Bhooth Bangla X Reviews: First half wins big, second half leaves fans divided

Bhooth Bangla, starring Akshay Kumar and directed by Priyadarshan, has finally hit theatres today, marking their much-awaited reunion after more than 15 years. With a nostalgic cast including Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Wamiqa Gabbi, and others, the film opened to high expectations.

Now that the film is out, early reactions from X reveal a clear pattern: a hilarious first half that hooks audiences, followed by a second half that splits opinion.

A majority of viewers are praising the film’s opening half, calling it a return to Priyadarshan’s signature comedy style.

One reviewer wrote, "#BhootBangla first half is a complete laugh riot. Surely exceeds expectations. Priyadarshan is back in his zone with the OG starcast."

Another user echoed similar sentiments, noting the film’s tonal strength early on, "First 40% – pure comedy, Next 10% – shifts into suspense mode…"

Fans particularly highlighted the comic timing of Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Rajpal Yadav as a major strength, with some calling it reminiscent of their earlier cult collaborations.

While the first half is widely appreciated, the film’s tonal shift in the latter half has drawn criticism.

As one viewer explained, "50% – 95% – feels like a full serious mode, Last 5% – back to comedy. Overall, a good watch, but the casting felt off."

Another reviewer compared the second half to recent horror-comedies, stating, "Second half is exactly like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, 3 and Stree 2 second half… although it does keep you hooked till the end."

The shift from comedy to horror-fantasy and mystery appears to have impacted the overall pacing and consistency for many viewers.

Not all reactions were positive. Some viewers strongly criticised the film’s execution.

Film critic Kamaal R Khan (KRK) also shared a blunt take, "Film #BhootBangla is one film of 2 films. First half is one film, which is brilliant… 2nd half is the worst and horrible… Therefore 1 for the film."

Final Verdict: Worth Watching?

Early public reviews suggest that Bhooth Bangla is a half-and-half experience, a crowd-pleasing comedy in the beginning that struggles to maintain momentum later.

Interestingly, Akshay Kumar himself had hinted at this tonal shift before release, saying the film starts as full-on comedy before transitioning into a more serious, mystery-driven narrative.

For audiences, the big question remains: Is a strong first half enough to justify the ride?

If you enjoy light-hearted comedy with a twist of horror, it might still be worth a watch—just manage expectations for the second half.