Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan are set to collaborate once again after a 16-year hiatus with their upcoming film Bhooth Bangla. The excitement surrounding this reunion has been elevated with the release of the film’s motion poster, featuring Kumar in a striking pose. However, some fans are drawing comparisons to the 2007 hit, Bhool Bhulaiyaa.
The motion poster, shared by Kumar, showcases him sitting on a throne intricately carved with demonic faces. Clad in a dhoti and accessorized with sunglasses and a rudraksha mala, his portrayal exudes both majesty and style. The actor teased the audience with a caption urging them to prepare for the film’s release on April 10, 2026, promising a fun cinematic experience.
Viewer reactions to the motion poster have been lively, with many noting its resemblance to Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Comments ranged from playful remarks about its “rich” interpretation of the previous film to nostalgic reflections on Kumar’s return to this genre alongside Priyadarshan. Several fans expressed hope that the film would live up to the legacy of their earlier collaborations.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa, the critically acclaimed psychological horror-comedy released in 2007, is notable for being a remake of the Malayalam film Manichitrathazhu. The film, which starred Kumar and Vidya Balan, was both a commercial success and received praise for its performances. It grossed ₹82.84 crore globally, significantly exceeding its budget of ₹32 crore and later became a cult classic. Following its success, the franchise continued, but subsequent installments featured Kartik Aaryan rather than Kumar.
Bhooth Bangla, also directed by Priyadarshan, is set to blend horror and comedy, featuring an ensemble cast that includes Paresh Rawal, Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Rajpal Yadav. This film is another opportunity for the trio of Priyadarshan, Kumar, and Rawal to recreate the magic they once shared, with hopes of captivating audiences again in 2026.
In addition to Bhooth Bangla, Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan are working on another project titled Haiwaan, which will also star Saif Ali Khan. Details regarding its release remain unconfirmed. Furthermore, the iconic duo is reportedly developing Hera Pheri 3, which will reunite Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, bringing back a beloved team for fans to look forward to.