Ektaa Kapoor Explains April 17 Release Strategy for Bhooth Bangla

Producer Ektaa Kapoor has explained the reasoning behind scheduling the theatrical release of Bhooth Bangla on April 17, highlighting a calculated move to avoid box office clashes.

The film was initially slated for release on April 10 but was later pushed to April 17 due to limited screen availability, as Dhurandhar 2 continued to draw large audiences in cinemas.

Addressing speculation, Kapoor clarified that the delay was not driven by competition. She stated that securing screens for April 10 would not have been difficult, given the current box office scenario. However, she emphasized that the makers preferred to give Dhurandhar: The Revenge enough time to complete the majority of its theatrical run.

Kapoor also pointed out that the new release date aligns with school summer vacations, which could work in favor of Bhooth Bangla as a family entertainer. With audiences becoming more selective about spending on movie outings, the team aims to position the film as a top choice during the holiday period.

Directed by Priyadarshan, the film marks a reunion with actor Akshay Kumar, recalling their successful collaborations in films like Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhag, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa.

The ensemble cast of Bhooth Bangla includes Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, and Asrani.

The film had earlier sparked controversy over its end-credits song Ramji Aake Bhala Karenge, which was alleged to have similarities with the Bengali track Bhooter Raja Dilo Bor from Satyajit Ray’s 1969 classic Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne. The controversy, however, was resolved after Sandip Ray publicly cleared the song of plagiarism concerns.