Source TOI
The much-anticipated reunion of Bollywood’s hit-making duo—Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan—is off to a promising start. Their latest horror-comedy, Bhooth Bangla, has already begun making noise at the ticket windows, raking in an impressive ₹3.5 crore through paid previews alone on Thursday night.
With the film officially hitting screens today, April 17, 2026, trade analysts are predicting a massive surge in footfall over the weekend.
Strong Start for the Horror-Comedy
The paid preview strategy appears to have paid off for the makers. Surpassing initial trade expectations of ₹2.5–3 crore, the film’s late-night shows saw healthy occupancy, particularly in urban centers and multiplexes. This early momentum has set the stage for a grand opening day.
Early Box Office Breakdown:
Paid Previews: ₹3.5 crore (approx.)
Projected Day 1: ₹11–12 crore
Total Expected Opening: ₹15 crore+ (including previews)
If the film hits the projected ₹15 crore mark, it will comfortably surpass the opening day numbers of Akshay Kumar’s previous 2025 release, Jolly LLB 3, which debuted at ₹12.5 crore.
Why the Hype is Real
The buzz surrounding Bhooth Bangla isn’t just about the box office numbers; it’s about the nostalgia. This film marks the return of the iconic trio—Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Rajpal Yadav—working under Priyadarshan’s direction for the first time since the legendary Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007).
“The chemistry between Akshay and the ensemble cast is the film’s biggest strength,” says a trade expert. “While the horror-comedy genre is crowded right now, the Priyadarshan brand of humor has a loyal fan base that is clearly showing up at the theaters.”
What to Expect
Set in a mysterious, dilapidated mansion in the town of Mangalpur, the film blends supernatural thrills with the signature slapstick comedy the director is known for. Along with the veteran cast, the film features Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Mithila Palkar in pivotal roles.
With positive word-of-mouth trickling in from early screenings and a wide release across over 9,000 shows nationwide, Bhooth Bangla is well-positioned to dominate the box office this weekend. Industry insiders believe that if the evening shows maintain a 25–30% occupancy, the film could even challenge the ₹18 crore mark by Saturday morning.
Current Verdict: The “Khiladi” is back in his favorite playground, and the audience is ready for the laughs (and the jumps).
