Akshay Kumar and Tabu are reuniting on the big screen after 25 years in the horror comedy Bhooth Bangla. At the trailer launch in Mumbai on April 6, the two stars shared memories of a friendship that began nearly four decades ago, long before either became famous. The film hits theaters on April 17, and it also marks the late Asrani’s final screen appearance.
At a Glance:
- Akshay Kumar and Tabu share screen space for the first time since 2000’s Hera Pheri.
- Bhooth Bangla opens with paid previews on April 16 at 9 PM across India.
- The film is Akshay’s 7th collaboration with director Priyadarshan, 14 years after Khatta Meetha.
- Late veteran actor Asrani, who died in October 2025 at 84, makes his final film appearance.
Akshay Kumar and Tabu Reveal 39 Year Friendship at Bhooth Bangla Trailer Launch
The Bhooth Bangla trailer launch in Mumbai turned into a trip down memory lane. At the trailer launch of Bhooth Bangla in Mumbai on Monday, Akshay Kumar revealed that he met Tabu 39 years ago when they used to attend a dance academy together to learn dance.
The fans of Akshay Kumar and Tabu first watched the beloved duo in the hit film Tu Chor Mai Sipahi in 1996, but their relationship dates back to the time before they even debuted in Bollywood. Their bond predates their Bollywood careers by several years, making this reunion deeply personal for both stars.
“I know Tabu from 39 years. We used to go dance academy together to learn dance,” said Akshay Kumar at the trailer launch, as reported by ANI.
“He used to pick me up on bike,” added Tabu. The crowd at the event cheered as the two actors exchanged warm looks on stage.
What Priyadarshan and Tabu Said About Working with Akshay After Decades
Priyadarshan was asked if he had noticed any change in Akshay Kumar and Tabu. He said, “As far as I am concerned, there’s no change. I have been working with both of them for a long time. The way they were before, that’s how they are even now. Hence, I didn’t feel any difference. Their hair has reduced here and there!” The quip drew big laughs from the press.
Tabu answered, “Even now, he wakes up at 4 am and asks you to jog at 5 am. Even now, he tells you, don’t eat this or that. That has not changed.”
She also praised Priyadarshan. “As for Priyan sir, he has not changed too. He has tolerated me for 8 movies!” she joked. Tabu and Akshay last worked together in the film Hera Pheri, which was directed by Priyadarshan in 2000. The duo have come back together after 25 years to share the screen in the upcoming film Bhooth Bangla.
Tabu described the experience as “nostalgic, surprising, and oddly familiar all at once,” according to a report by ANI from the trailer launch event.
Hera Pheri has achieved a cult status among Indian audiences and is regarded as one of the best Hindi comedy films ever made. That legacy makes this reunion all the more meaningful for fans.
Inside the Bhooth Bangla Trailer and Story Details
The official trailer was released on 6 April 2026. The three minute, three second clip opens with the introduction of a supernatural demon called Vadhusur, who has terrorized the town of Mangalpur for 1,000 years.
When London-returned Arjun Acharya arrives in the sleepy town of Mangalpur to host his sister’s wedding at his newly inherited ancestral palace, he finds himself caught in a whirlwind of terrified locals, bizarre ghostly happenings, and hilarious chaos.
The trailer blends spooky atmospherics with vintage slapstick humor. Paresh Rawal brings a fresh flavor with his performance, and veteran Asrani appears in a limited yet impactful role. Tabu keeps you intrigued, leaving you guessing about her character and the twist.
The film runs approximately 174 minutes, making it one of the longer Bollywood releases this year. Bhooth Bangla is a horror-comedy based on Indian mythology and black magic, with inspiration drawn from ancient texts such as the Vedas and the Mahabharata.
Bhooth Bangla Honors Late Actor Asrani in His Final Role
Beyond the laughs, Bhooth Bangla carries deep emotion. Legendary actor Asrani, who passed away on October 20, 2025, continues to live on through his unforgettable cinematic legacy. This is the last movie of versatile actor Asrani as he passed away on October 20, 2025, at the age of 84.
Akshay Kumar spoke about the loss during an earlier promotional event. “But, we (Priyadarshan and I) are very lucky that he did his last two films with us. From A to Z, he completed the entire shoot,” he told ANI during a Bhooth Bangla promotional event.
Actor Rajpal Yadav fondly remembered his experience of working with veteran star Asrani and said that the upcoming horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla is dedicated to the legendary performer. With Asrani’s passing, the film becomes both a celebration of comedy and a tribute to one of Bollywood’s most beloved character actors.
Key Takeaway: Bhooth Bangla brings together nostalgia, a massive ensemble cast, and the proven Akshay Kumar/Priyadarshan partnership for what could be Bollywood’s biggest horror comedy of 2026, while also serving as a farewell to the legendary Asrani.
Bhooth Bangla Release Date, Cast and Box Office Outlook
Bhooth Bangla is scheduled for a theatrical release on 17 April 2026. The release was subsequently delayed to avoid a box office clash with Dhurandhar: The Revenge. Paid preview shows were scheduled on 16 April 2026.
Ektaa Kapoor shared, “After a collective call with our distributors and the exhibitors, we have decided on a new release date for Bhooth Bangla, 16 April, with the first show starting at 9 pm.”
With no major competition until May 1, Bhooth Bangla will enjoy a clean two-week window to leave a mark at the box office, provided the audience response is favorable. Reports suggest the film will open across approximately 4,800 screens in India.
The full cast is packed with talent:
- Akshay Kumar as Arjun Acharya, the lead navigating the haunted mansion.
- Tabu in a mysterious role being kept under wraps by the makers.
- Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav, reuniting with Priyadarshan for classic slapstick.
- Wamiqa Gabbi as the female lead and Akshay’s romantic interest.
- Mithila Palkar playing the sister of Akshay’s character.
- Asrani, Jisshu Sengupta, Manoj Joshi, and Rajesh Sharma in supporting roles.
Bhooth Bangla was officially announced in September 2024 with a motion poster revealed by lead actor Akshay Kumar on his 57th birthday, marking his seventh collaboration with director Priyadarshan, 14 years after Khatta Meetha (2010). Principal photography began in December 2024 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The production later moved to Jaipur, Rajasthan in January 2025 for its next shooting schedule.
The film was shot extensively in multiple locations including London, Jaipur, Kochi, Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad. The film’s soundtrack album was composed by Pritam, with lyrics written by Kumaar. Notably, singer Arijit Singh, who had announced his exit from playback singing, reportedly approached the makers to perform one of the tracks.
Bhooth Bangla marks Priyadarshan’s second Hindi-language horror comedy film following Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), both of which star Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Asrani, and Manoj Joshi. The film is produced by Balaji Motion Pictures in association with Akshay Kumar’s Cape of Good Films.
Stats Snapshot:
25 years since Akshay Kumar and Tabu last shared screen space in Hera Pheri (2000).
39 years of friendship between Akshay and Tabu, dating back to their dance academy days.
14 years since Akshay and Priyadarshan last worked together on Khatta Meetha (2010).
85 days of principal photography across six cities, wrapping in May 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Bhooth Bangla release in theaters?
Bhooth Bangla is set for a theatrical release on April 17, 2026, with paid preview shows starting on April 16 at 9 PM.
Why are Akshay Kumar and Tabu reuniting after so long?
They last appeared together in Priyadarshan’s Hera Pheri in 2000. Akshay said this was “the right film” for them to come back together, along with director Priyadarshan.
Who directed Bhooth Bangla?
Priyadarshan directed the film. It is his seventh collaboration with Akshay Kumar and his second Hindi horror comedy after Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007).
Is Bhooth Bangla Asrani’s last movie?
Yes. Veteran actor Asrani passed away on October 20, 2025, at the age of 84. Bhooth Bangla is one of his final two films, both directed by Priyadarshan.
What is the story of Bhooth Bangla?
The film follows Arjun Acharya, who arrives in the town of Mangalpur to host his sister’s wedding at an inherited ancestral palace, only to face a 1,000 year old demon called Vadhusur and a cascade of supernatural chaos.
Who is in the Bhooth Bangla cast?
The cast includes Akshay Kumar, Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Wamiqa Gabbi, Mithila Palkar, Jisshu Sengupta, Asrani, Manoj Joshi, and Rajesh Sharma.
Where was Bhooth Bangla filmed?
The film was shot across six cities: London, Jaipur, Kochi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad. The climax was filmed at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad.
With a 39 year friendship, a 25 year screen reunion, and one of Bollywood’s most beloved comedy directors at the helm, Bhooth Bangla feels like more than just another horror comedy. The film also serves as a final curtain call for the late Asrani, adding genuine emotion to the laughs. When theaters open their doors on April 16 for paid previews, audiences will get to decide whether this nostalgic reunion delivers on its massive promise. Share your thoughts in the comments, and follow the buzz with #BhoothBanglaTrailer.
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