Bhooth Bangla Horror-Comedy Sparks Franchise Controversy
Akshay Kumar's upcoming horror-comedy film 'Bhooth Bangla', directed by Priyadarshan, is scheduled to hit cinemas in April 2026. However, ahead of its release, speculation has emerged suggesting that the movie might be based on an early draft of the popular 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' franchise. This has prompted a strong reaction from the makers of the Kartik Aaryan-led films, who have moved swiftly to clarify the situation and protect their intellectual property.
Production House Issues Firm Legal Warning
A source close to the production revealed to India Today that 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' is considered a 'prized asset' of T-Series, the production house behind the successful franchise. The insider emphasized that any unauthorized attempt to capitalize on their brand name or the franchise's reputation would result in immediate legal action. This statement underscores the seriousness with which T-Series views the protection of its cinematic properties.
Co-Producer Dismisses Script Rumors
Shiv Chanana, co-producer of Bhushan Kumar's production venture, expressed surprise at the circulating reports. He stated, 'We have also come across some articles, but the fact is we have never received any script from Mr. Priyadarshan or his team for making a 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' franchise.' Chanana further refuted claims that 'Bhooth Bangla' was an old draft of 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2', clarifying that both BB2 and BB3 were original stories with no connections to other scripts.
He added, 'It is our franchise. If anything has to be developed, it will be developed by us and under our supervision, which is exactly how 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2' and 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' were made. I don’t understand where these stories are coming from—this was never the case.'
Separate Identity for Bhooth Bangla Confirmed
With this clear clarification, the makers of 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' have effectively put an end to the rumors surrounding 'Bhooth Bangla'. Meanwhile, the Akshay Kumar-starrer remains on track for its theatrical release on April 10, 2026. The film, directed by Priyadarshan, boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Paresh Rawal, Tabu, Manoj Joshi, the late actor Asrani, and Mithun Chakraborty.
This development highlights the ongoing importance of intellectual property rights in the entertainment industry, as production houses vigilantly guard their successful franchises against potential infringements. The clarification ensures that audiences can look forward to 'Bhooth Bangla' as a distinct cinematic experience, separate from the beloved 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' series.
