The wait is finally over! The iconic duo of Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan has returned to the big screen after 14 years with their latest horror-comedy, 'Bhoot Bangla'. Released on April 17, 2026, the film is generating massive buzz among fans who were eager to see the "Vintage Akshay" back in action. From nostalgia to jump-scares, here is a detailed look at how the film is performing.The Plot: A Spooky Wedding in a Haunted MansionThe story of Bhoot Bangla revolves around Arjun Acharya (Akshay Kumar), who returns from London to his ancestral village, Mangalpur. The village is haunted by a terrifying legend of a demon named Vadhushur, who allegedly abducts new brides. When Arjun decides to host his sister's wedding in their 500-crore haunted mansion, chaos ensues. The film blends ancient myths with modern-day mystery, as Arjun tries to protect his family from supernatural forces.The Iconic Reunion: Priyadarshan, Paresh Rawal, and Rajpal YadavThe highlight of the film is undoubtedly the reunion of the Hera Pheri and Bhool Bhulaiyaa core team. Along with Akshay, the legendary Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, and Asrani deliver stellar comedic performances. Their situational comedy and timing provide the much-needed "laugh riots" that fans have missed. Tabu and Wamiqa Gabbi also play pivotal roles, adding depth to the thriller elements of the story.Box Office Collection: A Strong Opening for the KhiladiBhoot Bangla has witnessed a promising start at the box office. Despite tough competition from other big releases like Dhurandhar 2, the film managed to earn approximately ₹3.50 - ₹3.75 crore through paid previews alone.Day 1 Estimates: Early trade reports suggest the film is heading towards a ₹15 crore+ opening day.Occupancy: Major urban centers like Lucknow, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai have shown high occupancy rates, especially for the morning and afternoon shows.Public Verdict and Critical RatingInitial reactions on social media (X/Twitter) are a mix of nostalgia and excitement.What Works: Fans are praising the first half for its "non-stop comedy" and Akshay’s impeccable timing. The backstory of the haunting is also being noted as a strong point.What Could Be Better: Some critics feel the second half leans too heavily on horror, and the music by Pritam hasn't quite reached the "cult status" of their previous collaborations.
Around the web
