Bhooth Bangla has kicked off its theatrical run with paid previews, registering solid advance bookings at the box office. As of 9 PM on Thursday, the Akshay Kumar starrer has sold approximately 72,000 tickets across top national chains PVR INOX and Cinepolis for its opening day, including preview shows.
Out of the total, around 40,000 tickets were sold for paid previews, while roughly 32,000 were booked for Friday. The final advance for Friday is expected to close near the 42,000 mark by midnight.
Better than last release, but behind Housefull 5
The film has recorded stronger advance sales compared to Akshay Kumar’s previous outing Jolly LLB 3, though it remains behind Housefull 5. Based on current trends, Bhooth Bangla is eyeing a double-digit opening at the box office.
Early projections suggest an opening day collection in the range of Rs. 12 crore to Rs. 16 crore, including Rs. 2 crore to Rs. 3 crore from paid previews—aligning with industry expectations.
Nationwide release and word-of-mouth crucial
Directed by Priyadarshan, the horror-comedy has been released across more than 3,200 screens nationwide. Going forward, the film’s box office trajectory will largely depend on audience reception and word-of-mouth, which could significantly boost collections if positive.
Bollywood’s strong 2026 run
So far, 2026 has been a promising year for the Hindi film industry. Films like Dhurandhar: The Revenge have set new benchmarks at the box office, while Border 2 emerged as a clean hit. Mid-range performers such as Mardaani 3 and The Kerala Story 2 have also delivered steady results.
If Bhooth Bangla clicks with audiences, it could further strengthen this positive momentum, especially with several small and mid-budget films lined up for release in the coming weeks.