Bhooth Bangla, starring Akshay Kumar, is gearing up for its theatrical release on Friday, April 17, with paid previews scheduled a day earlier. The film has already shown promising signs at the box office through advance bookings.
Solid Start in Advance Sales
According to trade estimates, the Priyadarshan directorial has sold nearly 37,000 tickets across over 7,000 shows for its opening day. The advance booking collection currently stands at around ₹97.93 lakh, which rises to approximately ₹2.65 crore when blocked seats are included.
The early numbers indicate a strong opening for the horror-comedy, driven by audience curiosity and the film’s star cast.
Runtime Trimmed After Certification
The film was initially certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on April 2, 2026, with a U/A (16+) rating and a runtime of about 2 hours and 55 minutes.
However, the makers have reportedly trimmed the film further post-certification, reducing its duration to approximately 2 hours and 44 minutes—cutting nearly 11 minutes to improve pacing.
Star-Studded Cast and Direction
Directed by Priyadarshan, the film features a strong ensemble cast including Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Mithila Palkar in key roles.
The trailer has already generated buzz with its mix of quirky humour and spooky elements, a signature style often associated with Priyadarshan’s storytelling.
Plot Blends Horror and Comedy
The story revolves around Akshay Kumar’s character, who is determined to get married in a haunted palace in Mangalpur. The palace is believed to be under the curse of “Vadhusur,” setting up a narrative that combines eerie suspense with comic chaos.
The fresh on-screen pairing of Akshay Kumar and Wamiqa Gabbi has also added to audience interest.
Expectations Ahead of Release
With strong advance bookings, a popular star cast, and a well-received trailer, Bhooth Bangla is expected to open on a solid note at the box office. The film’s performance over the weekend will now depend on word-of-mouth and audience reception.
