MUMBAI, April 17 — Iconic cinematic duo Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan have collaborated once again for the horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, a film that relies heavily on the director’s signature chaotic energy and Kumar’s enduring comedic timing. While the film echoes the structure of their past successes, it offers a visual upgrade through modern production values.
The narrative centers on Arjun, played by Kumar, who travels from London to a palace in Mangalpur, India, inherited by his sister. The plot thickens as he confronts a local legend involving “Vadhusur,” a supernatural entity said to abduct brides. The film follows Arjun’s attempts to prepare the estate for a wedding while navigating the village’s superstitions and strange occurrences.
Critical reception notes that the film’s strengths lie in its first half, which recaptures the atmosphere of classic Priyadarshan comedies. Reviewers stated that the cinematography by Divakar Mani and the high-quality VFX provide a polished look that enhances the horror elements. Akshay Kumar’s performance was affirmed as sincere, with critics noting his ability to pivot between different genres effortlessly.
However, the film faces challenges regarding its pacing and a sprawling cast. Observers maintained that Priyadarshan’s expansive world-building occasionally causes supporting characters to lose focus, and the second half suffers from a slightly bloated runtime. The music by Pritam was described as average, though the background score by Ronnie Raphael was noted for its impact.
The supporting cast features a mix of veterans and contemporary stars. The late Asrani delivers a significant final performance, while Rajpal Yadav continues his streak of physical comedy. Tabu and Wamiqa Gabbi, however, are given limited material despite their screen presence. Ultimately, Bhooth Bangla is viewed as a fun, nostalgic trip that, while not reaching the heights of the duo’s previous classics, provides sufficient entertainment for fans of the genre.
