Mumbai:Bhooth Bangla attempts to revive the charm of classic horror-comedy but ends up delivering a forgettable experience, especially for fans of Bhool Bhulaiyaa.
Headlined by Akshay Kumar and directed by Priyadarshan, the film leans heavily on nostalgia but struggles to recreate the wit, suspense and humour that made its spiritual predecessor iconic.
Set in the early 2000s, the story follows Arjun (Akshay Kumar), a London-based man burdened with debt, who returns to his ancestral village Mangalpur after inheriting a palace. He plans his sister Meera's wedding there, played by Mithila Palkar.
The village is haunted by a folktale about a mysterious entity called Vadhusur, believed to abduct newlywed brides. What begins as a promising setup quickly descends into a disjointed narrative lacking coherence and originality.
The film's biggest drawback is its over-reliance on Bhool Bhulaiyaa-style elements — from a haunted haveli setting to familiar character archetypes — without offering a fresh or engaging storyline.
Despite attempting to build suspense, the film's 'twist' becomes apparent within the first 20 minutes, making the rest of the narrative feel stretched and uninspired.
Several scenes and sequences appear lifted or loosely inspired from earlier works, including Priyadarshan's own films like Hungama and Chup Chup Ke, as well as films like Stree and The Sixth Sense.
Instead of blending these influences creatively, Bhooth Bangla ends up feeling like a patchwork of ideas that fail to come together cohesively.
While Akshay Kumar attempts to recreate his comic timing, the material does not support his performance.
Veteran actor Asrani, in one of his final roles, emerges as a rare bright spot as caretaker Shambhu Babu, delivering a few genuinely amusing moments. The film is dedicated to him, adding an emotional layer.
Rajpal Yadav manages to bring occasional humour, while Tabu is underutilised. Wamiqa Gabbi has limited impact, and Mithila Palkar's performance feels overly loud in parts.
The film borrows heavily from the Bhool Bhulaiyaa template — from visual style to music cues — but lacks the intelligence and originality that made the 2007 film enduring.
Even small inconsistencies, like incorrect references within the story, add to the sense of carelessness in execution.
Ultimately, Bhooth Bangla serves as a reminder that nostalgia alone cannot sustain a film. Without a strong script and engaging storytelling, even a proven formula can fail to resonate with audiences.
Bhooth Bangla is a missed opportunity that relies too much on past glory without offering anything meaningful in return. For fans of Bhool Bhulaiyaa, this may feel more like a disappointing echo than a worthy successor.