Bhooth Bangla Box Office Success Sparks Competition With Dhurandhar 2 Akshay Kumar and Wamiqa Gabbi’s horror comedy Bhooth Bangla made its theatrical debut on Friday, May 17, 2026, with strong opening numbers. The film collected Rs 12.25 crore on its first day, followed by a 55 percent increase on day two, bringing the domestic gross to over Rs 40 crore. Globally, the movie earned Rs 60 crore, positioning it as a major contender in the box office race against Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar 2. Trade reports indicate that Bhooth Bangla earned Rs 19 crore on day two, pushing its total domestic collection to Rs 35 crore net. Combined with Rs 18.50 crore in overseas earnings, the film’s worldwide gross reached Rs 60.50 crore. Industry analysts predict the numbers could rise further as the film continues its run. Directed by Priyadarshan, Bhooth Bangla marks a reunion between the actor and director after 15 years. Their previous collaborations, including Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Bhagam Bhag, were critically acclaimed. The film also features Tabu, Paresh Rawal, and Rajpal Yadav, adding to its star power. The movie faced delays in its release, initially scheduled for April 10 but postponed to April 17. Despite the setback, it managed to generate significant buzz and compete with other releases like Dhurandhar 2, Dacoit, Project Hail Mary, and Ek Din. Akshay Kumar expressed support for his co-stars, praising Wamiqa Gabbi’s unique presence and citing her resemblance to Aishwarya Rai while emphasizing her individuality. The actor also hinted at future projects, including Welcome to the Jungle, Haiwaan, and Golmaal 5. He mentioned his interest in working with directors Aditya Dhar and Sandeep Reddy Vanga, stating, “If any of these directors think I deserve to be in their films, they can approach me.#dhurandhar_2 #akshay_kumar #priyadarshan #wamiqa_gabbi #bhooth_bangla
Akshay Kumar downplays romancing Wamiqa Gabbi in Bhooth Bangla, Priyadarshan says 'actor's screen age is different' Akshay Kumar has addressed the age difference between himself and co-star Wamiqa Gabbi in their upcoming film Bhoot Bangla, downplaying any concerns about their on-screen chemistry. The actor, known for his versatile roles, emphasized that the focus remains on the story and the characters they portray. Director Priyadarshan, who helmed the film, also weighed in on the age-gap issue, stating that an actor's "screen age" differs from their real-world age. He clarified that the creative team prioritizes the narrative and the emotional connection between the characters over real-life factors. The film, which blends elements of horror and comedy, is set to release later this year and has already generated significant buzz in the Bollywood industry. Priyadarshan highlighted that the age difference between the leads is not a point of contention for the cast or crew, as their collaboration is rooted in the project's vision. The director's comments come amid ongoing discussions about how age dynamics in Bollywood films are perceived by audiences and critics alike.#bollywood #akshay_kumar #priyadarshan #bhoot_bangla #wamiqa_gabbi
Akshay Kumar defends age-gap romance with Wamiqa Gabbi in ‘Bhooth Bangla’: 'Humne pehle dekha nahi hai kya?' The debate over age-gap romances in Hindi cinema remains a topic of discussion, particularly following conversations on shows like ‘Two Much’, where actors such as Salman Khan and Aamir Khan faced questions about older male stars being paired with younger actresses. While the actors argued that such pairings are driven by script requirements, critics contended that the industry often sidesteps addressing the imbalance. Akshay Kumar, promoting his film ‘Bhooth Bangla’, recently weighed in on the issue. Speaking about his role opposite Wamiqa Gabbi, Kumar remarked, “Toh kya hai? Humne pehle dekha nahi hai kya kabhi? (So what? Haven’t we seen this before?) It happens in Hollywood as well. Sometimes, it’s the requirement of the script. (In real life too), so many people get married to partners older or younger than them.” Kumar emphasized that such casting choices are often dictated by the narrative rather than personal preferences. Director Priyadarshan, who helmed ‘Bhooth Bangla’, shared his perspective on the topic. He argued that audiences should focus on the characters rather than the actors’ real ages, drawing parallels to legends like MGR and NTR. Priyadarshan explained that there is a distinction between chronological age and “screen age,” which ultimately influences how viewers perceive the characters. He clarified that his casting decisions are based on how convincing a pair appears on screen, not their age difference. According to him, once audiences engage with the story, concerns about age gaps tend to fade, as the characters take precedence over real-life factors. Kumar also praised his co-star Wamiqa Gabbi for her dedication to the role.#akshay_kumar #priyadarshan #balaji_motion_pictures #wamiqa_gabbi #bhooth_bangla
Akshay Kumar, 58, Has A Quip On Romancing 26-Year-Younger Wamiqa Gabbi In Bhooth Bangla Akshay Kumar and Wamiqa Gabbi in Bhooth Bangla The conversation around older male actors romancing younger heroines has been a recurring topic in Bollywood. Akshay Kumar, preparing for the release of his film Bhooth Bangla, recently addressed the issue, stating, "Toh kya hai? Humne pehle dekha nahi hai kya kabhi?" He explained that such age gaps are common in Hollywood and real-life relationships, often driven by script requirements. Kumar emphasized that while the age difference between him and Wamiqa Gabbi is 26 years, it is not unusual, as many people in real life marry partners younger or older than themselves. Kumar praised Gabbi for her dedication to her role, noting that she rehearses scenes thoroughly and approaches her work with seriousness. He compared her to Tabu, who he described as even more focused, and contrasted her with Vidya Balan, whom he works with in another film, highlighting Vidya’s preference for a more free-spirited approach to acting. Director Priyadarshan, who helmed Bhooth Bangla, added his perspective, explaining that there is a distinction between chronological age and screen age. He referenced the philosophies of actors like MGR and NTR, who believed that an actor’s screen age—how they appear on screen—often differs from their real age. Priyadarshan argued that audiences accept actors based on their screen age, and that age gaps in films are not an issue if the characters and performances align. He noted that during filming, he sometimes questions pairings unrelated to age, but audiences rarely notice such gaps once the film is released. The film Bhooth Bangla itself is set in a classic Priyadarshan comedy, featuring a mix of humor, witty dialogue, and familiar faces.#akshay_kumar #priyadarshan #tabu #wamiqa_gabbi #bhooth_bangla
Why Did Ekta Kapoor Pause Bhooth Bangla Editing For 30 Minutes? Inside Look At The Comedy Chaos Ekta Kapoor, the producer behind the upcoming comedy horror film Bhooth Bangla, reportedly paused the editing process for nearly half an hour during a recent session due to uncontrollable laughter from the core team. The incident highlights the film’s intense comedic energy, which has left even the most seasoned professionals struggling to maintain composure. The film reunites director Priyadarshan with actor Akshay Kumar, marking their first collaboration in over 14 years. Known for their iconic comedy classics, the duo’s return has generated immense anticipation among fans. According to insiders, the editing team frequently found themselves laughing uncontrollably while reviewing scenes, with one instance requiring a 30-minute break to recover before continuing. The mix of Priyadarshan’s signature humor, Akshay Kumar’s unpredictable antics, and the cast’s quirky reactions has created a chaotic yet infectious comedic atmosphere. Bhooth Bangla stars Akshay Kumar in the lead role, alongside Wamiqa Gabbi, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, and Tabu. The film is directed by Priyadarshan and produced by Akshay Kumar, Shobha Kapoor, and Ektaa R Kapoor. It is set to release in theaters on April 10, 2026, under the banner of Balaji Motion Pictures. The project has already sparked excitement ahead of its release, with fans eager to witness the return of the director-actor duo. The film’s blend of horror and comedy is expected to deliver a unique experience, combining the unpredictable humor of Priyadarshan’s earlier works with Akshay Kumar’s charismatic performances. The editing challenges faced by the team further underscore the film’s potential to become a standout entry in Bollywood’s comedy genre.#akshay_kumar #priyadarshan #ektaa_r_kapoor #balaji_motion_pictures #wamiqa_gabbi
