Priyadarshan on Casting Tabu in ‘Bhooth Bangla’: “Without Her Character, the Story Has No Logic”
Filmmaker Priyadarshan is all set to reunite with Akshay Kumar after a long gap of 16 years with the upcoming horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla. The director recently opened up about the film and revealed why casting Tabu was crucial to the story.
Reunion of Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar After 16 Years
Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar have delivered several memorable films together in the past, but their last collaboration was Khatta Meetha. The duo reunited for Bhooth Bangla after producer Ekta Kapoor brought the script to them.
Speaking about the project, Priyadarshan revealed that the script immediately excited both him and Akshay Kumar. Interestingly, it was the actor who suggested that Kapoor approach the director to helm the film.
The filmmaker also shared that while he acquired the story from a writer, he developed his own screenplay to shape the narrative.
A Story Rooted in Folklore and Mythology
According to Priyadarshan, Bhooth Bangla draws heavily from Indian folklore and mythology, along with supernatural themes such as soul-switching, controlling souls, and black magic.
He explained that the concept of tele-transportation of souls where one soul inhabits another human body plays a key role in the story. Interestingly, despite directing a horror-comedy, Priyadarshan joked that he personally does not believe in ghosts.
The film explores the journey of a non-believer who suddenly encounters a supernatural soul, leading to both humorous and eerie situations.
Tabu’s Character Is Central to the Story
Priyadarshan emphasized that Tabu’s role is extremely important to the narrative. The director revealed that without her character, the story itself would not make logical sense.
He also praised the actress, saying she looks as beautiful in Bhooth Bangla as she did in the classic film Virasat.
This marks the fifth collaboration between Tabu and Priyadarshan, continuing a creative partnership that has produced several memorable films.
Rajpal Yadav’s Comic Timing Stands Out
Apart from Tabu, Priyadarshan also had high praise for Rajpal Yadav, whose comic timing he described as one of the highlights of the film.
The filmmaker said that Rajpal Yadav delivers a hilarious performance and plays a character that audiences are likely to remember long after the film ends.
Bigger Scale Than Bhool Bhulaiyaa Comparisons
Although some fans have compared the film to the Bhool Bhulaiyaa series, Priyadarshan believes Bhooth Bangla is being made on a much grander scale.
He shared that the film will blend humor with eerie moments, gradually building tension before culminating in one of the biggest climaxes he has ever shot on a massive canvas.
Will Bhooth Bangla Become a Franchise?
While Priyadarshan currently has no plans to turn Bhooth Bangla into a franchise, he hinted that producer Ekta Kapoor might choose to expand the story further in the future.
With a strong cast including Akshay Kumar, Tabu and Wamiqa Gabbi, Bhooth Bangla is shaping up to be an intriguing mix of horror, mythology and comedy.
