Some films hit you with nostalgia even before they properly begin. Bhooth Bangla is exactly that kind of ride. The moment you see Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan teaming up again, expectations go straight to those chaotic, laugh-out-loud classics we grew up watching. And for a while… the film actually gets close to that feeling.
The setup is simple but has that familiar spooky-comedy base. Akshay plays Arjun, a London-return guy who lands in a quiet Indian village after his sister suddenly inherits a palace. Sounds normal at first. Then comes the twist — no weddings happen in this village because some creepy force, Vadhusur, apparently steals brides. From there, things start going weird, noisy, and slightly messy.
What works early on is the tone. The first half feels like a throwback to Priyadarshan’s comfort zone. Same kind of camera movements, similar palace setting vibes (you’ll instantly think of Bhool Bhulaiyaa), and that chaotic rhythm where characters keep colliding into each other. It’s fun, a bit loud, but enjoyable. The visuals also stand out — the rustic locations look rich, and the VFX surprisingly hold up well instead of feeling fake or rushed.
But then… the film starts slipping.
Priyadarshan builds a big world here, maybe too big. Characters pop in and out randomly, some just disappear for long stretches and come back like nothing happened. The story, which should tighten in the second half, instead stretches more. It gets heavier, more plot-driven, but also slightly tiring. You can feel the film not knowing where to stop. Honestly, trimming even 10 minutes could’ve made a big difference.
Music doesn’t help much either. Pritam’s songs are mostly forgettable, except one track saved for the end credits. But the background score does lift some moments, especially during the horror-comedy mix.
Now performances — this is where the film stays afloat.
Akshay Kumar looks comfortable, almost like he’s back in his natural zone. His comic timing still works, and he carries the film even when the writing weakens. Rajpal Yadav, as expected, delivers those physical comedy bits that land well. You’ll laugh, no doubt.
There’s also a bittersweet moment with Asrani. In what feels like a farewell kind of role, he brings a warmth that hits unexpectedly. It’s not just funny — it’s a little emotional too.
Tabu and Wamiqa Gabbi, though, feel underused. Both have presence, but the script doesn’t give them enough to play with. Jisshu Sengupta fits in neatly but doesn’t stand out much.
In the end, Bhooth Bangla feels like a film stuck between past glory and present ambition. It has moments where it reminds you why this director-actor combo worked so well, but it also drifts away before it can become something memorable.
You’ll get laughs. You’ll get chaos. You might even enjoy the ride.
Just don’t walk in expecting another Bhagam Bhaag — this one’s more uneven, more scattered… but still watchable if you’re in the mood for some old-school madness.
