Name: Bhooth Bangla
Genre: Horror, Comedy
Released: 2026-04-16
Rating: 6.8
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Wamiqa Gabbi, Paresh Rawal, Tabu, Rajpal Yadav

A haunted bungalow becomes the stage for a chaotic clash of laughter, fear, and unsettling surprises. Blending comedy, horror, and thriller elements, the story follows a spooky ride where nothing inside the bangla is quite what it seems.

Bhooth Bangla

Bollywood Hungama

Times of India

Taran Adarsh

Pinkvilla

Akash Kaushik's story has tremendous potential. Priyadarshan, Abilash Nair and Rohan Shankar's screenplay has its share of plusses. However, the writing could have been sharper, especially in the second half. Rohan Shankar's dialogues impress, especially the funny ones. A few one-liners will bring the house down.

Priyadarshan's direction is decent. The biggest plus point is that he ensures the humour lands correctly. He's back in form and the way he has executed humour will make viewers nostalgic, reminding them of his earlier gems like HERA PHERI [2000], HUNGAMA [2003], HULCHUL [2004], etc. Hence, expect a lot of physical comedy, characters screaming at each other, misunderstandings leading to maddening humour, etc. The intermission point comes as a bolt from the blue and is quite unexpected. Visually, the film is quite splendid and will be a treat to witness on the big screen.


On the flipside, while Priyadarshan handles the humour in the first half like a pro, he falters in the post-interval portions when the horror takes centerstage. The backstory fails to entice and gives a déjà vu of BHOOL BHULAIYAA [2007]. The climax is quite lengthy and despite the best effort, it doesn't grip viewers. A few characters shockingly disappear in the second half. Even the ones that enter the narrative post-interval don't get justified screen time.
Bhooth Bangla Movie Review Performances:
Akshay Kumar is simply superb and he enhances several scenes. There is no match to his comic timing and he also does very well in the serious scenes. Rajpal Yadav comes next and he dominates several key sequences in the first half. His tu-tu main-main with Akshay is arguably the best part of the film. Paresh Rawal is lovely and nicely contributes to the chaos. The late Asrani is too good and his funny scenes in the first half are memorable. Bhavna Pani (Ragini) leaves a huge mark. Jisshu Sengupta, Rajesh Sharma, Manoj Joshi (Govind Maharaj) and Zakir Hussain (Vashishtha Guruji) do well. Speaking of the actresses, Mithila Palkar has the best role and is dependable. Tabu is quite arresting; however, she is hardly there. Wamiqa Gabbi puts her best foot forward, but her track seems forced and doesn't contribute to the narrative.

Bhooth Bangla movie music and other technical aspects
Pritam's music is okay. Only one song is catchy - 'Ram Ji Aake Bhala Karenge'. 'O Sundari' and 'Tu Hi Disda' are okay, while 'O Re O Saawariya' works because of the visuals. Ronnie Raphael's background score is functional.

Divakar Mani's cinematography is top-notch. Sabu Cyril's production design is first-rate, while V Sai Babu, Dhanya Balakrishnan, Veera Kapur Ee and Rimple & Harpreet's costumes are glamorous. WRC Studio LLP's VFX is impressive. Stunt Selva and Ravi Thyagarajan's action is entertaining but also gory in some scenes. Aiyappan Nair M S's editing could have been slicker.

Bhooth Bangla Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, BHOOTH BANGLA is a fair entertainer that works best for its humour, performances and old-school Priyadarshan-style chaos. While the first half is highly enjoyable and packed with laughs, the second half loses some steam due to an underwhelming backstory and an overlong climax. At the box office, the solo release along with a clean window for two weeks, can lead to an impressive box office lifetime, especially if it clicks with the audience.

Director Priyadarshan delivers the second Hindi horror comedy of his career after Bhool Bhulaiya. This time, it is an out-and-out horror tale rather than a psychological drama. The film revolves around a demonic entity, Vadhusur, who abducts and kills newlywed brides, forcing villagers to stop marrying in the village, while those who cannot travel to neighbouring Gangapur remain unmarried.
Meera is planning a destination wedding, and when a couple of locations are rejected by her would-be in-laws, Arjun travels from London to Mangalpur to arrange his sister’s wedding at their ancestral palace. The mansion is haunted, abandoned, and in shambles, prompting locals, including the manager Shambhu (Govardhan Asrani), to advise against holding the wedding there or even staying on the property. But Arjun dismisses this as an old wives’ tale and a ploy to usurp the palace. He then brings in a wedding planner (Paresh Rawal) and his oddball nephew Balli (Rajpal Yadav). What follows is a string of comedic yet scary events, along with the unravelling of the mystery behind Vadhusur and whatever it is that has drawn Arjun and Meera there.
The film’s narrative and treatment follow a familiar path, drawing on the nostalgia of Bhool Bhulaiya and even Bhagam Bhag. The first half is entertaining, driven by Priyadarshan’s brand of raucous comedy, and many scenes will have viewers guffawing as the quartet of Kumar, Rawal, Yadav, and Asrani embrace the physicality and exaggeration with gusto. There’s a scene where Arjun performs a pooja for his sister’s wedding, and the guruji asks him to pick up a sword, saying, “Ab isey kaato,” meaning for him to chop off a plant’s trunk, but Arjun bites the sword instead. The comic timing here, and in most of the film’s humorous moments, is noteworthy.
While there are a few chilling scenes in the first half, the narrative turns fully horror after the interval. A flashback sets the context for the palace’s haunted history and the truth behind Vadhusur. However, the screenplay turns messy, and both the creatures and some of the set pieces come across as gimmicky in places, especially toward the climax. The film’s length also feels plodding, especially in the second half, which loses steam and sharpness.
The horror-comedy undoubtedly belongs to Akshay Kumar, who sinks his teeth into the role of an almost bumbling and often insolent character. Late actor Asrani, Paresh Rawal, and Rajpal Yadav are in familiar territory, but they pull it off well. Tabu, in a guest appearance, delivers a strong performance, as does Jisshu Sengupta. Wamiqa Gabbi lends able support, but her character is underwritten and feels predictable.
While the first half of Bhooth Bangla is thoroughly entertaining and keeps one hooked, a crisper narrative and a shorter runtime would have made this horror comedy far more effective. Still, it still delivers enough laughs for a decent one-time watch.


An entertainer that works for most parts... The #AkshayKumar - #Priyadarshan combo doesn't disappoint – the chills and chuckles are in equal measure. #BhoothBanglaReview

The initial sequences may give an impression that #BhoothBangla borrows from #RajkumarKohli's massive hit #JaaniDushman [1979; #SunilDutt, #SanjeevKumar, #ShatrughanSinha, #Jeetendra], but the similarities end with the newly-wed brides being targeted.

#BhoothBangla blends horror and comedy across its 2.45-hour narrative, with the first half leaning towards humour, while the post-interval portions delve into a darker past.

The humour works, although a few sequences may come across as slightly naughty... It's the eerie atmosphere that forms the backbone, while the attention-grabbing VFX enhances the film's visual appeal.

#Priyadarshan, known for his impeccable comic timing, ensures the narrative remains engaging, although [i] the writing could've been sharper and [ii] the runtime could've been tighter.

The backstory in the second half evokes memories of #BhoolBhulaiyaa... However, the onscreen presentation could have been simpler.

To his credit, the veteran storyteller keeps you hooked, springing surprises at regular intervals – with the interval twist delivering a major, unexpected jolt.

#AkshayKumar is in top form... His comic timing, expressions, and effortless switch between fear and humour are a delight to watch.

#Tabu is effective, although an actress of her calibre deserved more power-packed moments... #WamiqaGabbi barely gets any scope... Ditto for #MithilaPalkar, who has limited screen time.

It's #PareshRawal and #RajpalYadav who deliver several laugh-out-loud moments – both excel... The late #Asrani leaves a mark.

#BhavnaPani is too good... #JisshuSengupta, #ZakirHussain, and #RajeshSharma are competent, as always... #ManojJoshi is wasted.

The soundtrack is a mixed bag – #RamjiAakeBhalaKarenge stands out, while the remaining songs range from decent to okay.

⭐️ Final word? Worth a watch for its genuinely funny moments and a fair share of eerie chills.


The casting is a winner! The reunion of Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan after 14 years is nothing short of a celebration for cinephiles. Adding to the charm are Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav, integral parts of Priyadarshan’s cult comedy universe.

When it comes to situational comedy, Priyadarshan remains unmatched. The first half is a delightful ride, cleverly weaving in dialogues reminiscent of Bhaagam Bhaag, Hungama, and Chup Chup Ke, seamlessly blending nostalgia with the narrative.
The film scores high on the nostalgia meter. The palace setting and a particular dance performance evoke a strong Bhool Bhulaiyaa deja vu. The dialogues consistently land, ensuring plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

A major highlight is the visual effects. The second half, driven by a crucial plot twist, relies heavily on VFX, and surprisingly, it is executed with finesse, something rarely seen in this genre.
Akshay Kumar steals the show, overshadowing almost every character with his impeccable comic timing. He transitions effortlessly between comedy, emotion, and action, once again proving why he remains the undisputed king of comedy.
Rajpal Yadav (Balli) is an absolute riot. His mere presence on the big screen is enough to leave you in splits. His camaraderie with Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal is pure entertainment gold.

The late Asrani ji gets ample screen time, and his command over dialogue delivery and body language adds gravitas to the film.

Paresh Rawal (Jaggu) is in top form, delivering laugh after laugh. His dynamic with both Arjun and Balli, despite their mutual dislike, creates a hilariously chaotic equation that works beautifully.

Wamiqa Gabbi, Mithila Palkar, and Jisshu Sengupta lend able support, while Tabu, in a brief role, leaves a mark with her versatility.

Final Word:
Stay prepared for jump scares; don't tell us that we didn't warn you!

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Pinkvilla. No statement in this article is intended to defame, harm, or malign any individual or entity.

Bhooth Bangla -Official Trailer| Akshay Kumar, Tabu, Paresh, Wamiqa, Priyadarshan |In Cinemas 16 Apr

Bhooth Bangla -Official Teaser | Akshay Kumar, Tabu, Paresh, Wamiqa, Priyadarshan |In Cinemas 10 Apr

From being a small chef in Bangkok to becoming one of the biggest superstars of India, Akshay Kumar’s journey has been incredible. Popularly known as the “Khiladi” of movies, Akshay is a mass entertainer who has mastered comedy, action, drama & suspense. Winner of the National Film Award for Rustom, Akshay has appeared in over a hundred movies. He is best known for movies like Hera Pheri (2000), Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), Airlift (2016), Namastey London (2007), Baby (2015) & Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017). The Padma Shri awardee actor is married to writer, actor & producer Twinkle Khanna.

Akshay Kumar

Wamiqa Gabbi is an actress who primarily works in South Indian Cinema. He made his screen debut with the Hindi film Bittoo Boss in 2012. She has also appeared in Punjabi language movies like Tu Mera 22 Mai Tera 22 and Ishq Brandy. Some of her best known films also include Maalai Nerathu Mayakkam, Bhale Manchi Roju, Parahuna and Godha. Gabbi is also a professional Kathak dancer.

Wamiqa Gabbi

An Indian actor and politician, he is largely known for his extensive work in Bollywood. Owing to his fluency in multiple languages such as Hindi, English, Marathi, Gujarati and Telugu, he has acted out in several regional films as well. Primarily, he started off with negative roles but eventually has established himself in comedy films as well. The versatile actor has delivered many memorable performances in films such as Andaz Apna Apna (1994), Chachi 420 (1997), Hera Pheri (2000), Table No. 21 (2013), Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), Welcome (2007), OMG - Oh My God! (2012), Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) and many others. He has bagged several awards including Padma Shri, National Film Awards and Filmfare for his outstanding cinematic performances.

Paresh Rawal

Rajpal Yadav

One of the most prominent faces in the Indian film industry, Tabu was born on 4th November 1971. Recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri Award for her contribution to Indian cinema, Tabu’s film career spreads over two decades. She made her acting debut in 1991 with the Telugu film Coolie No. 1. Tabu is best known for movies like Maachis (1996), Kaalapaani (1996), Virasat (1997), Chandni Bar (2001), Maqbool (2003), Border (1997), Biwi No. 1 (1999), Chandni Bar (2001), Maqbool (2003), Cheeni Kum (2007), Haider (2014), Drishyam (2015) and Golmaal Again (2017). She has won the National Film Award for Best Actor twice. Interestingly, Tabu is the niece of the veteran actress Shabana Azmi.

Tabu

Mithila Palkar is an Indian actor who rose to fame after appearing in the web-series Little Things (2016). She also featured in web-series' like Official Chukyagiri (2016), Girl In The City (2016) as well as its sequel Girl In The City Chapter 2 (2017). Apart from this, Mithila has also acted in the Marathi movie Muramba (2017).

Mithila Palkar

Govardhan Asrani popularly known simply as Asrani, is an Indian actor and director whose Bollywood career has spanned five decades. He has acted in over 350 Hindi films. Asrani has played the lead hero, character roles, comedic roles and supporting roles. He is best known for his role in Sholay as a jailer.

Asrani

Manoj Joshi

Jisshu Sengupta is an actor who primarily appears in Bengali and Hindi cinema. He rose to fame playing the role of Vedic spiritual leader Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in a Bengali TV series, earning both commercial and critical acclaim. His big screen debut was the 1999 film Priyojon and has been working in films across a variety of genres since then. Some of his most notable works have been in Noukadubi, Shob Charitro Kalponik, Love, Posto, Jaatishwar and Uma. His Bollywood appearances include films like Barfi, Piku, Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, Bose: The Forgotten Hero, Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi etc.

Jisshu Sengupta

Rajesh Sharma is a Hindi and Bengali film actor. He made his acting debut in 1996 with the iconic movie Maachis. He is married to Bengali actor, Sudipta Chakraborty. Some of his famous movies include Khosla Ka Ghosla, Ishqiya, No One Killed Jessica, Chillar Party, The Dirty Picture, Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana, Special 26 and B.A. Pass.

Bhooth Bangla(2026)