Akshay Kumar's new look Bachchan Pandey to arrive on 22 January 2021

Monday morning began with the sudden revelation that Farhad Samji's Bachchan Pandey, starring Akshay Kumar, will give way to Laal Singh Chaddha having a solo release in Christmas 2020. Soon after, Akshay Kumar has confirmed that he will choose a January 2021 release to start the new year with Bachchan Pandey (2021). Backed by Sajid Nadiadwala, Bachchan Pandey will release on 22 January 2021. 

The musical chair of releases began with Aamir Khan tweeting the early Monday news suggesting that he has been successful in securing a solo release for Laal Singh Chaddha. Khan tweeted that the makers of Bachchan Pandey had agreed to shift the release date following a personal request and conversation. 

Soon after, Akshay Kumar tweeted out a new first look for the Farhad Samji film along with its release date. Where the first look featured a sharper mustachioed Kumar, dressed in a black dhoti, carrying a scimitar, the new look is wilder. The image captures a one-eyed Kumar, with a scar running down his face. In addition to these, the look also features a red bandana and a greying beard that are very different to the first look poster released with the film's launch. 

The actor also shared the post with the captions 'Anytime Aamir Khan, we're all friends here' followed by an 'upside-down smiley' emoji. The emoji is often used to convey irony or sarcasm, which leaves more questions unanswered. 

Bachchan Pandey is directed by Farhad Samji, and will also feature Kriti Sanon in the lead. The film will now release on 22 January 2021.