Sidharth Malhotra MIFFED with Akshay Kumar- Sanjay Leela Bhansali?

Neeraj Pandey's directorial that was first scheduled for release of January 25, 2018, shifted it's release date to February 9, 2018 to avoid clash and give Akshay Kumar starrer "Pad Man" a solo release.

But, then, Akshay shifted his release date from January 25, 2018 to February 9, 2018 to give SLB's "Padmaavat" a solo release. This means Akshay again initiated a box office battle with "Aiyaary" team who averted the clash in the first place.

Now, during an interaction with IANS, Sidharth Malhotra, who plays a pivotal role in "Aiyaary", was asked about the clash.

To this, he revealed that the clash between his film and Akki's "Pad Man" could have been avoided. But he says he can only hope for the best now.

"Aiyaary", which has a patriotic vibe, was originally slated for release on January 25 to make the most of the long Republic Day weekend.

However, Akshay Kumar, as a move in support of Sanjay Leela Bhansali and to let "Padmaavat" get a solo release, shifted "Pad Man" to February 9, bringing the situation back to square one -- clashing with "Aiyaary".

Sidharth says: "Yes, it irritates, but now it's too late. What can we do now? Look, we announced the date first. When 'Pad Man' makers unveiled their release date, we were gracious enough to shift our release date to avoid the clash.

"This situation could have resolved earlier, people could have stuck to their dates, respecting others' space. I was not expecting the makers of 'Pad Man' to release their film with us, especially the second time. We thought we will get a solo release.

"See, eventually the fate of the film will speak for itself. We are confident about our film, it has its audience. Now that we cannot change anything, we can hope for the best."

In "Aiyaary", Sidharth plays an Army officer who has an ideological difference with another senior officer, played by Manoj Bajpayee. The movie also features Rakul Preet Singh, Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah.