Is Akshay Kumar over Bhool Bhulaiyaa or making a silent comeback to reclaim his legacy? With Bhooth Bangla, a horror-comedy almost identical to Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Akshay is playing it smart.
Same director (Priyadarshan), same supporting cast, a classical dance sequence too many coincidences.
Also Read – Sikandar US Pre-sales: Not Expected from Salman?
Is Bhooth Bangla just another film or Akshay is secretly telling Bhushan Kumar and Kartik Aaryan how horror-comedy is done?
Remember Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)? Akshay’s performance as Dr. Aditya Srivastava made it an all-time favorite. But then came Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022) and suddenly Kartik Aaryan took over.
Also Read – Murugadoss’ Planning Sequels to Two Blockbusters
Akshay was out. Why? Reports said his high fees but Akshay later said, “Mujhe nikal diya, main kya karta?” (They removed me, what could I do?)
Then Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 was announced again without Akshay. With Kartik’s Rooh Baba getting all the attention it felt like Bollywood had moved on. But had Akshay?
Also Read – Sikandar Trailer: Long, Outdated, BO in Trouble?
Just when it seemed like Akshay had lost this battle he pulled a classic Kumar move Bhooth Bangla. A horror-comedy directed by Priyadarshan, starring Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav and Asrani and even a grand classical dance sequence with Tabu.
Akshay isn’t just making a horror-comedy. He’s making his own version of Bhool Bhulaiyaa without using the name. Is this his way of telling Bhushan Kumar, “Keep your franchise, I’ll make my own”?
Kartik Aaryan has taken over as the face of Bhool Bhulaiyaa. But with Bhooth Bangla Akshay is reminding everyone who did it first.
While Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 releases in Diwali 2024 Bhooth Bangla comes in April 2026. Strategic? Absolutely.
By waiting for 2 years Akshay has ensured that comparisons will be inevitable. If Bhooth Bangla works it will prove that Kartik’s success was just borrowed hype. If it fails it might mean audiences have moved on.
Is Bhooth Bangla a genius revenge move or just a desperate attempt to stay relevant? Akshay is taking a big risk but if it pays off it could redefine horror-comedy in Bollywood.
One thing is clear: Akshay Kumar isn’t over Bhool Bhulaiyaa although he never says the name.
