June 18 : Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan’s horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla is having a victorious run on the streaming universe! Less than a week after its Netflix premiere, the film has debuted at No. 3 on Netflix‘s Global 10 Non–English Films chart, clocking 4.9 million views worldwide in its first tracking week. The film is also proving to be a strong international performer, entering the 10 in 17 countries and claiming the No. 1 spot in seven countries.
Bhooth Bangla is a film that was already a box-office hit, but the streaming numbers show the film is resonating with audiences across international geographies.The Priyadarshan directorial has consistently remained among the most-watched titles on Netflix India since its debut and is currently sitting at the top of the platform’s movie chart in the country.
The film’s digital success is perhaps unsurprising given the ingredients that powered its theatrical run. Bhooth Bangla reunited Kumar with Priyadarshan, the filmmaker behind some of the actor’s most-loved comedies, while also bringing together familiar faces such as Tabu, Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav. The film follows a man who inherits a sprawling palace and plans to host his sister’s wedding there, only to discover that the mansion’s sinister past has other plans.
A major reason Bhooth Bangla is its ensemble cast. Akshay Kumar slips effortlessly into the kind of comic role that first made him a household favourite. Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav bring the familiar timing that audiences have loved for years, often stealing scenes with their effortless banter and reactions. Tabu, meanwhile, lends the film a sense of gravitas. Wamiqa Gabbi holds her own in a cast packed with veterans, bringing charm and energy to the narrative. Together, the actors create the sort of lived-in chemistry that cannot be manufactured, giving Bhooth Bangla much of its heart and making the film an easy, enjoyable watch across generations.
What appears to be working particularly well with viewers is the film’s old-school blend of distinct humour, supernatural intrigue and ensemble chaos – a flavour many audiences felt Bollywood had moved away from in recent years. Several reviews during the theatrical release said that that the film delivered exactly what it promised – laughs, jump scares and the comfort of seeing Priyadarshan’s trusted comic troupe back together. The chemistry between Kumar, Rawal and Rajpal Yadav emerged as one of the most frequently praised aspects of the film, while Tabu’s presence added emotional heft to the proceedings.
The strong OTT debut also underlines the enduring popularity of the horror-comedy genre. In an era where audiences are increasingly seeking out films that offer a blend of humour and escapist entertainment, Bhooth Bangla got the balance right. Netflix viewers across multiple markets seem to concur. Bhooth Bangla, which has crossed 200 crores at the box office during its theatrical run, shows no signs of letting up its haunting now as it becomes one of the most-watched non–English titles on the platform globally.