MUMBAI, April 17 — Director Priyadarshan returns to his familiar “horror-comedy” playground with Bhooth Bangla, featuring Akshay Kumar in the lead role. The film attempts to blend the slapstick humor of the mid-2000s with modern supernatural storytelling, resulting in an experience that leans significantly on audience nostalgia.
The story involves an inheritance that leads the protagonist, Arjun, into the heart of a cursed village. Tasked with readying an ancestral palace for a family wedding, Arjun must deal with the myth of a bride-stealing demon. The script, penned by Aakash Kaushik, draws comparisons to other contemporary hits in the genre, creating a familiar atmosphere for viewers.
Reviews affirmed that the technical aspects of the film are a highlight. The use of Chomu Palace—a location previously seen in Bhool Bhulaiyaa—adds to the nostalgic feel, while the visual effects are stated to be some of the best in recent Priyadarshan outings. Akshay Kumar’s natural knack for comedy is declared the engine of the movie, keeping the audience engaged even when the plot feels repetitive.
The film also serves as a tribute to veteran actor Asrani, who delivers a poignant performance in a substantial role. Rajpal Yadav’s inclusion was noted as a welcome return to form, providing much of the film’s physical humor. On the other hand, some critics maintained that the narrative becomes overly complex in the second half, suggesting that tighter editing could have made the final act more effective.
While the film may not break new ground, it was noted that Bhooth Bangla succeeds in maintaining a professional, polished tone throughout its runtime. The combination of Kumar’s reliability and the director’s established style ensures that the film remains a colorful, if somewhat overstuffed, addition to the ongoing wave of Indian horror-comedies.
