After entertaining audiences in theatres, Priyadarshan's horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla is now gearing up for its digital premiere. Headlined by Akshay Kumar, the film hit cinemas on April 16 and received mixed reviews, while managing a respectable run at the box office.
Digital Premiere on Netflix
The movie will start streaming on Netflix from June 12. Announcing the release on social media, the platform wrote, "Zor zor se bolke sabko dara do (side eye emoji) Bhooth Bangla mein jald entry hogi (bat and blast emojis) (Scream and scare everyone, you will soon enter the Bhooth Bangla) Watch Bhooth Bangla, out 12 June, on Netflix."
Fan Reactions
The announcement sparked excitement among fans, many of whom expressed their eagerness to revisit the film from the comfort of their homes. "Eagerly waiting to watch it again," one user commented. Another wrote, "Finally wait is over." Several fans also enquired about dubbed versions in South Indian languages. One enthusiastic viewer commented, "Chlo membership restart krne ka samay aagya (Time to restart my membership)."
The discussion extended to X (formerly Twitter), where one user shared, "Can't wait to check it out! First half was hilarious in theatres but second half dragged a bit. Hope the VFX looks better on Netflix."
Cast and Crew
Directed by Priyadarshan, Bhooth Bangla is backed by Akshay Kumar, Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor under the banners of Balaji Motion Pictures and Cape of Good Films. The ensemble cast includes Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Jisshu Sengupta, Rajpal Yadav, Tabu and Wamiqa Gabbi.
Box Office Performance
According to trade portal Sacnilk, the film earned ₹181.93 crore net in India and grossed ₹269.22 crore worldwide during its 55-day theatrical run.
Plot Overview
The story revolves around siblings Arjun (Akshay Kumar) and Meera (Mithila Palkar), who inherit an ancestral palace. Their lives take a bizarre turn when Arjun unknowingly chooses the supposedly cursed property as the venue for his sister's destination wedding. The palace is believed to be haunted by a sinister entity named Vadhusur, known for abducting brides and preventing marriages in the surrounding town. As the wedding festivities begin, a series of supernatural and chaotic events unfold.
Critical Reception
In its review, HT described the film as a blend of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Shaitaan and Stree, calling it "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 + Shaitaan + Stree = Bhooth Bangla."
Akshay-Priyadarshan Reunion
The film also marked the much-awaited reunion of Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan, a duo responsible for several beloved comedies including Hera Pheri (2000), Garam Masala (2005), Bhagam Bhag (2006), Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), De Dana Dan (2009) and Khatta Meetha (2010).
The filmmaker-actor pair has already completed work on another project, Haiwaan, an adaptation of Mohanlal's acclaimed Malayalam thriller Oppam. The film will also feature Saif Ali Khan and is expected to arrive in theatres in August.
