The first wave of reviews for the horror comedy "Bhooth Bangla" hit the press, with critics largely panning the film as a "dead jokes walking" experience. Despite high expectations for the reunion of director Priyadarshan and star Akshay Kumar, reviewers noted that the film relies on slapstick tropes and comedic timing that feel stuck in the early 2000s. The consensus suggests that while the nostalgia factor is high, the script lacks the wit and freshness required to compete with modern hits in the popular horror comedy genre.

The film's plot, which follows a group of bumbling friends investigating a haunted mansion, has been described as predictable and overstuffed with repetitive gags. While Akshay Kumar’s energetic performance was noted as a highlight, critics argued that even his charisma couldn't save a screenplay that feels like a collection of rejected sketches. Supporting actors, including several veteran comedians, were reportedly underutilized, with their characters serving more as loud caricatures rather than providing genuine laughs or scares.

Commercially, "Bhooth Bangla" is facing a tough opening week as negative word of mouth begins to circulate on social media. Analysts predict that unless the film sees a significant surge in family audiences over the upcoming weekend, it may struggle to recover its massive production budget. This lukewarm reception marks a disappointing start for what was intended to be a major franchise revival, leaving fans to wonder if the classic Priyadarshan Akshay magic has finally run its course in a rapidly evolving cinematic landscape.