Bhooth Bangla Follows Dhurandhar? Will Audience Accept?

Akshay Kumar’s upcoming horror comedy Bhooth Bangla, directed by Priyadarshan, has triggered debate online after reports about its long runtime. The film is said to run for around 2 hours and 52 minutes.

This makes it longer than Bhool Bhulaiyaa, which had a runtime of about 2 hours and 39 minutes. The comparison has sparked discussions among fans and industry observers.

Some analysts believe the extended duration could affect audience engagement. A long runtime in a horror comedy may lead to viewer fatigue if the pacing is not handled carefully.

On social media, several users shared similar concerns. Many said horror films usually work better with tighter storytelling and quicker pacing.

Some viewers pointed out that long haunted house sequences may reduce the impact of suspense and scares. According to them, horror relies heavily on atmosphere and timing rather than length.

Critics also noted that adding songs and comedy scenes can increase the runtime. However, horror based stories often benefit from a shorter and more focused narrative.

Recent Bollywood horror successes are often cited as examples. Stree 2 had a runtime of about 2 hours and 29 minutes, while Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 ran for around 2 hours and 38 minutes.

Many observers believe the trend of longer films may be influenced by the success of action dramas like Animal and Dhurandhar, both of which crossed three hours.

However, some critics argue that those films worked because they had intense action and thriller elements that sustained audience interest.

Despite the concerns, some fans remain optimistic about Bhooth Bangla. They believe Priyadarshan’s storytelling and Akshay Kumar’s comic timing could make the longer runtime entertaining.

If the film maintains strong pacing and humour, the additional minutes may enhance the overall experience.

Bhooth Bangla is scheduled to release on April 10, 2026. The film also features Paresh Rawal, Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi, Asrani, and Rajpal Yadav in key roles.