THE TIMES OF INDIA | Apr 17, 2026, 06:46:17 IST
‘Bhooth Bangla’, starring Akshay Kumar in the lead, hits theaters today as one of 2026’s most anticipated Bollywood releases. Directed by Priyadarshan, the film marks the much-awaited reunion of the actor-director duo after nearly 16 years, rekindling the magic of their earlier comedy hits.
Blending horror with comedy, ‘Bhooth Bangla’ promises a mix of spooky thrills and classic situational humor. The story is said to draw from folklore and fantasy elements, creating a mysterious yet entertaining narrative set in a haunted mansion. With Priyadarshan returning to the horror-comedy genre after ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’, expectations are high for a gripping yet humorous cinematic experience.
The film boasts a strong ensemble cast including Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jisshu Sengupta, Mithila Palkar, Rajpal Yadav, Rajesh Sharma, and Asrani, many of whom have previously collaborated with the director, adding to the film’s nostalgic appeal. It is also the last on-screen appearance of the late Asrani.
Produced by Akshay Kumar along with Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor, the film has generated strong buzz with its promotional campaign and advance bookings. With its unique blend of horror, comedy, and an ensemble cast known for impeccable timing, ‘Bhooth Bangla’ aims to deliver a wholesome entertainer and revive the charm of classic Bollywood comedy on the big screen.
A person X posted, “Bhooth Bangla ke early reviews positive aa rahe hai. Kya Akshay Kumar ka comeback ho raha hai. What have you cooked Priyadarshan!”
‘Bhooth Bangla’ review: Priyadarshan’s directorial keeps you hooked till the end
The review on X read, “Finished watching #BhootBangla. While first half is vintage Priyadarshan masterclass with all the OG starcast second half is exactly like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, 3 and Stree 2 second half without the iconic Mere Dholna tune with one major flaw in writing as it has been written by the same writer who wrote Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and 3. Although it does have it’s share of edge of the seat moments and does keep you hooked till the end.”
Fans on X are celebrating ‘Bhooth Bangla’ as a comeback moment for Akshay Kumar, with many saying the “OG Akshay” is finally back on screen. Viewers have particularly praised his comic timing, energetic screen presence, and effortless dialogue delivery, elements that defined his earlier collaborations with Priyadarshan.
Several reactions highlight how the film taps into his classic humor style, blending slapstick with situational comedy.
‘Bhooth Bangla’ Twitter review
Early reactions to Akshay Kumar’s film on X suggest that the first half is packed with comedy, followed by a more serious tone (storyline) in the middle, before the humour makes a strong comeback towards the end. Overall, the Priyadarshan directorial has received positive feedback from the masses.
‘Bhooth Bangla’ review on X
An X user posted a review of the film on his account. It read, “Paresh Rawal in Bhooth Bangla is a masterclass in dry wit and deadpan perfection! ???? Nobody plays the “frustrated man surrounded by idiots” better than him, dialogue is a meme and his chemistry with The OG legend is back to claim his comedy throne! #PareshRawal #BhoothBangla”
‘Bhooth Bangla’ paid preview collection
According to Sacnilk’s early estimates, the Akshay Kumar starrer horror comedy has collected approximately Rs 3.50-3.75 crore net from its paid previews across India.
‘Bhooth Bangla’ advance booking for Day 1
According to a Sacnilk report, the Akshay Kumar-starrer has sold over 1.2 lakh tickets across India through advance bookings, with pre-release collections reaching Rs 3.32 crore.
‘Bhooth Bangla’ marks the final on-screen appearance of the late actor Asrani. The veteran icon passed away on October 20, 2025, at the age of 84.
Akshay Kumar and Priydarshan’s reunion
Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan are reuniting for a movie after almost 16 years with ‘Bhooth Bangla’. Their last collaboration was the political satire ‘Khatta Meetha’. The duo has worked on movies like ‘Hera Pheri’, ‘Garam Masala’, ‘Bhagam Bhag’, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’, and ‘De Dana Dan’.
Star cast of ‘Bhooth Bangla’
The ensemble star cast of the movie features Akshay Kumar, Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jisshu Sengupta, Mithila Palkar, Rajpal Yadav, Rajesh Sharma, and Asrani.
Original release dates of ‘Bhooth Bangla’
The makers were set to release the film on April 2, 2026. Later, they shifted the date to May 15, 2026. And then, they finally scheduled the arrival of the horror comedy in cinemas on April 17, 2026. The paid preview shows of the movie were scheduled for April 16, 2026.
