Padmaavat to enjoy solo release on 25 Jan as Akshay Kumar heeds Bhansali's request

The big clash on the Republic Day weekend has now been averted. In a press conference held in Mumbai, Akshay Kumar announced that the release of his upcoming film, Pad Man, has been postponed to 9 February. Akshay said that the decision to postpone the film was taken after a personal request from Padmaavat director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali. 

Directed by R Balki, Pad Man was set to clash with Bhansali's much delayed and controversial Padmaavat on 25 January. As things stand, the Akshay Kumar-Radhika Apte-starrer will now be released on 9 February and clash with Neeraj Pandey's Aiyaary. 

Speaking at the press conference, Akshay suggested that he arrived at the decision on Bhansali's request. "While I was rehearsing for Filmfare, Sanjay Leela Bhansali came and requested me to postpone the film. I agreed because I understand the film has gone through a lot and a lot of money is at stake," said Akshay.

Bhansali's film has received clearance from the Supreme Court after having been opposed by the fringe group, Rajput Karni Sena. However, the film will now enjoy a solo release on 25 January. 

Thanking Akshay for his decision, Bhansali said, "I will always be thankful to him. It shows his large heart." 

The decision to delay his film is also an economic one. Akshay said, "It's very essential for them to release at this time. Yes, we both can come and share screens. But their stakes are much higher." 

The decision now spells threat for the Sidharth Malhotra-Manoj Bajpayee-starrer, Aiyaary, as well as Luv Ranjan's Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, which will be released on the same date.