Bhootnath Returns Review- Partha outshines Amitabh Bachchan

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Tanya

@.Tanya.

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Posted: 11 years ago

Review: Partha outshines Amitabh Bachchan in Bhoothnath Returns'

It's another classic case of how a promising first-half isn't backed by a convincing second-part

Ever since Vidya Balan mouthed the iconic lines - "Entertainment, Entertainment, Entertainment" - in the Dirty Picture', every filmmaker liberally uses it and hopes its magic would rub off on their movie's box-office success as well.

So, when it pops up randomly in Bhoothnath Returns', you know the movie isn't banking on originality.

Even references to Slumdog Millionaire' because of where the plot unfolds is rather unimaginative, and appears forced.

These are, unfortunately, few of the many setbacks that the sequel displays, despite starting off with much promise, laughter and applause.

An aged ghost, who is low on self-esteem, returns to India to regain his standing in the horror world. His ghostly pals in "ghost land" mock his antics of six years ago, and poke fun at his inability to scare a little kid.

With very little tricks up his sleeve, Bhoothnath attempts a comeback.

Disappointed at his own worthlessness, he sulks and almost gives up the fight, when a spirited street-kid Akhrot preps for a scary fest. He orchestrates a simple act that redeems Bhoothnath's ghostly stature, and in the bargain, wins the little boy a place in the neighbourhood cricket team.

The duo are inseparable from then on, and a fun song later, kick-start a unique business partnership, wherein they evacuate unhappy spirits from haunted buildings for a hefty price from the property developers.

The money is good, and the pair content, until they are asked to help local a goon/politician to revive a plush building project that's troubled by a gang of ghosts.

Bhoothnath and Akhrot are told about the politician's vicious and ordered to step away. They retract, only to irk the political leader.

The enmity increases as Bhoothnath decides to fight the conniving politico in the local elections because the election rulebook doesn't literally exclude dead people from contesting.

While the theme is well-timed, and coincides with the Indian elections, the lack of a tighter edit and logic reduces it to a ghastly mess.

At 160-minutes of screen time, it stops being a fun, endearing story and turns into a classroom lecture on voting rights. There's even a musical lesson on poverty, crime against women, communalism, and much else.

Even though director Nitesh Tiwari picks up from where Vivek Sharma left off in Bhoothnath', and stays true to the principle of a sequel unlike many of his contemporaries, he's unable to piece together some incredible scenes, performances and lines and convert it into a good film.

Part of the problem lies in his inability to filter out the unnecessary.

Instead, we are left extremely fatigued by the lengthy monologues towards the second-half, and left unconnected by Bhoothnath's pursuits for an idealistic world.

Nitesh, who had co-directed Chillar Party' with Vikas Bhal (who made Queen'), shows influences from his debut film with a child, speaking in Mumbai slang, taking centrestage.

Although this strategy works initially, it loses steam as the clock ticks away.

The plot is inconsistent at times, with people who are (technically) unable to see Bhoothnath hold perfect eye-contact with the unseen ghost.

Even a public rally, where Bhoothnath relies on a voice recorder to overcome stage fright, shows another ghost watching the drama unquestioningly.

That said, Nitesh and writer Piyush Gupta must be credited for penning some genuinely fun moments.

"Mosquitoes don't bite you?" asks an endearing Akhrot to Bhoothnath, adding, "But you do take a shower, don't you?"

Even the scene, where Bhoothnath lends the little boy his voice and swagger is outstanding.

In fact, the crooked-toothed Partha is a incredible discovery, lending charm and maturity to little crusader Akhrot. He's impeccable, and holds his own in front of stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan and Boman Irani. Much like Akhrot, he doesn't appear rattled by pressure, and displays confidence and talent that's rare in Hindi movie ranks.

While senior Bachchan sleepwalks through the part, without having to exploit much of his potential, Boman and a few supporting characters put up their crackling best.

Boman tackles the menacing leader with remarkable finesse, and gives comedy a dignified standing. Even, Sanjai Mishra, who plays Bhoothnath's self-appointed lawyer, leaves us in splits.

"Politicians disappear after they win. But, I'm already invincible," announces Bhoothnath, hoping to win over the voters. For the audience, however, he's rarely invincible.

If Nitesh had blanked out Bhoothnath, and retained his baritone voice instead, at least for majority of the movie, it would've been more effective.

So, what could have been a good movie, turned into something hugely disappointing.

http://www.emirates247.com/entertainment/films-music/review-partha-outshines-amitabh-bachchan-in-bhoothnath-returns-2014-04-09-1.545025

Edited by .Tanya. - 11 years ago

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BullsEye777

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Posted: 11 years ago

I somehow like the sound of it but the reviewer does not seem very enthused about the movie

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MR.KooL

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Posted: 11 years ago

Bhoothnath Returns

By Taran Adarsh, 11 Apr 2014, 00:26 hrs IST

To counter the dearth of hits year after year, film-makers and leading Studios -- also actors -- have formulated a strategy to woo spectators in hordes: Sequels. The general feeling is, a follow-up to a successful film, by and large, rakes in enormous moolah at the ticket window. Luckily, the success ratio of sequels has been optimal, hence bigger and better installments are being designed by the creative brains this side of the Atlantic. Noticeably, it's raining sequels in Bollywood these days.

For any product to leave an impression, it's imperative that the spectator's eyes do not stray from the screen. Neither should his/her attention vacillate from the goings-on. The sequel ought to deliver more than the earlier part. The content ought to be imaginative and inventive... or else, the franchise fatigue sets in instantly.

BHOOTHNATH RETURNS does not take off from where the first part ended. Barring the friendly ghost -- the Indian Casper, Bhoothnath -- everything that you witness in the second installment is fresh, be it the plot or the characters or the setting. Wait, there's a new storyteller [Nitesh Tiwari] too. Additionally, this one is coinciding with the elections. The identification with the material is immense, since the film also depicts a corrupt/slimy politician, besides communicating a vital message: The significance of exercising our right to vote.

Does BHOOTHNATH RETURNS ups the ante with a fascinating and captivating plot? Does it pack ample ammunition through those 2.30 hours' run time? Let's analyze...

BHOOTHNATH RETURNS takes Bhoothnath's [Amitabh Bachchan] story forward. As he returns to 'Bhoot World', Bhoothnath is greeted with taunts and condemnation from other ghosts for bringing disrepute to the ghost-community for getting bullied by a kid on earth. Post the humiliation, Bhoothnath decides to redeem himself and come back to scare a bunch of kids.

Bhoothnath's search for kids brings him to Akhrot [Parth Bhalerao], a slum kid, who is also the only person who can see him. Together, they agree to help each other and their friendship sees them get involved in a cause that is bigger than they had ever imagined. To move ahead, they lock horns with the powerful and corrupt politician, Bhau [Boman Irani]. The Lok Sabha elections are nearing and Bhau's victory is a mere formality, or is it?

Nitesh Tiwari takes the BHOOTHNATH template and spins an altogether fresh tale in BHOOTHNATH RETURNS. The corrupt netas and the corroded political system have been an integral part of Bollywood for decades now. One is used to mortals trading charges against each other or manipulating the junta to suit themselves... Nitesh reinvents the genre by pitting a ghost against a political heavyweight and therein lies the difference. Everything else is fine-tuned to fit into the rhythm. The setting is a basti in Mumbai, but, frankly, the connect and identification is pan-India.

Nitesh also does away with the conventional romantic track, which is an essential part of Bollywood. However, the director compensates it with the camaraderie the kid shares with the friendly ghost, which amuses you no end. As a matter of fact, Nitesh has the knack of dealing with kids [recall CHILLAR PARTY, which he directed with Vikas Bahl], which is evident in BHOOTHNATH RETURNS as well.

While the first half is breezy, with several pleasurable moments and witty one-liners laced into the proceedings, the film does a U-turn in the post-interval portions. The goings-on, all of a sudden, turn serious, while the humor goes missing. As a matter of fact, the film veers into the Prakash Jha territory in the second hour, becoming a political drama, while the entertainment quotient is sidelined completely. The election process, the manipulative games played by the politicians, the fight for votes and power... the film changes tracks and gets preachy too. Sure, the message it conveys is well-intentioned and noble, but the serious and grim turn of events look out of place in view of the fact that the film has been promoted as a light entertainer eyeing the kids' segment amongst moviegoers. Additionally, the pacing is uneven at times and the run time [2.30 hours] only dilutes the impact created by some terrific moments.

The soundtrack of BHOOTHNATH RETURNS is pleasant, not memorable. 'Party To Banti Hai' is the best track of the enterprise, while 'Party With The Bhoothnath' [featuring Big B and Yo Yo Honey Singh] comes *after* the end credits. It's too late by then! Dialogue are witty at places and bring a smile on your face on varied occasions.

Although Bachchan Sr. has delivered unforgettable performances in his illustrious career, he never fails to surprise you with stellar acts again and again. He is the soul of BHOOTHNATH RETURNS, shining in several crucial sequences of the film. Boman Irani is fabulous as the power-hungry, shrewd politician, while Parth Bhalerao is the scene stealer, delivering a winning performance, despite sharing screen space with ace actors. The ensemble cast comprising Sanjay Mishra, Brijendra Kala, Usha Jadhav and Usha Nadkarni also deliver natural performances. Shah Rukh Khan and Ranbir Kapoor make cameo appearances, but they hardly leave any impact. Ditto for Anurag Kashyap.

On the whole, BHOOTHNATH RETURNS is made with noble intentions and the message it conveys resonates in the second hour, although those looking for entertainment may find it lacking in the second half. Watch it for some wonderful moments and superior performances by Bachchan Sr., Boman Irani and the child artist Parth Bhalerao.

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MR.KooL

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Posted: 11 years ago

Bhoothnath Returns Review

1 hour ago by Mohar Basu

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Bhoothnath Returns' Movie Poster

Rating: 3/5 Stars (Three stars)

Star cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Boman Irani, Parth Bhalerao

Director: Nitesh Tiwari

What's Good: The noble intention, a terrific child artist and the quick laughs in the film's first half.

What's Bad: The perennial problem of a dwindling second half and the over the top climax.

Loo break: Few post interval.

Watch or Not?: If intentions defined good films,Bhoothnath Returns will score full marks. The film's tempo escalates the interest of the audiences, but scrambles frame by frame in the second half, diluting the impact of its climax. The multiple fractures might seem deterring but Amitabh Bachchan and his young co-star Parth share an enticing camaraderie, delivering lines with a swagger that will allure you to hit the theatres for it alone. Though quite a watchable film, the lamentable bit is that it had massive potential to be smashing but fails due to the overbearing melodrama. As Big B says in a scene to a fellow ghost about bhoot world, "zyada expect mat kijiyega" fits valid for us.

User Rating:

23 Votes

Kailash Nath (Amitabh Bachchan) after his wonderful time with Banku leaves for the Bhoot world. Surprisingly by then he was already a popular person in the other world, quite infamous for his inability to scare off a young kid. The management helps him save face from the embarrassment and he is sent back to earth to clear off his name.

He bumps into Akhrot (Parth) a young boy who could see Bhoothnath and befriends him. A slum dweller in Dharavi, Bhoothnath is faced with the hard realities faced by zillions there because of the local politician's corrupt ways. The disturbing situation and Akhrot's insistence pushes him to contest the elections. Since the Indian constitution doesn't mention anywhere that the contestant must be living, the election commission too admits his candidature.

But who will vote for a ghost? The film tells the story of Bhoothnath's election journey and whether people even accept a leader they can't see.

Parth Bhalerao and Amitabh Bachchan in a still from movie Bhoothnath Returns'

Bhoothnath Returns Review: Script Analysis

The film starts off from the conclusion of its first part, following the journey of Kailash Nath to Bhoot world. He has become a butt of jokes for being unable to scare off Banku. As the trailer had suggested he is sent back to earth to clear his name but the technical fault' of the Bhoot machinery results in a similar fate for Bhoothnath who befriends a street urchin named akhrot.

The Banku escapades six years ago was a delight but does the same work this time again. In parts. The story isn't a simple good ghost story but it transformed into a political satire soon into its screentime. Written fluidly, infusing enough intelligence in the pre-interval, it turns into a convoluted concoction of sappyness and melodrama towards the climax. Probably a well thought and taut climax could have made the film more lucid.

It was impressive when an ordinary tale was tackled wittily to pass a social commentary on the rampant corruption in our country. Though realism is the last thing you expect in a supernatural comedy and we who have made a hero out of the wizard named Harry Potter should be the last people to complain about the lack of reality. The franchise's second edition is more meaningful than just entertainment, entertainment and entertainment'. The writing is surely fresh and must have used heavily the sharpness of its writers.

Though extremely feel-good, the film does have its own minus points. The film takes the simple route out and everything falls in place rather conveniently. Hiccups ironing out with such ease does seep in the implausible feeling in the story. For instance, a ghost contesting the election isn't a regular fare and though there is no specific clause that states the contestant should be a living man, there surely is a clause which says that the contestant should be a voter. This potent dilemma ties up in no time and as blown over as you'll be with how the problem finds a solution, something will seem superficial here for you.

The film is parlous endearing, compelling for its hilarious punches and witty one liners. Even the slackening pace is never a mood dampener. But only when the film hits melodrama and converts into an infomercial on voting rights, you're left stranded in just another news advertisement on why should you vote. Outright classroom preachy, the film not only lectures you on your duty to vote but also allows logic to fly out of the window as the climax advances. With such substantial matter at hand, a lot more meaningful film could have been made. But the writers settle for mediocrity and allows their product to end in an overdramatic, stagy and hammy vein leaving the audiences somber.

Bhoothnath Returns Review: Star Performances

Amitabh Bachchan is a superstar in every possible way. His ability to handle the toughest of scenes with ease makes him the seasoned actor he is. He is bewitching for most part and though there are instances where you'll find him sleepwalking through scenes, it doesn't affect the film too gravely as he balances it all with his overpowering gravity and brilliant screen presence.

It will be a big statement to make if we say that Parth Bhalerao at many cues steals the show from Senior Bachchan. But the kid almost does. He is brilliant and whoever found the kid for this role should be praised for the pitch perfect casting. As Akhrot, he overacts' wonderfully and it works rightly.

Boman Irani's interesting slimy is winsome. He is fascinating in his role and adds more shades to it than what existed. Probably giving him a little more screen space would have helped the drama because his anti-chemistry with Bachchan is imperishable.

Sanjay Mishra in his little role too is goodly and adds to making the dialogues and sequences at many places.

Bhoothnath Returns Review: Direction, Editing and Screenplay

The film is a pile on to the cases that suffer the curse of the dull post interval fate. Nitesh Tiwari is definitely way more talented than Vivek Sharma who played safe by allowing the story remain simple. Tiwari goes the bold way and attempts to add layers to an uninteresting story. Luckily, Tiwari understands the meaning of sequel which isn't a cut, copy, paste version of the first part but a furthering of the plotline not only in terms of the lapse in time but also adding meat to the story.

But Tiwari hasn't made a great film. Despite having an incredible story at hand and a flattering cast to back him, the film's screenplay loses steam over time ending in a dull affair.

Bhoothnath Returns Review: The Last Word

Bhoothnath Returns is lightyears ahead of its first part. Told like a socio-political satire in the first half, it suffers when the humor runs out leaving behind an overdramatic climax. For the intelligent story and the umpteenth laughs of the first hour and mostly Parth & Big B's impervious chemistry, the film deserves a watch. I am going with a 3/5. Could have been octaves ahead but doesn't soar adequately

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@DB_reloaded

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Posted: 11 years ago

Bhoothnath Returns Opens To Dull Response

Friday 11 April 2014 13.30 IST

Box Office India Trade Network

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Bhoothnath Returns opened to a dull response all over. The collections were in the 10-15% range in the morning shows. The morning collections were best in Mumbai circuit. North India collections were very low with East Punjab taking a beating due to Punjabi film Disco Singh which opened to a bumper response..

The single screens opening was awful. Bhoothnath Returns has been released on around 1300 plus screens and will need a good turnaround in the business in the evening for respectable numbers.

The film was a solo release apart from two very small films opening in Mumbai and CP Berar but it did not help much. The way the film has opened it could be beaten by Main Tera Hero over the weekend unless there is some sort of turnaround in the evening.

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awesomegurti

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Posted: 11 years ago

The ApunKaChoice movie review of Bhoothnath Returns. The makers of Bhoothnath Returns have tried to kill many birds with a stone. First, they've tried to entertain the bachcha log with the antics of Bhoothnath and a slum kid. Second, they've piped in a social message about corruption, poverty, crime and sordid state of politics. They've peppered it further with tear-jerking melodrama, all woven around the most topical plot - that of elections. So a huge audience base, from droll Bhootiyapanti'-loving kids, their newspaper perusing dads to TV soap opera loving moms, is covered.

In deft hands, this pot-pourri could have been the USP of Bhoothnath Returns. But writer Piyush Gupta and director Nitesh Tiwari make it all too corny, too soppy for our taste. That is not to say the film isn't watchable.

Up in the Bhootlok, Bhoothnath (Amitabh Bachchan) is the butt of jokes. He has sullied the reputation of ghosts by not being able to scare kids on earth. So to clear his name and salvage some reputation among the bhoots, he returns to the earth to scare a few tykes. But lo! he chances upon one who can see him, and he's not a hair bit scared.

This Dharavi kid named Akhrot (Parth Bhalerao) urges Bhoothnath to put his ghostly talents to a better use. His conscience shaken, Bhoothnath decides to contest elections against the corrupt gunda Bhau (Boman Irani) who is hand-in-glove with builder mafia. Now the question is: how will the invisible Bhoothnath beat Bhau at his own game?

An interesting plot no doubt. The first half breezes by with a few chuckles and laughs, but it's at the mid-point when we are treated to a montage of images and newsreels depicting poverty, corruption, and other social ills that the film begins to take itself a tad too seriously.

The second half can be termed Bhoothnath's adventures with Indian polity'. It's only with droll amusement that one watches an invisible Bhoothnath giving election speeches, canvassing for votes, and even getting a character clearance certificate from police. But the priggish tone of some dialogues, coupled with unnecessary melodrama, cast a pall over Bhoothnath Returns.

Amitabh Bachchan and child actor Parth Bhalerao are two good reasons to watch this film. While Bachchan pumps in all the brio his 71-year-old indefatigable self can muster to make his Bhoothnath not just vivacious, lively and likeable, but also convincing, it's Bhalerao who steals the scenes many a time with his crunchy oneliners. There's no touch of reverence in Parth's chemistry with one of the most revered actors of Hindi cinema. That makes the duo's chemistry work like a ghost on Halloween night.

As the antagonist, Boman Irani is in full form. The supporting actors, particularly Sanjay Mishra as a haggard lawyer, and Brijendra Kala as Boman's crony, chip in well.

Bhoothnath Returns could have done better without the songs, particularly a song in slums with foreign babes (watch it here). The movie also overstays its welcome with a running time of close to two-and-half hours.

Partly funny, partly corny and needlessly priggish and serious, Bhoothnath Returns is nonetheless a one-time watch.

Rating: **1/2

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SeeYa

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Posted: 11 years ago

Review : Bhootnath Returns

by Shikhar Verma

4 3Google +0

Little guy Akhrot (Parth Bhalerao), a street smart lad who can see Bhoothnath due to some techincal galti' of the Bhoot World' exclaims:

"India mein trailer hit to picture superhit"

I think the vice-versa works for Bhoothnath returns. While the trailer to the sequel of Bhoothnath (2008) wasn't actually great, the film turned out to be an absolute treat.

Kailash Nath / Bhoothnath (Amitabh Bachchan) after his adventurous time with Banku leaves for the Bhoot world. Surprisingly, he is an infamous personality in the Bhooth World as he failed to even scare off a little kid. The working department helps him save face from the embarrassment and is sent back to earth so that he can scare a few kids and clear off his name. He gets back to earth and as the friendly gud-guy ghost he is, he befriends a witty and smart kid who not only mocks the Bollywood quite a few time he also shows great caliber and personality in deciding what's right and what's wrong. He doesn't believe in taking the wrong way and takes up his honest self with the Help of the friendly bhooth and helps his mother get rid of the constant gibber -jabber of the loud landlord.

Bhoothnath and Akhrot decide to crack one big deal after which Akhrot will make 20 lakh rupees and will be settled, saying goodbye to the helping Ghost. However, certain thing lead them off and they decide to take a stand against the corrupt politician Jamez (Boman Irani). They device a plan of electing Bhoothnath' for the election campaign against the menacing and dangerous A-hole, Jamez (Boman Irani).

The plot is fictitious and a bit convoluted, I wouldn't disagree that it has a few loopholes but what's surprising is the film manages to be perfectly grounded throughout. Making it not only entertaining but a thrill ride. The film not only jokes, mocks the present situation, it manages to bring out political loopholes and corruption issues which most of the wannabe political thrillers (including Bacchanji's Aarakhshan') didn't manage to show.

The things which stand out are firstly, the brilliant writing by Nitesh Tiwari and Piyush Gupta. They manage to showcase every possible aspect of what's wrong with today's youth and why are wrong people elected. They mange to show us why corruption still prevails in our country. At one point in the movie Bacchan Saab says:

"Elections main humein usseh vote dena chaiye jo humein accha lagta hai, par hum vote usse dete hain jo thoda kam bura hota hai."

I couldn't do anything but admire at the writing and the flare at which they manage to bring out small things which are constantly talked about on every single social networking site and every other discussion boards but is never spoken out loud to the larger audience. I'll give Nitesh Tiwari props for at least trying. The film drifts a bit in the second half and loses a bit of it's pacing which was shown in the energetic first half but it never gets out of hand, the issues raised are genuine and quite frankly true to each and every word. I read some critics had some problems with the climax, calling it a wee bit over the top. I beg to differ, I had goosebumps while Sanjay Mishra and Amitabh Saab discussed about the two outcomes of the elections, pretty much like the two sides of a coin. Even though it faces a happy end it was beautiful and powerful to me.

Amitabhji owns the film, with his power-packed and energetic performances he served both the kids and the adult audience equally. This was his best since R. Balki's Paa'. Boman Irani, as the corrupt politician was convincing and hateful, he never cease to amuse me with his versatility. Sanjay Mishra has a small role, but after Aankhon Dekhi' I have a new found respect for that guy, what an artist he is. However, the real star here is the little guy Parth Bhalerao. He is a definite find. I just hope he gets better role like this one in the future, else he would end up being a one film wonder like Darshel Safari. The movie has 3 smart cameos from Shah Rukh Khan, Anurag Kashap and Ranbir Kapoor even though they are big names they play a essential part here. Props to the direction, writing and the screenplay. The film would have done wonders with a crispier editing in the second half. The music was surprisingly good and Hitesh Sonik's background score plays a very essential part of uplifting this film to a great extent.

Final Verdict: Not only is Bhootnath Returns' better than the prequel, it's emotionally jarring, immensely thought provoking and profoundly entertaining. Go Watch It !

Rating: 3.5/5

- See more at: http://www.jammag.com/review-bhootnath-returns/#sthash.ZUk1fQTj.dpuf

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Posted: 11 years ago

Bhoothnath Returns Box Office Opening: Detailed report

Posted in : Bollywood,Box Office
|
April 11th, 2014.

Bhoothnath Returns has taken a poor start all over. The problem for the film is the timing of its release. One, the exams are currently going on, which means that the target audience of the film, the children, will have better things to do than visit a cinema hall to watch a film. And secondly, last week's release Main Tera Hero is still performing fairly well at the box office.

Having said that, the reports from the theatres is pretty good, so it could pick up on Saturday and Sunday. Also, most films that are targeted towards the family audience, take a slow start but manage to pick up later.

Below is the average occupancy of the film for the morning through to the evening from a few circuits. The story is pretty much the same all over, with the occupancy ranging from 10-20% all over India. The Punjab circuit was even worse as Bhoothnath Returns was competing against a regional film.

1. Mumbai: 15% (morning) - 25% (evening)
2. Delhi/UP: 10% - 25%
3. East Punjab: 8-10% - 15%
4. Mysore - 15% - 25%
5. West Bengal - 7% - 20%

As the numbers above suggest, the opening day figures of Bhoothnath Returns will be low. If the film had released a little later, preferably during the summer vacation, it would have probably taken a better start and shown better growth.

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fivestars

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Posted: 11 years ago

Review: Bhoothnath Returns loses the plot

April 11, 2014 10:51 IST

Bhoothnath Returns starts off with a fascinating premise but drags towards the end, says Sukanya Verma.

A conscientious ghost decides to contest elections opposite a criminal candidate and seeks mandate from the gullible public while emphasising on how a worthy candidate shouldn't be judged by the nature of his existence but by his scruples and merit.

A dead man versus a dead conscience -- fascinating premise for satire or spoof, isn't it?

Moreover, with election fever in full swing, Bhoothnath Returns, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, could not have asked for a better timing.

The problem with this well-intentioned social drama is that it starts out as a children's film but decides to grow up mid-way and discard its predecessor's endearing traits to take a sanctimonious stand in a regrettably tedious manner.

Bhoothnath, modelled around The Canterville Ghost, wasn't particularly spectacular but genuine enough to work.

Its main attraction then and now -- Amitabh Bachchan reprises his role with humour, wisdom, charisma and a charming approachability he seems to exclusively radiate around his knee-length co-stars.

In reciprocation, young Parth Bhalerao's scene-stealing Akhrot matches Big B's seasoned heft in good measure.

Playing the precocious Dharavi-dwelling kid who begins every sentence with 'apun' and empathises with his single working mom's (in Usha Jadhav's understated grace) struggle is known to produce painfully maudlin moments on celluloid but Bhalerao's judicious energy, instinctive smarts and melting smile steer clear of tired stereotypes.

A fun bond strikes between him and Bhoothnath immediately after the latter returns to earth to wipe out his 'can't scare kids' reputation in Bhoothland, which looks straight out of a European fairy tale on the outside but a typical government headquarters with a couple of witty touches inside -- signboard requesting to maintain 'dead' silence.

With Akhrot's assistance, Bhoothnath redeems some of his lost glory.

In exchange, he helps the impoverished Akhrot to make some money by ethically emptying out spooked under-construction buildings. Implausible as it is, the next half an hour of Bhoothnath Returns concerns itself with just that.

What could be a fine opportunity to dispense a series of goofy gimmicks and appease the kids in the audience is surprisingly snubbed to accommodate excessive sentimentality.

All this criticism is put on hold after Boman Irani promisingly enters the scene to provide Bhoothnath Returns its crooked antagonist against whom our titular ghoul decides to stand in the upcoming elections.

How Bhoothnath gets a ticket to contest his underdog campaign featuring Akhrot, a bunch of slum folks and his lawyer (portrayed with flawless comic timing by Sanjay Mishra) is far more enjoyable than what follows afterwards.

Adapting a socially relevant context and well-meaning theme is commendable but confusing, when coming from a brand associated with a children's fantasy.

Even if I overlook genre conflicts, Bhoothnath Returns doesn't really make a strong case of what it's trying to convey -- the importance of voting wisely (something a Satyamev Jayate episode does better with facts, figures and realism) by muddling profound idealism around incoherent, ambiguous ideas treated with embarrassing simplicity.

Like I mentioned earlier on, a dead mortal taking on a dead morality is a fascinating concept that could blossom beautifully under someone like Rajkumar Hirani's story-telling aesthetics.

But Tiwari's script and filmmaking lacks the insight, sarcasm or resolution to make an incisive commentary on the business of politics.

Whatever connect the towering Bachchan makes with his viewer is rudely disrupted to accommodate mediocre songs or misplaced sentimentalism in a prolonged slide show of poignant portraits making Bhoothnath's return quite a drag in the end.

Rediff Rating: