Mid-April releases: Bhooth Bangla in theatres Apr 17; Toaster and Matka King headline OTT
Mid-April is shaping up to be busy for Indian entertainment, with a cluster of theatrical and streaming launches around April 17, 2026. Leading the lineup is Akshay Kumar’s return with director Priyadarshan in the horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, releasing in cinemas on April 17 with paid previews the night before.
On streaming, Netflix’s dark comedy Toaster arrives April 15, while Amazon Prime Video’s period drama series Matka King is set for April 17. Two February releases are also expected to land on OTT that week. Bhooth Bangla reunites Kumar and Priyadarshan after 14 years for a fantasy horror-comedy set in Mangalpur.
The story follows Arjun Acharya, who inherits a haunted ancestral palace and goes ahead with his sister’s wedding there despite warnings of a curse tied to a supernatural entity named Vadhusur, triggering a string of eerie mishaps. The ensemble includes Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi, and comic veterans Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, and Asrani.
On April 15, Netflix premieres Toaster, a Hindi-language dark comedy starring Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra. The film tracks Ramakant, a penny-pincher determined to reclaim an expensive toaster he gifted at a wedding that is abruptly called off, spiraling him and his wife into a chain of crime-laced, darkly comic events.
Archana Puran Singh and Abhishek Banerjee co-star. The project marks the debut production of KAMPA Films, founded by Rao and Patralekhaa. Amazon Prime Video’s Matka King, directed by Nagraj Manjule, bows on April 17.
Set in 1960s Mumbai, the series follows the fictional rise of an ordinary man to power in the betting world as the so-called “Matka King.” Vijay Varma leads a cast that includes Kritika Kamra, Sai Tamhankar, and Gulshan Grover, with the drama delving into the underbelly of gambling, crime, and power in old Bombay.
Do Deewane Seher Mein, a contemporary romantic drama led by Siddhant Chaturvedi and Mrunal Thakur, is expected to premiere on Netflix on April 17 following its theatrical release on February 20. Set in a fast-paced metropolis, it follows two misfits who forge an unexpected bond as they navigate personal insecurities and the pressures of city life, positioning itself as a modern take on urban relationships.
Assi, an investigative courtroom drama starring Taapsee Pannu and directed by Anubhav Sinha, is expected to stream on ZEE5 on April 17 after its February 20 theatrical run. The film features Kani Kusruti, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Kumud Mishra, and Naseeruddin Shah, and centers on legal battles, investigation, and social issues.
An official OTT release confirmation is still awaited. With cinema and OTT platforms rolling out titles across genres—from horror-comedy and dark satire to period crime drama and contemporary romance—mid-April offers a broad slate for audiences, while two streaming dates remain listed as expected pending final confirmation.