The much-anticipated horror-comedy film, Bhooth Bangla, marks the reunion of Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan after a decade-long hiatus. Released on April 17, the film has received a mix of reviews from audiences and critics alike. Fans were eager to see if the duo could recreate their previous magic on screen.
On its opening day, Bhooth Bangla made a significant impact at the box office by collecting a net of Rs 12.25 crore across 12,386 shows. The total India gross collections have reached Rs 21.60 crore, with net collections standing at Rs 15.75 crore. Overseas, the film has grossed Rs 5 crore, bringing its total worldwide gross collection to Rs 23.90 crore.
Since the release of Housefull 5 (2025), this marks Akshay Kumar’s strongest opening (in gross). While Housefull 5 collected Rs 29 crore, Jolly LLB 3 earned Rs 14.80 crore. Kesari Chapter 2 opened at Rs 8.90 crore, while Sky Force registered Rs 13.30 crore.
In the genre of horror-comedies, Bhooth Bangla has a substantial benchmark to meet in terms of opening day collections. Films like Stree 2 and Thamma, produced by Maddock Films, have set the bar high with collections of Rs 55 crore and Rs 24 crore, respectively.
Directed by Priyadarshan, Bhooth Bangla marks a nostalgic return for the director-actor duo after successful films such as Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, among others.
The film features an ensemble cast including Wamiqa Gabbi, Tabu, Rajpal Yadav, and Jisshu Sengupta. Presented by Balaji Motion Pictures in association with Cape of Good Films, the film is produced by Akshay Kumar, Shobha Kapoor, and Ektaa R Kapoor.
India Today’s review highlights that while the film offers moments of humour, they are brief. The comedic efforts by Asrani, Rajpal Yadav, and Paresh Rawal rely heavily on physical comedy, which some might find outdated. The horror elements are accentuated by a dominant background score, which may not always achieve the intended tension.
