India, Oct. 31 -- It's still over two months to go for 2026 to arrive, but the film release calendar for the year is already crowding up. As filmmakers and stars scurry to 'book' festive release dates, it has created a crowded release weekend in March. Two festivals - Gudi Padwa and Eid - are coinciding, leading to four big films in three languages releasing pan-India on the same weekend. This Rs.700 crore clash is one of the biggest talking points of 2026 already.

Gudi Padwa, an auspicious day for Marathi Hindus and Konkanis, falls on March 19 next year. Eid-ul-fitr also falls on the same weekend, either on March 19 or 20, subject to sighting of the moon. This gives the weekend a slightly longer festive off, ripe for big films. As a res...