Why Is Akshay Kumar's Bhooth Bangla Struggling at the Box Office Despite High Hopes?

Bhooth Bangla, featuring Akshay Kumar, premiered on April 17 but has not met box office expectations despite significant pre-release buzz. Directed by Priyadarshan, the film marks his return to Bollywood and showcases a talented cast. While it has earned Rs 97.87 crore globally, predictions indicate a decline in revenue as it enters its first Monday. Jisshu Sengupta praised the collaborative atmosphere on set, which may enhance the film's appeal. As audiences weigh in, the film's journey remains a hot topic in the industry.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 20, 2026, 21:32 IST

Bhooth Bangla: A Mixed Reception for Akshay Kumar's Latest Venture

Bhooth Bangla, a horror-comedy starring Akshay Kumar, made its debut in theaters globally on April 17. While the film launched in India and select international locations, early box office figures suggest it has not met the expectations set by industry analysts. This underwhelming performance is unexpected, especially considering the buzz that surrounded its release, with fans engaging in discussions both online and offline.

This film marks Akshay Kumar's return to the horror-comedy genre after a five-year break and features his first collaboration with actress Wamiqa Gabbi, which has piqued audience interest.

Directed by Priyadarshan, Bhooth Bangla signifies the filmmaker's comeback to Bollywood after a five-year hiatus, with his last Hindi film being Hungama 2 in 2021. This project also marks Priyadarshan's second venture into horror comedy and reunites him with Akshay Kumar after a fourteen-year gap, stirring nostalgia among fans of their earlier works. The film features a stellar cast, including Paresh Rawal, Tabu, Rajpal Yadav, Mithila Palkar, and Jisshu Sengupta, all contributing to a mix of jump scares and situational humor, making it more family-friendly than strictly horror.

As of the third day, Bhooth Bangla has reportedly garnered Rs 9 crore from international markets, bringing its total global earnings to Rs 97.87 crore. However, forecasts for Day 4 indicate a potential drop in box office revenue, particularly as the film approaches its first Monday. Analysts predict earnings between Rs 4 to 5 crore in overseas markets on this day, despite the expected decline. Nonetheless, Bhooth Bangla is on track to surpass the significant Rs 100 crore milestone, a noteworthy achievement for any film.

Jisshu Sengupta, one of the film's actors, shared his experience working with Priyadarshan, saying, "In the initial days, I wasn’t tense, but I was conscious of working with THE Priyadarshan." He commended the director's laid-back style on set, highlighting how Priyadarshan creates a fun environment and encourages contributions from the cast. This collaborative atmosphere may enhance the film's overall charm, even as it faces box office challenges.

Despite the lukewarm initial reception, Bhooth Bangla's unique combination of humor and horror, along with its impressive cast, continues to draw attention. As audiences express their opinions on social media and in theaters, the film's box office journey remains a focal point for fans and industry watchers alike.