Is Vicky Kaushal’s Mahavatar heading for a delay?

Vicky Kaushal’s ambitious mythological epic Mahavatar, to be directed by Stree fame Amar Kaushik and based on the life of Lord Parshuram, was announced for a grand Christmas 2026 release. However, industry whispers suggest that the film might not make it to screens on time.Currently, Vicky’s schedule is locked for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War, for which he has allotted a staggering 200 days. The film’s shoot began in late 2024 and is expected to continue till the third quarter of 2025,with the film slated to release for March 2026. Mahavatar, touted as a VFX-heavy spectacle, requires an extensive pre-production and post production phase. The first-look posters have hinted at Vicky donning an intense, warrior-like avatar, which means a drastic physical transformation for the actor.

However, Vicky has openly admitted that he struggles with putting on weight, making his bulked-up look for Mahavatar a challenge that could take months to achieve.

He had reached 105 kg for Chhava, but dropped all the weight to look sharper in Love and War, where he shares the screen with Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. On Wednesday Vicky did share a picture on his Instagram from his gym session but that is for the current film he is shooting. Even if Mahavatar manages to go on floors in late 2025 or early 2026, the film’s post-production timeline remains a major hurdle.

Given its heavy reliance on CGI and world-building, a year’s time may not be sufficient to deliver a polished product. Historical or Mythological epics with significant visual effects, such as Adipurush and Brahmāstra, have taken long time in post-production.Even Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayan which is also a VFX heavy film, despite completing its shooting in June of 2025- the film is scheduled to release only in Diwali of 2026.

Adding to the uncertainty, the production house headed by Dinesh Vijan- who is behind Mahavatar already has another film, Chamunda, lined up for release on December 4, 2026. Chamunda was announced as a part of a huge 8 film slate which will take the horror comedy universe ahead over the next few years. Out of those 8, till now only Thama is on its way for release on Diwali. Shakti Shalini which had Kiara Advani in the lead has been pushed back because of her pregnancy. And rumour suggests that Alia Bhatt was being considered for Chamunda. With all these factors at play, it wouldn’t be surprising if Mahavatar faces a delay. While the makers are holding on to the Christmas 2026 release date for now, an official revision could be on the cards soon.