Snehashish roy
Filmmaker Priyadarshan has denied reports suggesting that his upcoming film Bhooth Bangla was originally conceived as a sequel to the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise, clarifying that the project has no connection to the earlier films.
The clarification comes amid speculation circulating online that Bhooth Bangla, which stars Akshay Kumar in the lead, may have been developed from an earlier script intended for a Bhool Bhulaiyaa sequel. Addressing these claims, Priyadarshan stated that the reports are incorrect and should not be taken seriously.
He emphasised that Bhooth Bangla is an entirely independent project and not related to Bhool Bhulaiyaa or its subsequent installments. The director noted that while both films fall within the horror-comedy space, they differ significantly in concept and narrative approach.
According to Priyadarshan, Bhool Bhulaiyaa was rooted in psychological elements, whereas Bhooth Bangla is based on a fantasy-driven premise that explores themes of superstition and belief systems. He added that comparisons between the two films stem largely from surface-level similarities such as genre and casting, rather than any actual creative overlap.
The filmmaker also indicated that he does not want audiences to approach Bhooth Bangla with preconceived expectations linked to the earlier franchise. He reiterated that each film is designed as a distinct cinematic experience and should be viewed independently.
The rumours gained traction due to Priyadarshan’s past association with Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), which also featured Akshay Kumar and became a major success in the horror-comedy genre. The filmmaker’s reunion with the actor for Bhooth Bangla further fuelled assumptions of a possible connection between the projects.
Separately, production house T-Series, which owns the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise, has also denied claims that any script intended for the franchise was repurposed for Bhooth Bangla. The studio clarified that there has been no such exchange or overlap in development.
Bhooth Bangla is scheduled for release in April 2026 and marks Priyadarshan’s return to the Hindi horror-comedy space. The film features an ensemble cast including Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Tabu and Wamiqa Gabbi.