'Bhooth Bangla' Movie Review and Box Office Collection Highlights: Akshay Kumar's film climbs high on Saturday
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Apr 18, 2026, 17:56:48 IST
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'Bhooth Bangla' Movie Review and Box Office Collection Highlights: Akshay Kumar's film climbs high on Saturday

'Bhooth Bangla', starring Akshay Kumar in the lead, hits theaters today as one of 2026’s most anticipated Bollywood releases. Directed by Priyadarshan, the film marks the much-awaited reunion of the actor-director duo after nearly 16 years, rekindling the magic of their earlier comedy hits.

Blending horror with comedy, 'Bhooth Bangla' promises a mix of spooky thrills and classic situational humor. The story is said to draw from folklore and fantasy elements, creating a mysterious yet entertaining narrative set in a haunted mansion. With Priyadarshan returning to the horror-comedy genre after 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa', expectations are high for a gripping yet humorous cinematic experience.

The film boasts a strong ensemble cast including Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jisshu Sengupta, Mithila Palkar, Rajpal Yadav, Rajesh Sharma, and Asrani, many of whom have previously collaborated with the director, adding to the film’s nostalgic appeal. It is also the last on-screen appearance of the late Asrani.

Produced by Akshay Kumar along with Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor, the film has generated strong buzz with its promotional campaign and advance bookings. With its unique blend of horror, comedy, and an ensemble cast known for impeccable timing, 'Bhooth Bangla' aims to deliver a wholesome entertainer and revive the charm of classic Bollywood comedy on the big screen.
17:23 (IST) Apr 18
'Bhooth Bangla' Live Updates: Akshay Kumar starrer day 2 Live Collection
According to Sacnilk, 'Bhooth Bangla' continues its run across 7,644 shows, earning Rs 7.25 crore by afternoon on Day 2. The film’s India net stands at Rs 23.25 crore, with final figures still awaited.

16:14 (IST) Apr 18
Fan’s reaction about the ‘Bhooth Bangla’ release
“An internet user on X (formerly Twitter) shared a quirky take after watching ‘Bhooth Bangla’, criticizing its trailer cut while appreciating the film’s entertainment value. Despite doubts about box office performance, they believe the movie could gain a cult following on television.”

14:45 (IST) Apr 18
According to the Sacnilk, as of now, the total India gross collections of 'Bhooth Bangla' is Rs 23.27 crore
13:59 (IST) Apr 18
'Bhooth Bangla' Movie Review and Box Office Collection Live Updates: Akshay Kumar's film peaks on Saturday

'Bhooth Bangla' sees a massive 60–70% jump on Saturday, showing strong momentum across all circuits. Day 2 is racing towards Rs 20 crore+ nett, with chances of an even bigger surprise at the box office.

13:44 (IST) Apr 18
'Bhooth Bangla' Movie Review and Box Office Collection: Akshay Kumar starrer scores strong

'Bhooth Bangla' registers a solid opening including paid previews, marking one of the better starts for Akshay Kumar in recent times. With positive word of mouth growing, the film is expected to see a 50–60% jump on Saturday as family audiences head to theatres.

13:22 (IST) Apr 18
'Bhooth Bangla': Akshay Kumar's film blends horror, humor and mystery

'Bhooth Bangla' unfolds as a layered supernatural story built around the eerie legend of Vadhusur and a haunted village, with a strong emotional backstory adding depth. The film smartly mixes fear with humor through the unique bond between the ghost and the living characters, keeping viewers engaged throughout.

13:01 (IST) Apr 18
'Bhooth Bangla': Fans turn curious around the twist

'Bhooth Bangla' follows the smart route of Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and gets a clever logical explanation behind the “bhooth” angle. Characters like Dr. Aditya Shrivastav made that reveal iconic, so expectations are high for a similarly intelligent and satisfying twist this time too.

12:43 (IST) Apr 18
'Bhooth Bangla': Akshay Kumar starrer draws viewers to theatres
'Bhooth Bangla' not appearing on pirated sites is pushing even usual download viewers to head to theatres. The curiosity and strong buzz are turning into real footfall as audiences choose the big screen experience.
12:21 (IST) Apr 18
'Bhooth Bangla' movie review: Horror and VFX impress fans
'Bhooth Bangla' stands out with well-executed horror scenes and strong VFX that elevate the experience. Kudos to Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan for delivering an engaging horror-comedy mix.
12:03 (IST) Apr 18
'Bhooth Bangla' movie review: Akshay Kumar starrer rides strong

'Bhooth Bangla' is performing very well and showing signs of a long theatrical run despite a weak marketing push. Even with an underwhelming teaser and trailer, strong audience word of mouth is driving the film towards bigger success.

11:40 (IST) Apr 18
'Bhooth Bangla' brings pure entertainment back
Bhooth Banglais a complete entertainer, with the iconic combo ofAkshay KumarandPriyadarshandelivering a truly enjoyable film. With strong performances all around, fans feel the OG Akshay Kumar is back in his best comic form.
11:15 (IST) Apr 18
Akshay Kumar's 'Bhooth Bangla' opens strong at the box office
Bhooth Banglarecords a solid Day 1, marking one of the better recent openings forAkshay Kumar. With positive word of mouth, the film is set for a big weekend jump as family audiences head to theatres.
11:00 (IST) Apr 18
Overseas collection: Decent international response

Internationally, ‘Bhoot Bangla’ collected around Rs 5 crore on day one.

The film saw moderate traction in overseas markets, supported by Akshay Kumar’s global fan base.

The overseas contribution helped push the total worldwide figure close to Rs 24 crore.
10:37 (IST) Apr 18
‘Bhoot Bangla’ domestic collection: Solid India numbers

The film earned approximately Rs 18.90 crore from the Indian market on its opening day.

This includes both regular shows and early audience turnout across major regions.

The numbers reflect steady occupancy in urban centres and multiplex circuits.
10:04 (IST) Apr 18
'Bhooth Bangla' review: Opening day performance: Strong global debut

‘Bhoot Bangla’ recorded a worldwide gross of around Rs 23.90 crore on day one.

The film performed steadily across domestic and international markets, meeting early trade expectations.

Its opening numbers indicate a positive start, especially for a genre-driven entertainer.
09:47 (IST) Apr 18
‘Bhoot Bangla’ box office day 1: Akshay Kumar scores strong opening

Akshay Kumar’s latest release ‘Bhoot Bangla’ has opened to a strong response at the global box office.

The horror-comedy has collected approximately Rs 23.90 crore worldwide on its first day.

With this performance, the film has dethroned ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, ending its four-week run at the top.
09:35 (IST) Apr 18
'Bhooth Bangla' review: Netizens reaction

A fan wrote: "Bhooth Bangla is a chaotic masterpiece that reminds us exactly why the Akshay-Priyadarshan combo is legendary. The comic timing and the spooky elements are handled with just the right touch of the of thrill. A total laugh riot."
09:17 (IST) Apr 18
It's lot of fun with them: Paresh Rawal on reunion with Akshay Kumar

Paresh Rawal says it felt good to be back in the company of his favourite people -- Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar -- for "Bhooth Bangla", a film that reunites the trio after a long gap.

They have delivered a number of comedy hits in "Garam Masala", "Bhool Bhulaiyaa", "Bhagam Bhag", "Hera Pheri", "Hungama" and "Hungama 2". Rawal is also reuniting with his "Hera Pheri" co-star Tabu in this movie.

"It was a lot of fun to be back. You look forward to certain things in life. Sometimes, when you work with such good people, your journey is very good. This kind of company increases your haemoglobin. Your health improves," Rawal told PTI in an interview.

Shooting for "Bhooth Bangla" was nostalgic for the actor as it was shot in Chomu Palace in Rajasthan, which was also the location of their 2007 hit "Bhool Bhulaiyaa".

But both the movies are completely different, said Rawal.

"The interesting thing about this one is that there is going to be a marriage and the ghost is staying at the place. You can just imagine what will happen. I would say that this is a beautifully shot horror film. You haven't seen such a beautiful horror film," the actor added.

08:14 (IST) Apr 18
'Bhooth Bangla' dethrones 'Dhurandhar 2'

The horror-comedy, directed by Priyadarshan, earned an estimated Rs 12.25 crore net on its first day in cinemas. When combined with Rs 3.50 crore net from paid preview screenings, the film’s total domestic net collection stands at around Rs 15.75 crore.With this opening, 'Bhooth Bangla' has ended the dominance of 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge', which had held the top position for four consecutive weeks. On Day 30, the Ranveer Singh starrer saw a sharp decline, collecting approximately Rs 2.70 crore net and Rs 3.24 crore gross for the day.
Despite the slowdown, 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' continues to post a massive cumulative net total of Rs 1,105.82 crore.

07:21 (IST) Apr 18
Akshay Kumar lauds homemakers, appreciates their selfless dedication for family

In a Mumbai special episode of the quiz reality show Wheel of Fortune, Bollywood superstar and the show's host Akshay Kumar lauded all homemakers, and called it the toughest job.

Akshay Kumar said, “Mera maanna hai, ki homemaker bhot mushkil ka kaam hai.”

He also added, “24 ghante gharwalo ka dhyan rakho, koi beemar hua hai, koi jaa raha hai, kisi ka daba pack karna hai, kisi ko koi emergency aa jaati hai, bahut saari cheezein karni padti hai, school bhejna hai.”

06:58 (IST) Apr 18
Akshay Kumar recalls struggling to pay Rs 75 in rent during his early days in Mumbai

, Bollywood superstar and host of the show, Akshay Kumar shared his personal connection to the city, saying, “Mujhe Mumbai shahar ne bahut kuch diya hai.”

He reminisced about the time when he first arrived in Mumbai, highlighting that he came to the city in 1970 at the age of just three.

He recalled staying in a chawl in Sion Koliwada and shared, “Shurvat jo hoti hai vakai mein ye jo shahar hai na, ye kamaal ka shahar hai, iske mitti ke ander ek aisi cheez hai ki ye kisi ko bhi neeche se ek dum upar fek deti hai, aur kisi ko kabhi upar se ek dum neeche fek deti hai.”

He also shared a glimpse of his humble beginnings, “Main jaha pe rehta tha, waha bhada tha 75 rupees mahine ka, par vo bhi thodi mushkil ho jaati thi, aur ye karte karte aur waha se aaj Bhagwan ki daya se Juhu main rehte hai.”

He added, “Samajh mein nahi aata, lekin maine ye dekha hai jo apne sath imaandaari, mehanat se, aur lagan se kaam karta rehta hai aur maano na maano discipline se kaam karta rehta hai uske liye ye shahar bahut kamaal ka hai.”

06:51 (IST) Apr 18
‘Bhooth Bangla’ Box Office Day 1: Akshay Kumar starrer ends ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ reign
Bhooth Bangla, starring Akshay Kumar, has registered a solid opening at the box office, delivering a worldwide debut of approximately Rs 23.90 crore and displacing Dhurandhar: The Revenge from the top spot after a four-week run.
The horror-comedy, directed by Priyadarshan, earned an estimated Rs 12.25 crore net on its first day in cinemas. When combined with Rs 3.50 crore net from paid preview screenings, the film’s total domestic net collection stands at around Rs 15.75 crore.
20:06 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhooth Bangla' star Akshay Kumar addresses fan queries about 'Hera Pheri 3': 'Abhi toh filhal kuch bhi nahi hai'
Akshay Kumar recently went live on Instagram with fans just before the big release of ‘Bhooth Bangla’. He is teaming up once more with director Priyadarshan, Paresh Rawal, and Rajpal Yadav in this horror-comedy, arriving in theatres on April 17. In the Instagram live session, Akshay fielded several fan queries, one of which focused on Hera Pheri 3 updates. He quipped: "Hera Pheri mujhe laga hi tha ye question aane hi wala hai. Hera Pheri par abhi toh filhal kuch bhi nahi hai." (Hera Pheri, I knew this question was coming. There's nothing on Hera Pheri right now.) The makers of ‘Hera Pheri 3’ announced the film last year. The star trio of Akshay, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty planned to begin filming. Things turned sour when Paresh Rawal quit initially, but he rejoined days later. As per reports, Rawal left over creative differences. Akshay Kumar's Cape of Good Films gave him a legal notice for breaking the deal. They soon dropped it, and Paresh came back to the series.
18:44 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhoot Bangla' has an average box office start, expected to cross the double digit number on day 1
Akshay Kumar's 'Bhooth Bangla' releases in cinemas today. The film sees Priyadarshan reuniting with Akshay Kumar thus the expectations are high. Meanwhile, it's off to an average start at the box office and not huge as per the expectations set by 'Dhurandhar 2'. 'Bhooth Bangla' has made Rs 6.23 crore in India so far till 6pm in the evening. If the film manages to atleast cross a double digit number it will be considered good.
18:41 (IST) Apr 17
The audience enjoys 'Bhooth Bangla', clips go viral
18:00 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhooth Bangla' box office update: Cast fees revealed: Akshay Kumar’s big pay deal, Tabu, Wamiqa and others’ earnings listed

According to Filmi Beat, here is a breakdown of the reported fees of other ‘Bhooth Bangla’ actors: Akshay Kumar – Rs 50 crore (highest‑paid star), Wamiqa Gabbi – Rs 3 crore, Tabu – Rs 2.5 crore, Paresh Rawal – Rs 2 crore, Rajpal Yadav – Rs 1–1.5 crore, and Jisshu Sengupta – Rs 1 crore. However, it must be clarified that these amounts have not been officially confirmed.

17:56 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhooth Bangla' box office update: A fan says, 'Overall, a good watch'

Taking to X handle, a fan wrote, “Final verdict of Bhooth Bangla

First 40% – pure comedy

Next 10% – shifts into suspense mode

50% – 95% – feels like a full serious mode

Last 5% – back to comedy

Overall, a good watch, but the casting felt off. Wamiqa Gabbi didn’t quite fit for me this could’ve been a great chance to introduce a fresh face. bhoothbangla.”

17:27 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhooth Bangla' box office update: A social media user wrote, 'You will get stomach ache from laughing'

User said via X, “Loved bhootbangla! Pure ‘शानदार’ comedy. You will get stomach ache from laughing. Gave me classic @priyadarshandir vibes. akshaykumar, pareshrawal, rajpalyadav & Late Asrani Ji were brilliant. Felt like year 2000 again. After so many years, the old Akshay was seen again.”

16:50 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhooth Bangla' box office update: Akshay Kumar’s film nears Rs 5 cr milestone

Trade analyst Sacnilk indicates ‘Bhooth Bangla’, starring Akshay Kumar, has raked in roughly Rs 4.29 crore till 4 pm on Friday. The Priyadarshan-helmed film is playing in 7,029 shows nationwide.

16:29 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhooth Bangla' box office update: Akshay Kumar starrer starts strong
On its opening day, 'Bhooth Bangla' has recorded a live net collection of Rs. 4.29 crore across 7,029 shows. Including early previews and morning screenings, the film’s total domestic net has reached Rs. 7.79 crore, with the gross collection standing at Rs. 9.26 crore as final reports for the day continue to come in.
15:08 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhooth Bangla' review: Fans expect classic Priyadarshan style


Promotions have hinted at a return to Priyadarshan’s signature style of storytelling.

Fans are expecting a blend of humour, chaos, and engaging narrative.

The early reviews suggest that the film meets these expectations to an extent.
15:03 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhooth Bangla' review: Direction balances genres effectively

The film’s direction has been appreciated for maintaining a balance between horror, comedy, and suspense.

"The interval point hits hard with genuine goosebumps, and from there, the film steadily unravels its mysteries, keeping the audience hooked till the very end. The direction ensures a smooth balance between horror, comedy, and suspense, while the entire cast delivers commendable performances. If you loved #BhoolBhulaiyaa (2007), this film taps into a similar nostalgic charm, backed by a team that clearly understands the genre."


14:52 (IST) Apr 17
A fan calls ‘Bhoot Bangla’ a complete entertainer

A fan on X (formerly Twitter) showered praise on Bhoot Bangla, calling it an amazing watch. They highlighted its engaging storyline, effective jumpscares, and gripping background score, adding that every moment felt enjoyable and the film is definitely worth watching.

14:41 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhooth Bangla' Movie Review and Release Live Updates: Wamiqa Gabbi wins hearts with her striking screen presence

Amid the spooky chaos of Bhooth Bangla, Wamiqa Gabbi is grabbing attention online, with fans praising her beauty and commanding presence. One user called her the film’s standout, saying everything about her performance simply lands perfectly on screen.

14:40 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhooth Bangla' review: Competition with ‘Dhurandhar 2’

The release of 'Bhoot Bangla' coincides with the ongoing run of 'Dhurandhar 2'.

The Ranveer Singh starrer continues to perform well even in its fourth week.

This has led to adjusted screen allocations in theatres.

The competition could impact overall box office performance.
14:34 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhooth Bangla' Movie Review and Release Live Updates: Fan praises Akshay Kumar starrer
A fan shared his praise of an intriguing cinematic experience without revealing too much. The brief tease raises curiosity, especially for Akshay Kumar admirers, promising that the true charm and thrill of the film await on the big screen. They wrote on X formerly Twitter, “No spoilers here..just building the suspense, This is just a small glimpse to make you more excited! I’m a huge Akshay Kumar fan and I genuinely want everyone to experience Bhoot Bangla in theatres. Trust me, the real magic is in the full movie..”

14:21 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhoot Bangla' review: Advance booking shows positive trend

The film recorded encouraging advance booking figures ahead of its release.

It sold over 46,000 tickets across more than 7,000 shows.

The gross collection from advance booking stood at approximately Rs 1.28 crore.

With block bookings included, the figure rose to over Rs 3.52 crore.
14:20 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhooth Bangla' review: Day 1 box office begins steady

According to early estimates from Sacnilk, the film has opened with steady numbers.

As of Day 1, the film has collected a net of ₹1.00 crore.

The total India gross stands at ₹1.18 crore so far.

Final numbers are expected to be updated later.
14:05 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhooth Bangla' review: A strong supporting cast

The film features a strong supporting cast including Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav.

Other actors like Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi, Mithila Palkar, Jisshu Sengupta, and Asrani also play key roles.

The ensemble adds variety and depth to the narrative.
13:59 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhooth Bangla' review: Direction balances genres effectively

The film’s direction has been appreciated for maintaining a balance between horror, comedy, and suspense.

"The interval point hits hard with genuine goosebumps, and from there, the film steadily unravels its mysteries, keeping the audience hooked till the very end. The direction ensures a smooth balance between horror, comedy, and suspense, while the entire cast delivers commendable performances. If you loved #BhoolBhulaiyaa (2007), this film taps into a similar nostalgic charm, backed by a team that clearly understands the genre."
13:40 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhooth Bangla' review: Reunion with Priyadarshan raises expectations

The film marks a reunion between Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan after more than 15 years.

Their previous collaborations have been known for strong comic timing and entertainment value.

This pairing has significantly boosted audience expectations.

Fans are eager to see them recreate past success.

13:20 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhooth Bangla' review: Audience review praises cast performance

One user shared, "A solid horror comedy with twists, laughs & jump scares. Fun first half, gripping second half, and a shocking climax (fire emoji) #AkshayKumar shines, while #PareshRawal & #RajpalYadav add madness. #Priyadarshan delivers pure entertainment."

The review highlights the ensemble cast’s contribution to the film’s success.

It also points to a strong blend of comedy and horror elements.
13:00 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhooth Bangla' review: Direction balances genres effectively

The film’s direction has been appreciated for maintaining a balance between horror, comedy, and suspense.

"The interval point hits hard with genuine goosebumps, and from there, the film steadily unravels its mysteries, keeping the audience hooked till the very end. The direction ensures a smooth balance between horror, comedy, and suspense, while the entire cast delivers commendable performances. If you loved #BhoolBhulaiyaa (2007), this film taps into a similar nostalgic charm, backed by a team that clearly understands the genre."
12:43 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhooth Bangla' review: Strong opening half impresses viewers

According to early reactions, the first half of the film is packed with comedy and engaging sequences.

Viewers have highlighted the fast-paced narrative and humorous dialogues.

The film reportedly keeps audiences entertained from the very beginning.

This has set a strong base for the second half.
12:34 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhooth Bangla' review: Early Review Calls It ‘Pure Entertainment

The first review has labelled the film as “pure entertainment” with a strong mix of humour and suspense.

It has been rated four stars out of five by an early viewer.

The film is described as a balanced entertainer with engaging storytelling.

The initial reactions suggest a promising reception among audiences.
12:23 (IST) Apr 17
‘Bhoot Bangla’ review: Akshay Kumar shines in horror comedy

The first early review of 'Bhoot Bangla' starring Akshay Kumar has surfaced online, creating strong buzz ahead of its theatrical run.

The Priyadarshan directorial is being described as an entertaining mix of horror and comedy.

Fans are particularly excited to see Akshay return to a genre that has previously worked well for him.

The film released on April 17, 2026, and has already started trending across platforms.
11:58 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhooth Bangla' Movie Review and Release Live Updates: Akshay Kumar silences critics with solid comeback

Bhooth Bangla stands out as a fun entertainer, even drawing comparisons as better than recent comedy hits for some viewers. If you enjoy light, TV-style humour, the film delivers plenty of laughs. Akshay Kumar is in top form, owning every frame with confident comic timing and energy, proving his strength in the genre once again.

11:41 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhooth Bangla' Movie Review: Clean comedy with classic Priyadarshan touch

Bhooth Bangla is a simple yet effective entertainer that blends humour and story in a neat way. Priyadarshan once again shows his strength in balancing comedy with engaging storytelling.

Akshay Kumar shines effortlessly, proving he is in his comfort zone, while Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav and Asrani deliver strong comic moments. With clean humour, light mystery, and an interesting climax, the film offers a fun theatre experience for all age groups.

11:23 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhooth Bangla' Movie Review: Akshay Kumar returns to his comedy throne
Akshay Kumar is back in top form with 'Bhooth Bangla,' delivering a hilarious first half packed with situational comedy and a strong interval twist. The second half turns more serious and story-driven but ends on a satisfying note with a well-executed horror-comedy climax.
11:02 (IST) Apr 17
'Bhooth Bangla' Movie Review and Release Live Updates: Akshay Kumar shines

Akshay Kumar delivers a full-on entertainer, proving once again why he’s called the king of comedy. Bhooth Bangla brings back classic Priyadarshan humor with a perfect mix of laughs and madness.

25 More Updates