When Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar reunite, you don’t walk into the theatre. You arrive with expectations. After all, this is the duo behind Hera Pheri, Bhagam Bhaag, and the much-loved Bhool Bhulaiyaa. So naturally, Bhooth Bangla should have been a scream (the good kind). But what you get is a film that tries very hard to be loud, spooky, and funny — and ends up being none of the above.
The disappointment kicks in early… and stays.
The Plot: A Cursed Village
The story unfolds in the fictional village of Mangalpur, beginning with a folklore-like narration about a cursed village plagued by the kidnapping of newlywed brides by a beast (reminiscent of the 1979 film Jaani Dushman). Although initially intriguing, the storytelling quickly becomes overbearing.
The narrative then shifts to London, where logic is set aside.
What Doesn’t Work
| Outdated Humour | Jokes feel manufactured; Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav reduced to physical comedy props |
| Weak Horror | Overbearing background score confuses noise for tension; inspired by TV-style shows |
| Casting Confusion | Jisshu Sengupta (49) plays father to Akshay Kumar (58) — more amusing than the script |
| Underutilized Talent | Tabu is wasted; Wamiqa Gabbi’s character is underdeveloped and disengaged |
| Over-explanation | The folklore is explained to the point of fatigue; the film doesn’t trust the audience |
| Preachiness | Insists on underlining “putr dharma” (duties of a son), feeling completely misplaced |
The Second Half Unravels
The second half is where the film truly unravels. Instead of building pace, it gets lost in explanations, flashbacks, and prolonged reveals.
The film’s confused tonality is also problematic. A supposedly modern, UK-raised woman unquestioningly submits to regressive rituals, while her family chooses secrecy around their cursed past over her safety. It’s less dramatic tension, more narrative convenience.
What Works (Barely)
- Akshay Kumar: Appears to enjoy his role, showcasing his comfort with comedy, action, and punchlines. But even his efforts cannot salvage the indulgent script.
- Flashes of Humour: There are a few genuine laughs, but they’re fleeting.
- Music: Aside from Ram Ji Aake Bhala Karenge, the music is largely forgettable.
The Verdict
Over the years, offerings from the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise or other horror-comedy films managed to hold together the genre. Bhooth Bangla attempts the same blend but suffers from excess. There’s too much noise, too many ideas, and very little cohesion.
You walk in expecting a rollercoaster. You get a slow, creaky haunted house ride that stops way too often — and not in a fun, jump-scare way.
If only this bangla had fewer bhooths and a lot more brains.
