Mumbai – The upcoming film Bhooth Bangla, starring Akshay Kumar, has secured a UA 16+ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) following a series of revisions. The movie's runtime has been adjusted to 164 minutes after makers trimmed approximately 63 scenes, some deletions lasting up to 72 seconds. The film is slated for a theatrical release on April 16, with advance bookings opening on April 14. Paid previews are scheduled for April 16.
The UA 16+ classification suggests a blend of light horror and comedy, with parental guidance advised for younger viewers, indicating a focus on "spooky mischief" and situational humor rather than intense frights.
Runtime Adjustments and Content Modifications
Significant alterations were made to the film to comply with certification guidelines. Several scenes were shortened, including notable cuts from songs. Specifically, 72 seconds were removed from a sequence in the song ‘O Sundari,’ and another 27 seconds from ‘O Re O Sawariya.’ Additionally, an obscene word appearing around the 26-minute mark was replaced, and another set of objectionable words at the one-hour mark were also modified. These revisions culminated in the film receiving its censor certificate on April 2.
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A Long-Awaited Reunion
The film marks the reunion of actor Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan after a hiatus of 14 years. Their previous collaborations have yielded successful comedies, and expectations are high for them to recreate their signature style in Bhooth Bangla. The director, known for films like Hera Pheri and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, has expressed a commitment to "clean" entertainment, with the film aiming to revive the classic comedy genre.
The UA 16+ rating is seen as aligning with the film's intended tone – a mix of comedy, fantasy, and mild supernatural elements, focusing on a quirky narrative and situational comedy. The film's length, now fixed at 164 minutes, suggests a substantial theatrical experience.
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Bhooth Bangla is described as a horror-comedy that balances spooky elements with humor, aiming to provide a "lighter, fun-filled break" for audiences. Akshay Kumar reportedly plays a magician with connections to black magic, drawing parallels to his role in Bhool Bhulaiyaa.
