Producer Ekta Kapoor has said the release timing of her upcoming horror comedy Bhooth Bangla, starring Akshay Kumar, was a deliberate and well-planned decision, despite it arriving shortly after two major action releases.
The films Dhurandhar 2, directed by Aditya Dhar, and Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, led by Yash, are set to clash at the box office on March 19. Dhurandhar 2, the sequel to the 2025 blockbuster, grossed over ₹1,300 crore worldwide following its December release.
Bhooth Bangla, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan, is scheduled to hit theatres on April 10. Speaking during a media interaction, Kapoor said the timing works in her film’s favour.
“By the time our film releases, both Dhurandhar and Toxic would have had a good run. Some school exams will be over and it will be a holiday period,” she said, adding that family audiences are especially drawn to such entertainers.
Kapoor said her aim was to offer variety at the box office. “Families enjoy watching different kinds of films. The idea is to provide another form of entertainment and ensure there is space for diverse genres,” she added.
Bhooth Bangla marks the reunion of Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan after a 14-year gap. The film is presented by Balaji Motion Pictures, a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd, in association with Akshay Kumar’s banner Cape of Good Films.
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Calling Akshay and Priyadarshan “soulmates,” Kapoor said she was thrilled to bring them together again. She revealed that Akshay immediately agreed to the project on the condition that Priyadarshan would direct it, while the filmmaker later fine-tuned the script after coming on board.
The film also stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Paresh Rawal, Tabu and Rajpal Yadav, along with a posthumous appearance by veteran actor Asrani, who died in October 2025.
Describing the ensemble cast, Kapoor said the combination of actors in Priyadarshan’s signature comic style was “deadly”.
When asked whether Bhooth Bangla could become a franchise, Kapoor said franchises cannot be planned in advance. “If a film works, it automatically turns into a franchise,” she said.
#From Hindustan Times