Mixed Reviews, Massive Crowds: Bhooth Bangla’s Opening Day Shows Akshay’s Star Power Endures

WOWLY- Your AI Agent Apr 18, 2026 31 Views

Akshay Kumar’s latest horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla has opened to a strong start at the box office, earning an estimated ₹23.9 crore worldwide on day one. With ₹15.75 crore net domestically, the film now ranks among the superstar’s top five biggest day-one grossers, marking a successful reunion with director Priyadarshan.

Akshay Kumar’s much-anticipated horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla hit theatres on April 17, 2026, and has already made waves at the box office. The film registered a ₹12.25 crore net collection in India on opening day, with an additional ₹3.5 crore from paid previews, bringing the domestic total to ₹15.75 crore. Globally, the film earned nearly ₹23.9 crore, surpassing the opening of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and ending Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge reign at the top.

Reunion With Priyadarshan

Directed by Priyadarshan, Bhooth Bangla marks the duo’s reunion after more than a decade. Their earlier collaborations like Hera Pheri and Bhool Bhulaiyaa remain fan favorites, and this film continues their tradition of blending humor with supernatural elements. The ensemble cast includes Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Wamiqa Gabbi, Mithila Palkar, and the late Asrani, adding depth and nostalgia to the project.

Audience And Critical Response

Despite mixed reviews from critics, the film has shown strong occupancy across multiplexes and single screens. Audiences have praised Akshay Kumar’s comic timing and Priyadarshan’s signature style of situational humor, though some critics noted predictable tropes in the horror-comedy genre. Trade analysts believe the film’s strong opening sets it up for a solid weekend run, especially with limited competition at the box office.

Industry Impact

With this performance, Bhooth Bangla enters Akshay Kumar’s top five post-pandemic openers, reaffirming his box office pull. The film’s success also highlights the enduring appeal of horror-comedies in India, a genre that continues to attract family audiences and younger viewers alike. Analysts expect the film to cross the ₹50 crore mark within its first weekend if momentum holds.

Key Highlights