At a time when high-octane action films and masala entertainers are dominating Bollywood, the filmmaker Priyadarshan wants to offer something different on his return to Hindi cinema. The upcoming horror-comedy ‘Bhooth Bangla’ has already created a lot of curiosity, especially since it will come after the huge success of ‘Dhurandhar 2’. However, the director does not see time as a concern or a clash of genres.In an interview with PTI, Priyadarshan said that he is not too worried about the film’s box office, noting that horror comedies often have a wider appeal. “I think our exploitation zone is bigger, and people like to watch different things. That’s our biggest advantage with Bhooth Bangla. Also, this is pure entertainment, a fun film; it’s not as intense as Border or Dhurandhar. People enjoy all kinds of movies. I think as long as the film keeps people’s attention and interest, every film will work.”Recent box office trends have been dominated by large-scale shows. Border 2, which released this year, earned ₹464 crore worldwide, and Ranveer SinghThe film Dhurandhar 2 has already crossed ₹850 crore worldwide within days of its release, positioning it as one of the biggest hits of Indian cinema.However, Priyadarshan feels that his film stands out because of its family-friendly nature. “Any parent can proudly bring their children and watch my film because I never use double meaning (things) or (show) (in my films). I never embarrass parents. This is something I have maintained since the day I started my career,” said the filmmaker.the actor Akshay KumarTitled Bhooth Bangla, he echoed similar sentiments, insisting that the two films cater to completely different audiences. “There are different types (being made). ‘Dhurandhar’ is a great film, I have seen it. This (‘Bhooth Bangla’) is another film. ‘Dhurandhar’ is a film for adults, this (‘Bhooth Bangla’) is for children and families. We never thought of the trend,” Kumar told PTI.After collaborating with Akshay in hit films like Hera Pheri, Garam Masala and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Priyadarshan is confident that audiences will embrace a lighter alternative amidst the intense film offerings. “Films like ‘Dhurandhar’, ‘Border 2’ are doing very well and when you suddenly take a break and do something different (it’s great). People who watch films like ‘Dhurandhar’ can also enjoy it,” he said.Reiterating what makes Bhooth Bangla unique, the director added, “I think our catchment area is bigger and people like to see different things. That’s our biggest advantage with ‘Bhooth Bangla’.” Also, it’s pure entertainment, a fun film, not as intense as ‘Border’ or ‘Dhurandhar’. People enjoy all kinds of movies. I think as long as the movie keeps people’s attention and interest, every movie will work. Any parent can proudly bring their children and watch my film because I never use double meaning (things) or (show) double meaning (in my films). I never embarrass my parents. This is something I have maintained since the day I started my career.’
