Mumbai: The much-awaited reunion of Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar has finally hit the big screen with their horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, and early reactions suggest a mixed yet interesting response from audiences.
The film began its paid previews on April 16, followed by a full-fledged theatrical release on April 17. As soon as the first shows concluded, social media platform X was flooded with audience reviews, with fans sharing their honest takes on the much-hyped entertainer.
A section of viewers has welcomed Bhooth Bangla as a complete entertainer, praising its dine mix of horror, comedy, and suspense. Many users described the film as a “laugh riot” and celebrated the nostalgic charm of seeing Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar reunite after years. Fans particularly highlighted Akshay’s effortless comic timing, noting how seamlessly he switches between humour and fear, a signature style that has long defined his performances in the genre.
The ensemble cast, featuring actors like Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Asrani, and Tabu, has also received appreciation for bringing back the chaotic humour reminiscent of Priyadarshan’s classic films. Their comic exchanges, especially between Akshay Kumar and Rajpal Yadav, have emerged as one of the film’s major highlights.
However, not all reactions have been entirely positive.
Several viewers pointed out that the film loses its grip in parts, particularly in the second half.
Self-proclaimed critic Kamaal Rashid Khan (KRK) shared a critical take, stating that while the first half works well, the shift in tone in the latter half affects the overall impact. He questioned the narrative choices, especially the unexpected turn towards a more serious or religious undertone.
Some netizens also expressed disappointment with certain casting choices. Wamiqa Gabbi, despite her performance, was felt by a few viewers to be slightly miscast, with comments suggesting that her character seemed forced, particularly in the first half. Others mentioned that while the film has engaging moments, it occasionally feels lengthy and slow-paced.
That said, there is still a strong section of the audience rooting for the film. Many viewers called it “terrific” and “pure entertainment,” applauding its ability to balance multiple genres while keeping audiences engaged. The film’s decent VFX, intriguing suspense elements, and an impactful interval block were also highlighted as positives.
Bhooth Bangla also stars Mithila Palkar and Jisshu Sengupta in key roles. Produced by Balaji Motion Pictures in association with Cape of Good Films, the film is backed by Akshay Kumar, Shobha Kapoor, and Ektaa R Kapoor.
Originally slated for an April 10 release, the film was pushed by a week and has now arrived in cinemas with a U/A 16+ certification from the CBFC.
As the film continues its theatrical run, it remains to be seen whether word-of-mouth will work in its favour or if the mixed reviews will impact its box office journey.
