Mumbai, May 4 (IANS): The clash of the titans - Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan-- at the box office has been averted. SRK's "Raees", which was slated to release on Eid this year, has been pushed ahead.

The film will now be making its way into the theatres on Republic Day, which falls on January 26, next year.

A lot of buzz was created when the news about “Raees” releasing on the same date as Salman's “Sultan” came out.

Set in 1980s Gujarat, "Raees" tells the story of a bootlegger whose business is thwarted by a tough policeman. The film is produced by Excel Entertainment and Red Chillies Entertainment.

The producers shared the news of change in release date via an official statement.

The joint statement by Ritesh Sidhwani, Shah Rukh and Farhan Akhtar read: “It was not an easy decision to move the film. We understand that 'Raees' is highly anticipated. However, a film of such magnitude requires the appropriate showcasing and therefore, we have decided to shift our release date to January 26 2017.”

Directed by Rahul Dholakia, the film also features Nawazuddin Siddiqui and marks the Bollywood debut of Pakistani actress Mahira Khan.

While the film buffs as well as critics termed it to be a clash of superstars, the actors had maintained that it will be a treat for the movie lovers. Shah Rukh had said: “There is nothing like a clash as there will be films which will come together, release together”, and Salman had hoped that it motivates theatre chains to increase the film exhibition space in the country.