The much anticipated box office faceoff between Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt has been officially averted following a strategic move by producer Aditya Chopra. Originally the spy universe film Alpha starring Alia Bhatt was scheduled to release on April 17 2026 however plans changed when Salman Khan unveiled the teaser for his next major project on his sixtieth birthday. The superstar announced that his war drama titled Battle of Galwan would arrive in cinemas on the same date leading the makers of Alpha to rethink their release strategy to prevent cutting into each other business.

Industry sources indicate that Aditya Chopra decided to shift the release of Alpha out of deep respect for Salman Khan and his long standing relationship with the Yash Raj Films banner. By postponing Alpha the production house has ensured that Battle of Galwan enjoys a solo release window which is expected to maximize footfalls for the film based on the 2020 border conflict. This decision was reportedly taken immediately after the teaser drop which revealed Salman Khan playing the role of an army officer in the film directed by Apoorva Lakhia.

This is not the first time the release date for Alpha has been adjusted as it was initially eyeing a Christmas 2025 slot before moving to April 2026. With the date now vacated for Salman Khan the team at YRF is looking for a new suitable timeframe to release the first female led film in their spy universe. Meanwhile fans are celebrating the announcement of Battle of Galwan which marks another collaboration between Salman Khan and Apoorva Lakhia and promises to deliver high emotion and action centered around the bravery of Indian soldiers.

Read More: Aditya Chopra Avoids Box Office Clash Between Alpha and Salman Khan Starrer Battle of Galwan