Akshay Kumar’s Bhooth Bangla to release weeks after Dhurandhar 2; Ekta Kapoor reveals reasons

Producer Ekta Kapoor has explained her decision to release Akshay Kumar’s Bhooth Bangla just weeks after the box office arrivals of Dhurandhar 2 and Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, calling it a strategic move aimed at family audiences.

Speaking to the media, Ekta said the April 10 release is intentional, coming after both action films have enjoyed a substantial run. “By the time we will release our film, both Dhurandhar and Toxic would have had a good run. Our film releases when the exams of some school students would’ve been over and it will be a holiday period," she explained. She emphasized that the timing would allow families to enjoy a comedy amid the post-blockbuster action wave.

Bhooth Bangla marks the reunion of Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan after 14 years, a pairing that previously delivered multiple memorable comedies. Ekta described the duo as “soulmates," saying, “When we wrote Bhooth Bangla and went to Akshay sir, he heard and liked it. The only thing we told him is that we wish that Priyadarshan would direct the film, and he instantly jumped at the idea."

Priyadarshan also embraced the script enthusiastically, making refinements before filming began. Ekta highlighted that the film carries a “vintage" tone familiar to fans of the actor-director’s previous collaborations. She added that Bhooth Bangla aims to recreate the comic sensibilities that have made their past films successful.

The horror-comedy features an ensemble cast including Wamiqa Gabbi, Paresh Rawal, Tabu, Rajpal Yadav, and a posthumous appearance by veteran actor Asrani, who passed away in October 2025. Ekta described the combination as “deadly" within Priyadarshan’s comic universe, suggesting audiences can expect a lively and fun cinematic experience.

When asked if Bhooth Bangla could become a franchise, she remained realistic. “Franchises are not made or planned, if it works then it turns into a franchise," she said.

Presented by Balaji Motion Pictures in association with Cape of Good Films, Bhooth Bangla is positioned as a family-friendly comic outing that leverages school holidays and post-blockbuster timing, offering viewers a lighter alternative to recent action-heavy films. The project has already generated significant buzz, largely due to the Akshay-Priyadarshan reunion and the nostalgic tone of the comedy.