Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan's highly anticipated horror-comedy movie Bhooth Bangla has created quite a buzz for several reasons. The alleged connection between Bhooth Bangla and Anees Bazmee’s 2022 film Bhool Bhulaiyaa has taken over the internet. Recent viral reports claimed that the script of Bhooth Bangla was initially drafted for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, in which actor Kartik Aaryan stepped into Akshay's role after his exit. Amid these viral claims, the makers of the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise addressed the rumours by stating facts that there is no connection between the two films. The studio has firmly denied script reuse speculation.
Are Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 And Bhooth Bangla Connected?
There is no factual basis to the claims linking the two films, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Bhooth Bangla, confirmed Shiv Chanana, co-producer, T-Series. Addressing script reuse rumours, Chanana, as quoted by India Today said, “We have also come across some articles, but the fact is we have never received any script from Mr Priyadarshan or his team for making a Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise."
The Kartik Aaryan-led films Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 are exclusive to the production house and were developed as original stories, with no narrative connection to each other or to any earlier scripts currently being cited.
Chanana added, “It is our franchise. If anything has to be developed, it will be developed by us and under our supervision, which is exactly how Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 were made. I don’t understand where these stories are coming from—this was never the case.”
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Fact Check: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2-Bhooth Bangla Script Rumours
Mid-day reported that Akshay's Bhooth Bangla was initially intended to be the 2022 film Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Priyadarshan reportedly drafted the script with Akshay in mind for the sequel and in the hope of being backed by T-Series studio. However, things didn't materialise as planned. T-Series eventually took the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise forward with director Anees Bazmee and actor Kartik Aaryan. Anees introduced a fresh cast for both films. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 starred Tabu and Kiara Advani instead of Vidya Balan and Ameesha Patel. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, released in 2024, starred Madhuri Dixit, Vidya Balan, Kartik and Triptii Dimri.
Reports also claimed that when Priyadarshan and Akshay decided to reunite, the director reworked the earlier draft and reused it as Bhooth Bangla. However, T-Series has dismissed these claims, calling them untrue.
Meanwhile, Bhooth Bangla has undergone several release date changes. Initially, it was scheduled for an April 2 release, but it was later postponed to May 15. Now, following strong fan demand, the makers have decided to prepone the release. The movie is officially slated to hit cinemas on April 10.