Imagine making a cocktail by mixing the wrong ingredients; it would result in a confusing and unpleasant experience—and that’s exactly how Bhooth Bangla feels. Directed by Priyadarshan, the film attempts to blend horror and comedy but struggles to get the balance right. With a highly predictable storyline, it becomes rather messy, and the horror element only truly emerges in the second half, making the film feel like two mismatched halves stitched together.
Bhooth Bangla boasts a strong cast, including Akshay Kumar, Rajpal Yadav, Paresh Rawal, and the late Asrani, all known for their excellent comic timing. However, their talent does not seem to have been utilised effectively. While there are numerous comic sequences in the first half, many feel forced and fail to reflect the natural humour these actors are known for.
The film opens at Mangalpur station, where four young people are stranded due to heavy rain and delayed trains. They encounter a mysterious man who begins recounting the strange occurrences in Mangalpur, leading to a discussion about brides mysteriously disappearing immediately after their weddings. This is followed by a brief horror sequence featuring a demon called Vadhusur, which sets up the film’s spooky premise.
Soon, the narrative shifts to London. Arjun (Akshay Kumar), his sister Meera (Mithila Palkar), and their father (Jisshu Sengupta) are introduced. Meera is about to marry into a superstitious family, and an occult ritual involving the cutting of a banana tree is even performed online. Meanwhile, following their grandfather’s death, Arjun and Meera inherit a vast property in India—a palace built in 1509, reportedly worth ₹500 crore.
Arjun decides to travel to India and plans to host Meera’s wedding at this palace in Mangalpur—the very town where locals have stopped conducting weddings due to its haunted reputation. The mansion does attempt to frighten viewers with dark visuals and eerie creatures, but these moments are inconsistent. The first half unfolds as a slow burn, combining minimal humour with sporadic horror.
The pace picks up considerably in the second half. The film delves into the mansion’s history, introduces several new characters, includes a few unnecessary songs, and showcases computer-generated ghosts alongside tantra-mantra rituals. However, it tries to pack in too much too quickly, resulting in a rushed and cluttered narrative.
Tabu appears as Yashoda, bringing a brief sense of freshness. Her character introduces a love triangle that becomes central to the plot and helps unravel the mystery of the haunted mansion. Unfortunately, the storyline becomes predictable well before the climax.
Ultimately, the film may appeal to die-hard fans of Akshay Kumar and his brand of comedy, but it is certainly not one to die for.
(Praveen Nagda is festival director, KidzCINEMA and Culture Cinema Film Festivals)
