Bhooth Bangla - Dainik Jagran English

Sonam Bajwa Reacts to Bhooth Bangla Success, Calls Akshay Kumar a True Hit Machine

ROHIT — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:05:26 +0530

The strong run of Bhooth Bangla at the box office has triggered reactions across the industry, with actor Sonam Bajwa publicly congratulating Akshay Kumar for the film’s early success. Speaking during a promotional event in New Delhi, Bajwa acknowledged the film’s performance and credited Kumar’s mass appeal for its strong opening numbers.

Box Office Surge

Trade estimates indicate that Bhooth Bangla is nearing the ₹100 crore mark worldwide within its first week. The film reportedly crossed significant milestones within six days of release, with steady footfall in both urban and mass circuits.

Early figures from Day 7 suggest continued momentum, reinforcing its status as one of the latest trending releases in India. Industry trackers describe the performance as consistent, particularly in northern markets.

Sonam Bajwa Reacts

Addressing media queries, Sonam Bajwa said she was “extremely happy” for Akshay Kumar and the team. She highlighted Kumar’s reputation as a dependable box office performer, stating that his films often attract strong audience turnout.

Bajwa’s remarks came during promotions for her upcoming Punjabi film Pitt Siyapa, where she appeared alongside co-actor Paramvir Singh Cheema. According to sources present at the event, the actor maintained a balanced tone, focusing on industry camaraderie rather than competition.

Industry Background

The collaboration between Sonam Bajwa and Akshay Kumar dates back to Housefull 5, where the duo shared screen space. The film had received attention for its ensemble cast and comedic narrative, contributing to Bajwa’s growing presence in Hindi cinema.

Akshay Kumar, often referred to as a consistent performer in commercial cinema, has delivered multiple box office successes across genres. His latest release continues that trend amid a competitive theatrical landscape.

Promotional Push Continues

Bajwa is currently focused on promoting Pitt Siyapa, scheduled for theatrical release on May 1. The film marks another significant project in her Punjabi cinema portfolio.

During interactions, Paramvir Singh Cheema expressed enthusiasm about working with Bajwa, noting her popularity and professional approach on set. Promotional activities are expected to intensify in the coming days across major cities.

Audience Response Trend

Box office analysts suggest that Bhooth Bangla has benefited from positive word-of-mouth and holiday-season footfall. The film’s genre appeal and Akshay Kumar’s established fan base have contributed to its steady collections.

As per reports, multiplex occupancy rates have remained stable, while single-screen theatres have shown growth in select regions. This trend reflects broader patterns in India News Update cycles, where content-driven films gain traction quickly.

What Lies Ahead

With the weekend approaching, trade experts expect Bhooth Bangla to either cross or come close to the ₹100 crore milestone globally. The film’s second-week performance will be crucial in determining its long-term box office standing.

Akshay Kumar’s Bhooth Bangla Storms Box Office, Dhurandhar 2 Faces Tough Fight

ROHIT — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:44:07 +0530

The Bhooth Bangla Box Office Worldwide performance has emerged as one of the biggest talking points in recent Latest News Today, with the film clocking an estimated ₹127.37 crore globally within six days of release. Led by Akshay Kumar, the horror-comedy has shown consistent momentum at the ticket window despite mid-week slowdowns.

Trade estimates suggest the film is now on track to enter the ₹100 crore net club in India within its first week, a benchmark often used to gauge commercial success in the Hindi film industry.

India Collection Growth

Domestically, the film has amassed approximately ₹78.90 crore net, with gross figures touching ₹93.87 crore. On Day 6 alone, Bhooth Bangla added ₹6.15 crore to its tally, maintaining a steady hold across urban and tier-2 markets.

According to industry tracking portals, the film recorded over 11,500 shows nationwide, reflecting sustained exhibitor confidence. Cinema chains have continued to allocate screens due to consistent occupancy levels, particularly in evening and late-night slots.

Overseas Performance

Internationally, Bhooth Bangla has contributed significantly to the overall Bhooth Bangla Box Office Worldwide numbers. Markets such as North America, the Middle East, and parts of Europe have reported encouraging collections.

Sources in distribution circles indicated that the film’s genre appeal and Akshay Kumar’s established overseas fan base have played a key role in driving footfall beyond India.

Clash With Dhurandhar 2

The box office clash with Dhurandhar 2 has added a competitive edge to the current theatrical landscape. While both films belong to different genres, their simultaneous run has split audience attention.

In recent India News Update reports, exhibitors noted fluctuating trends, with both films taking the lead on different days. Bhooth Bangla has largely dominated urban circuits, whereas Dhurandhar 2 continues to perform strongly in select regions.

Midweek Stability

Despite the usual weekday dip, Bhooth Bangla has managed to maintain stability, which trade analysts consider a positive indicator. The film’s performance during non-weekend days suggests favourable word-of-mouth and repeat viewership.

As per reports, occupancy rates have remained consistent, especially in multiplex chains. This trend has helped the film sustain collections even without major holiday support.

Industry Perspective

Film trade experts view Bhooth Bangla’s performance as a significant boost for the Hindi film industry, which has been navigating an unpredictable box office phase.

According to analysts, the film’s blend of comedy and horror has widened its audience reach. “The genre has worked in its favour. It appeals to both family audiences and younger viewers,” a trade observer noted, as cited in English News Portal India coverage.

Weekend Expectations

Looking ahead, the upcoming weekend is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the film’s trajectory. With no major releases lined up, Bhooth Bangla is likely to benefit from minimal competition.

Trade projections indicate that the film could comfortably cross the ₹100 crore net mark in India within days, further strengthening its Bhooth Bangla Box Office Worldwide position.

Market Outlook

The current box office scenario reflects a balanced competition between Bhooth Bangla and Dhurandhar 2, offering audiences diverse choices.

" Akshay Kumar Calls Dhurandhar 2 an "Adult Film— Here's Why Bhooth Bangla Is Bollywood's Smartest April Bet

Nitin Trivedi — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:15:53 +0530

Akshay Kumar Calls Dhurandhar 2 an "Adult Film" — Here's Why Bhooth Bangla Is Bollywood's Smartest April Bet

In a box office landscape dominated by Ranveer Singh's record-shattering spy thriller, Akshay Kumar is playing a different game — and it just might work.

The numbers around Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge are staggering. The Ranveer Singh spy thriller crossed ₹100 crore on its opening day and has since become the toast of Bollywood. Yet, amid all this noise, Akshay Kumar isn't flinching. He recently watched the film and came away with both admiration — and clarity about where his own film stands.

In a candid interview, Akshay put it simply: "Dhurandhar is an adult film; this is for kids and families." It's a distinction that goes far beyond genre labels. It's a business strategy.

Two Films, Two Audiences — and That's the Point

While Dhurandhar 2 carries an Adult certificate due to its gritty spy action, Bhooth Bangla is a fantasy horror-comedy designed for a universal family audience. The films are not just different in tone — they are targeting entirely separate demographic groups. Families with children who may have skipped the intense violence of the spy sequel are precisely the audience Bhooth Bangla is courting.

The April 10 release date is intentional — timed to arrive after both Dhurandhar 2 and Toxic have enjoyed a substantial theatrical run, and strategically coinciding with a school holiday period. Smart. Calculated. And refreshingly transparent about its audience play.

The 21-Day Window: A Calculated Bet

Akshay Kumar's confidence in the release date is rooted in a clear understanding of theatrical cycles. Three weeks is generally adequate for a record-breaking film to achieve its primary box office goals — and when a film like Dhurandhar 2 performs this strongly, it brings audiences back into the habit of going to theatres, ultimately benefiting the next big release.

The makers have also strategically attached the Bhooth Bangla trailer to Dhurandhar 2 screenings, reaching millions of fans currently thronging multiplexes. It's a promotional masterstroke — using a rival's momentum as a launchpad.

Nostalgia, Folklore, and a Legendary Reunion

Beyond the box office chess match, Bhooth Bangla carries genuine creative weight. The film marks Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan's first collaboration in 14 years — after their 2010 film Khatta Meetha — a duo whose earlier run produced cult classics like Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa.

Priyadarshan has spoken about the film being rooted in fantasy and Indian folklore, drawing on deep-rooted beliefs around supernatural ghosts, rituals, and black magic that still exist in parts of rural India. This isn't a jump-scare factory — it's a lovingly crafted horror-comedy with cultural soul.

The ensemble cast features Wamiqa Gabbi, Paresh Rawal, Tabu, and Rajpal Yadav, along with a posthumous appearance by veteran actor Asrani, who passed away in October 2025 — giving the film an emotional dimension worth celebrating.

The Bigger Picture: Bollywood Needs Both

Here's the opinion that matters: Bollywood does not have a one-size-fits-all problem — it has a perception problem. For too long, the industry has chased a single trend at a time, crowding one lane while leaving others empty. What Akshay Kumar is doing with Bhooth Bangla is quietly radical.

As he put it himself: "When we made this film, we didn't look at what the current trend is; we rather looked at whether the story was good or not." That philosophy — story first, trend second — is exactly what the box office needs right now.

The Dhurandhar 2 wave is real and deserved. But families deserve their moment too. And if the theatre audiences already posing excitedly next to Bhooth Bangla standees are any indication, that moment is coming on April 10, 2026.

'Dacoit' Release Date Shifted to April 10; Will Now Clash with Akshay Kumar's 'Bhooth Bangla'

Abhishek Joshi — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:44:16 +0530

Adivi Sesh's 'Dacoit' Postponed to April 10; The 'Dhurandhar' Effect Continues

In a significant shake-up across the March-April release calendar, the makers of the highly anticipated action-romantic thriller Dacoit have officially pushed the film's release date. Starring Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur, the film will now arrive in cinemas on April 10, 2026, moving away from its original March 19 slot .

The announcement was made by the actor himself on social media, where he shared a new poster with the caption, "Goldfish on April 10. In Theaters Worldwide. DACOIT" . This decision makes Dacoit the second major film after Yash's Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups to vacate the March 19 window, highlighting the massive anticipation surrounding Ranveer Singh's spy thriller, Dhurandhar: The Revenge .

From Avoiding One Clash to Facing Another

Initially, the March 19 date was shaping up to be a massive box office battle, with Dhurandhar 2, Toxic, and Dacoit all vying for screen space. However, with Toxic moving to June 4 citing the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East as a barrier to a global release, and now Dacoit stepping aside, the path has been cleared for Ranveer Singh's film to have an undisturbed run .

While Dacoit has successfully avoided the Dhurandhar juggernaut, its new date of April 10 puts it in direct competition with an entirely different genre beast. It will now release alongside Akshay Kumar's horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, directed by Priyadarshan . This clash pits a gritty action-thriller against a family entertainer, offering audiences a diverse choice at the box office. Interestingly, Bhooth Bangla producer Ekta Kapoor had previously expressed confidence in the April 10 window, stating that by then, the March releases would have had a good run, and the holiday period would be beneficial for family audiences .

A Fresh Start for 'Dacoit'

The journey to the big screen for Dacoit has been a talking point in trade circles. This film marks the directorial debut of celebrated cinematographer Shaneil Deo, with Adivi Sesh co-writing the story and screenplay . The project also faced casting changes early on; Shruti Haasan was originally attached to the lead role but exited due to creative differences, after which Mrunal Thakur came on board .

The film, which also features Anurag Kashyap in a pivotal role, is being shot simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu . With the Adivi Sesh film now arriving just in time for the Ugadi festive weekend, the team will be hoping to capitalize on the holiday buzz, even if it means going head-to-head with Akshay Kumar's horror-comedy .

The Bigger Picture: The 'Dhurandhar' Domination

The rescheduling of Dacoit underscores the immense pull of Dhurandhar: The Revenge in the current market. With its release in five languages and a near four-hour runtime, the film is expected to command a lion's share of screen counts worldwide . Trade experts suggest that mid-sized films find it prudent to avoid such a wide-scale release to secure a respectable number of shows.

Now, all eyes are on April 10 to see whether audiences prefer the desi horror-comedy of Bhooth Bangla or the intense, revenge-fueled romance of Dacoit. One thing is certain: the Indian box office continues to be a high-stakes chess game, with release dates being the most crucial move.