The long-anticipated reunion of director Priyadarshan and superstar Akshay Kumar has finally arrived with Bhooth Bangla, which hit theaters on Friday, April 17, 2026.
Following a legacy of comedy classics like Hera Pheri and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, expectations were sky-high for this horror-comedy. However, the verdict is a bit of a mixed bag: while the film shines as a hilarious comedy in its first half, it struggles to balance the horror elements and dramatic pacing in the latter portion.
The story follows Arjun (Akshay Kumar), who travels from London to a village in India to host his sister’s (Mithila Palkar) wedding at an inherited ancestral palace. The catch? The village of Mangalpur is plagued by a legend involving a demon named Vadhusur, who allegedly abducts brides.
The first half is classic Priyadarshan territory—a riot of perfectly timed gags and witty dialogue that will have audiences laughing out loud. Akshay Kumar’s comic timing remains impeccable, supported by the legendary trio of Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, and Asrani, with Yadav once again stealing the show.
However, the film stumbles after the interval. The narrative shifts toward a dramatic thriller focused on folklore and black magic, losing the comedic momentum that made the first hour so enjoyable. While Mithila Palkar delivers a solid performance, the film unfortunately underutilizes Tabu, whose role is surprisingly thin, and Wamiqa Gabbi, who has little to do.
The climax, usually a high point in this duo’s collaborations, feels underwhelming and lacks the adrenaline rush fans were hoping for. Additionally, the music and background score lack a “chartbuster” feel, missing the haunting magic of previous horror-comedy hits.