Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan are set to offer a spine-chilling yet humor-filled experience with their upcoming film ‘Bhoot Bangla.’ The iconic director-actor duo, known for delivering blockbuster movies, are reuniting after a remarkable 14-year hiatus. Their previous collaborations have been major hits such as ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa,’ ‘Bhagam Bhag,’ ‘Hera Pheri,’ and ‘Garam Masala,’ raising expectations for this new venture.
Horror-comedy is rapidly capturing the audience’s interest, especially after the monumental success of ‘Stree 2.’ The genre’s growing popularity makes it the perfect time for Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan to dive back into the common elements of horror and comedy, with a sprinkle of black magic and fantasy, scheduled to excite fans in ‘Bhoot Bangla.’
Much to the delight of his fanbase, Akshay Kumar chose his 57th birthday to unveil the first look of ‘Bhoot Bangla’ on social media, thereby making it a dual celebration. The first-look poster reveals Kumar pulling off an eerie yet humorous expression with his tongue sticking out, pointed towards a bowl of milk, while a black cat, an often ominous symbol in folklore, sits on his shoulder. Dressed sharply in a blue suit paired with a red tie, Kumar poses against the backdrop of a spooky, decrepit bungalow, all set against catchy beats that add an extra layer of intrigue.
“Thank you for your love on my birthday, year after year!” Akshay wrote. “Celebrating this year with the first look of ‘Bhoot Bangla’! I’m beyond excited to join forces with Priyadarshan again after 14 years. This dream collaboration has been a long time coming… can’t wait to share this incredible journey with you all. Stay tuned for the magic!”
A post shared by Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar)
The movie’s production timeline has generated buzz as well. According to a reliable source talking to Mid-day, the film will start shooting on December 8, 2024, in Mumbai. Set designer Sabu Cyril will create a spooky set for the first schedule, after which filming will continue from January to April 2025. The locations for the subsequent sessions are diverse and exciting, ranging from Hyderabad and the lush forests of Kerala to captivating spots in Sri Lanka and Gujarat.
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Casting for the film’s female lead has also been a topic of keen interest, with names like Alia Bhatt, Kiara Advani, and Keerthy Suresh initially floated for the role. However, as shared by the sources, Keerthy Suresh seems to have exited the race due to scheduling conflicts.
In ‘Bhoot Bangla,’ Akshay Kumar is expected to take on the role of a modern-day Casanova, reminiscent of his character in ‘Garam Masala.’ Engaging with three different women, Kumar’s character finds his life taking a darker, more serious turn upon encountering black magic. The story—conceptualized by none other than Ektaa R Kapoor—promises a blend of fantasy, humor, and the supernatural.
The absence of a strong female lead has not only stirred the interest of the audience but also kept them speculating about who would finally land the role. Given the dramatic theme involving black magic and supernatural elements, this film aims to offer a multi-layered narrative and complex characters that will resonate with the viewers.
With ‘Bhoot Bangla,’ Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan aim to explore the less-trodden path of genre-blending in Indian cinema, mixing the eerie thrill of horror with the Infectious humor of a comedy. This reunion of two talented artists after such an extended period only heightens anticipation for a movie that promises to be both laughter-inducing and chills-inducing.
The excitement surrounding ‘Bhoot Bangla’ is palpable, magnified by the essence of black magic playing a significant role in the narrative. This factor adds a layer of suspense and mystery that fans of both the horror genre and Akshay Kumar’s unique comedic timing will appreciate.
In summary, ‘Bhoot Bangla’ is more than just a film; it’s a convergence of fantasy, humor, and supernatural elements, wrapped up in the expert craftsmanship of Priyadarshan’s direction and Akshay Kumar’s inimitable acting prowess. The extended wait of 14 years between collaborations has not dampened the enthusiasm, and both the filmmaker and the actor are ready to deliver a memorable cinematic experience. As we eagerly await the film’s release, it’s safe to say ‘Bhoot Bangla’ is set to carve a niche in the landscape of Indian horror-comedy. Stay tuned for what promises to be a memorable cinematic journey.
