatable.
What Does This Mean for Fans?
Fans who have been eagerly waiting might feel disappointed, but a delay like this isn’t always a bad thing. Big-budget films, especially those that deal with mythology and heavy VFX, need time to get everything right. Look at Hollywood’s big epics; they take years to develop, and the payoff is often worth it. While the wait may be frustrating, it’s also an opportunity for the team to deliver something truly spectacular. Plus, 2026 won’t be completely Vicky-free. His film Love & War is expected to release in March 2026, promising a big cinematic event in itself. It might even give fans a completely different side of Vicky before he transforms into his mythological avatar.
Can Mahavatar Still Create Magic?
Absolutely. If anything, the delay might increase anticipation. Mahavatar already has the advantage of a star like Vicky Kaushal, who’s proven his versatility with films like Uri, Sardar Udham, and Chhaava. Add to that Maddock Films’ knack for smart, audience-friendly content, and you have a project that could genuinely push boundaries. A 2027 release might even give the film a bigger window, away from overcrowded schedules and holiday clashes. As of now, the only thing confirmed is that Mahavatar is happening, just not when we first expected. And if the team uses this time to perfect the story, visuals, and scale, fans may find the wait completely justified.
