Neeraj Pandey's Aiyaary to clash with Akshay Kumar's Padman

Earlier there was a fear that Akshay Kumar would be competing against himself with Padman being released on the same day as 2.0. That possibility was averted when the release of 2.0 was delayed.

However, Akshay Kumar will stll face stiff competition on Republic Day, 26 January 2018. Padman will lock horns with Akshay Kumar's friend Neeraj Pandey’s Aiyaary starring Manoj Bajpayee and Sidharth Malhotra.

Malhotra not only tweeted the release date announcement but also put out an ‘Aiyaary sizzler’. 

With its fast-moving visuals, the 30-second sizzler hardly gives you time to gauge what the film is about, except that Bajpayee and Malhotra’s characters, Jay Bakshi and Ajay Singh, respectively, are soldiers and the story, perhaps, revolves around terrorism.

Aiyaary has also Anupam Kher, South star Rakul Preet Singh, and veteran Naseeruddin Shah. The crisp and pacey teaser leaves you longing for more.

Neeraj Pandey has directed Akshay Kumar in films like Special 26 (2013) and Baby (2015). He had announced a third project with the star, called Crack, while the promotions of Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017) were on, but that scrip is yet to be cracked. 

An action film with Indian soldiers appears perfect for Republic Day, but Akshay Kumar's Padman is based on a real-life story and his stardom may tilt the scales in the film's favour.