Akshay's 'Sooryavanshi', Ranveer's '83' confirm theatrical release dates

The announcements come at a time when a slew of films -- including big-ticket releases like the Akshay Kumar-starrer "Laxmmi Bomb", "Bhuj" starring Ajay Devgn, and the Alia Bhatt-starrer "Sadak 2" -- committed for digital release on Monday, among other hyped projects.

While there is no information yet on when cinema halls will reopen, multiplex chains have confirmed the release date of the most awaited films of the year.

"Exciting times ahead.. Gearing up to release Rohit Shetty's 'Sooryavanshi' on Diwali and Kabir Khan's '83' on Christmas this 2020!," a tweet by PVR Cinemas read.

Trade expert Taran Adarsh also posted: "BIGGG DEVELOPMENT... #Sooryavanshi and #83TheFilm to release in *theatres* first... Plans to release #Sooryavanshi in #Diwali and #83TheFilm in #Christmas *IN CINEMAS*."

In Rohit Shetty's "Sooryavanshi", Akshay will be seen as ATS officer Veer Sooryavanshi on a lookout for terrorists planning a deadly strike on Mumbai. Ajay Devgn and Ranveer Singh will also reprise their roles of Singham and Simmba in cameos, to help Akshay bust the terror plot. Actress Katrina Kaif will be seen as Veer Sooryavanshi's wife while Jackie Shroff plays the antagonist. "Sooryavanshi" also features Gulshan Grover, Abhimanyu Singh, Niharica Raizada, Sikandar Kher and Nikitin Dheer. The film is presented by Reliance Entertainment.

Directed by Kabir Khan, "83" narrates the story of India's first-ever cricket World Cup victory in 1983. In the movie, Ranveer Singh stars as the underdog team's captain Kapil Dev while Deepika Padukone plays Kapil's wife Romi Dev. The film also features Pankaj Tripathi, Saqib Saleem, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Harrdy Sandhu, Ammy Virk, Jiiva, Sahil Khattar, Chirag Patil and Adinath Kothare in key roles.

On Monday, it was announced that biggies including "Laxmmi Bomb", "Bhuj: The Pride Of India" and "Sadak 2", besides Sushant Singh Rajput's last film "Dil Bechara", "The Big Bull" which marks the return of Abhishek Bachchan, the Vidyut Jammwal-starrer "Khuda Haafiz" and "Lootcase" featuring Kunal Kemmu, will go for straight-to-OTT release on Disney+ Hotstar Multiplex.

The seven films have been lined up for premiering on the streaming platform July 24 onwards, starting with "Dil Bechara".