Bhoothnath Returns (2014) User Reviews

An Entertaining & Superbly Acted Sequel!

[namashi_1 · 7/10 · 11 April 2014]

A sequel to Bhoothnath, 'Bhoothnath Returns' is An Entertaining & Superbly Acted Sequel! Its well-intentioned & even funny, at times. However, a over-dramatic second-hour lessens its overall impact.

'Bhoothnath Returns' Synopsis: As Bhoothnath returns to 'Bhoot World', he is greeted with taunts & condemnation from other ghosts for bringing disrepute to the ghost-community for getting bullied by a kid on Earth. Post the humiliation, Bhoothnath decides to redeem himself & comes back to scare a bunch of kids. Bhoothnath's search for kids brings him to Akhrot, a slum kid who is also the only person who can see him. Together they agree to help each other & their friendship sees them get involved in a cause that is bigger than they had ever imagined. To move ahead they will need to take on one of the country's most powerful & corrupt politician, Bhau. The Lok Sabha elections are nearing & Bhau's victory is a mere formality, or is it? In a world, where a common man is afraid of politics, will a common man's ghost overcome his fear to stand up for what's right & fight against injustice?

'Bhoothnath Returns' has a breezy & funny first-hour. The camaraderie between the friendly ghost & the kid, is a delight to watch. The light-moments in this hour, entertain hugely. However, the second-hour gets over-dramatic. The proceedings get serious & even the pace dips. Also, the excessive running-time over 151-minutes, needed some trimming, by at least, 20-minutes. In short, the first-hour works wonders, but the second-hour is somewhat disappointing in comparison!

Nitesh Tiwari's Screenplay is very well-done in the first-hour, but loses steam post-interval. His Direction, on the other-hand, is good. Cinematography is picture-perfect. Editing needed more sharpness. Art Design is excellent. Music by Various Artists, is ordinary.

Performance-Wise: Amitabh Bachchan returns as Bhoothnath & he's wonderful all through. Parth Bhalerao is superb. The kid is at par with Bachchan. But, its Boman Irani, who steals the show. He's simply incredible as the screwed & conniving politician. His portions stand out, thanks to his extremely impressive performance. Sanjay Mishra does well, as always. Brijendra Kala is first-rate. In Cameos, Shahrukh Khan & Ranbir Kapoor are perfect.

On the whole, 'Bhoothnath Returns' is worth a watch.

Not a Kid's affair anymore..

[rathirishabh93 · 7/10 · 12 April 2014]

To cut it very short, Bhoothnath Returns has the spark. Considering the present scenario in India related to the elections, only half of the population practices their right to vote and so, this flick emphasizes mainly on the topic of elections and voting in them.

The message is good and the way it is conveyed is very good. It has the ingredients of a commercial movie and yet it does not derail from its path. The child artist Parth is phenomenal and when Sr. Bachchan is there in a lead role, you cannot ask for anything else.

Overall, a watchable flick. Had there been a shorter run time, it could have joined the big league. Nevertheless, it is entertaining!

Do watch it! Recommended!

Must watch with minimum expectation

[indranil2121 · 8/10 · 11 April 2014]

Today I watched Bhoothnath Returns. Film is a perfect sequence of previous one Bhoothnath. Story was well written and very relevant to current scenario. An Excellent acting was done by main three leading character which are played by Amitabh Bachchan( as Bhoothnath) , Parth Bhalerao( as Akhrot) , Boman Irani ( as corrupt Politician). Props: (Bhootnath Returns) As I told acting and story was excellent and very relevant. Location was perfectly settled as per requirement of script. You will get a good message in coming election from this movie. Cons: (Bhootnath Returns) Screenplay and Editing could have been better. In first 45 minutes, you will feel some position was unnecessary extended. Songs and composition was not mass appealing.(Actually I don't think that songs was necessary for these kind of movies). Overall: It's entertaining with correct message. I think you should go and watch the movie as soon as possible. Rating : 3.5/5 (from www.tutorpoints.com) Don't wait for DVD's, because election is coming.

Bhoothnath works on three merits - terrific performance, right intention and fantastic direction

[ketgup83 · 7/10 · 12 April 2014]

Few actors like Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor have evolved themselves over the years with time and age like . I admire them since they can any play character with ease and utmost sincerity. Bhoothnath Returns comes in the right election time when half of the Indians will go out voting by next week.

After being humiliated and joked around from his ghost community, Bhoothnath must return to earth to scare any kid and earn back the respect from his fellow mates. Surprisingly, he again befriends a street- smart kid and the pair together stands up for election after learning about the corruption and evil plan of local builder cum politician Bhau.

Co-director of Chillar Party, Nitesh Tiwari chooses the right subject and theme with a noble message. As the continuation from the first part Bhoothnath (2008), Bhoothnath Returns begins with few hilarious scenes and follows the theme of election with right intention. The second half loses the steam and inclusion of songs hinders the momentum of the film. Fortunately, the film picks up the pace and climax ends with aplomb. Music is decent but could have been better. Cinematography and art direction is just about okay. The film belongs to three basic characters -Bhoothnath played brilliantly by the legend Amitabh Bachchan, Akhrot played superbly by Parth Bhalerao and Bhau essayed by supremely talented Boman Irani.

Bhoothnath works on three merits - terrific performance, right intention and fantastic direction. Good 3/5

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Not completely a film for children

[ishansaha24 · 7/10 · 12 April 2014]

Amitabhji never gets older. A wonderful film with a message hidden. First 30 minutes of the film were childish but then this movies stated the originality of Indian government. Good message giving movie.This movie represented the corrupt politicians of of India through actors like Boman Irani who acted marvelously in this film.Amitabhji never gets older. A wonderful film with a message hidden. First 30 minutes of the film were childish but then this movies stated the originality of Indian government. Good message giving movie.This movie represented the corrupt politicians of of India through actors like Boman Irani who acted marvelously in this film.Amitabhji never gets older. A wonderful film with a message hidden. First 30 minutes of the film were childish but then this movies stated the originality of Indian government. Good message giving movie.This movie represented the corrupt politicians of of India through actors like Boman Irani who acted marvelously in this film.

One of the finest film of this year!!!

[Hutteryh431 · 9/10 · 17 April 2014]

One should watch this film for the great performances of Amitabh Bachchan, Boman Irani and especially the child artist Parth who is actually matches the performance of fellow actors. This film is released during the poll season and it deals with poll campaigning and elections in a humorous way. It talks about the bonding between a kid and a ghost. Amitabh Bachchan is again fabulous in his part and Boman Irani as a dishonest and corrupt politician no less from Mr Bachchan. But no doubt the star of the movie is child artist Parth Bhalerao. It is a mix of fresh comedy and one-liners by Parth, Amitabh Bachchan and Boman Irani. It is surely a family film which can be a good choice for a family outing.

I would give it a 9 out of 10. A Must Watch!!!!

Entertaining and Refreshing Look to a Common Subject

[sgupta001-817-774557 · 7/10 · 12 April 2014]

"Trailer hit hai to picture hit. Aur gaanaa hit hai to picture super hit."

Well the strength of Bhoothnath Returns are its dialog. Witty and apt. All set to become popular one liners for sometime. Movies about a person returning from the dead to the living world have either been mostly horror or comedy. But this particular installment has a message, almost like a satire to the affairs of the Government, media and lack of empathy to the common people. There are a couple of twists and turns in the story and finally we have ghost contesting national elections as an independent candidate and not using all the supernatural powers he has got. A common man...er a common ghost!

Superb performances by Big B, Parth (lookout for this kid!) and Boman (and almost everyone else) helps to make it an enjoyable watch. The camera work and music are commendable. Especially the 'Dharavi Rap'. Probably better than the popular 'Party' number.

Weaknesses? Well it drags at times. The movie is well around two and a half hours and it feels that the movie could have been edited better. Anyway a better watch than most of the other Hindi movies released around the same time, very topical and entertaining. 7/10.

The loving and Caring "Bhoot" is back in town!!!!

[anyasarkar123 · 9/10 · 15 April 2014]

Bhootnath Returns is a political satire where the ghost (Amitabh Bachchan) takes on a corrupt and dishonest politician and changes the society by contesting the elections. Amitabh Bachchan has played the role of a ghost in the best possible manner. The kid was a surprise to me. Even Mr Bachchan has said in his interview, ""Parth, who plays the little boy in Bhoothnath Returns is a commensurate performer, a mature artist and the hero of the film. Even seasoned professionals sometimes are unable to convincingly go through the gamut of emotions that this boy has in BR. He is an exceptional young man.") and I second that. On the other hand Boman Irani as Bhau is as promising as any other actor in the film. One thing which I really liked was cinematography and graphics. The Direction, music, acting, background score are all up to the mark. If you are a true Bollywood lover and Bachchan fan, this movie is certainly for you.

DON'T MISS IT!!!!!

Riding the election wave with nuance

[kunalkhandwala · 7/10 · 7 May 2014]

The nation is plagued with the evils of corruption, greed and crime that are controlled by power-lords such as Bhau (Boman Irani). When the most testing time of elections comes around, these powers rise by making false promises to gullible voters and all hope is lost for the common man. Meanwhile, in a desperate attempt to salvage the reputation of ghosts, Bhoothnath Returns to scare a few kids and gain some credibility and thereby, moksha. While doing so, he must also fight injustice along with Akhrot (Parth) by taking on Bhau in the biggest battlefield, that is the Lok Sabha elections. The plot's absurdity is quickly forgotten with some pragmatic situations, realistic performances and credible viewpoints of the protagonist. An alternate plot would involve Amitabh Bachchan attempting to scare kids, making things really absurd.

After some initial bonding between the ghost and the kid, a mutually beneficial partnership between them ensures the clearance of other ghosts from abandoned construction sites until they confront complexities at whose source, they find Bhau. While the political goon prepares for elections, Bhoothnath is motivated by the common man's troubles and their inability to rise above them. Initially with Bhooth powers but later with ideologies, the publicly audible ghost initiates a movement of encouraging voter turnout and contests against Bhau to bring about a positive change. The result of the election is then left upon the wave of positivity among the public and their frustration with evil powers.

Director Nitesh Tiwari received acclaim for his Chillar Party and here too, he displays his ability to entertain with light hearted social stories. Topical as it may be, the plot engages with its sincere portrayal of righteous ideologies and practical governance. Not since Munnabhai has the audience witnessed such a fight against the system that also entertains on several fronts. However, that has its share of commonalities and predictability. Boman Irani gets a bit repetitive in his negative role while Parth Bhalerao is only convincing to some extent as his mavali character goes over the top. Sanjay Mishra as the consulting lawyer is excellent. Bhoothnath is perhaps the most human of ghosts around and Amitabh Bachchan makes enacting him look very easy.

Party with the Bhoothnath by Honey Singh and Party toh banti hai are the only songs that even Auto Rickshaws will bump to. Unfortunately, there isn't much more to credit the film-makers. While they haven't done anything wrong with the film they haven't done anything outstanding either. Simply because of its topical nature, the film is worth a lazy afternoon watch and it does carry an important message that a couple of major cities need to embrace in the future with regard to voter turnouts. Perhaps it does take an unreal ghost to tell us the simplest message and instill some common sense. Bhoothnath gets that message across pretty well with some song and dance mixed in.

• 6.88 on a scale of 1-10.

Bhoothnath Returns could have boon much more hilarious..

[binducherungath · 5/10 · 12 April 2014]

Cast: Amitabh Bachchan (Bhoothnath), Parth Bhalerao (Akhrot), Boman Irani (Politician Bhau), Anurag Kashyap, Usha Jadhav, Sanjay Mishra, Brijendra Kala, Usha Nadkarni, Kurush Deboo (Psychiatrist), Dheerendra Dwivedi (Dheeraj), A. R> Manikandan (Muncipality Officer), Guest Appearance – Shahrukh Khan and Ranbir Kapoor, Ghosts – Farah Ahmed, Manoj Anand, Raj Awasti, Jas Dhillon, Sandeep Garcha, Taj Gill, Hassen Monisha, Sharif Islam, Amrita Jazzmyn, Preet Kaur, Neena Kumar, Fayaz Nathalia, Kumud Pant, Sanjeev Parma, Jayesh Patel, Rajen Prajapati, Simi Rai, Atul Sharma, Ashwani Chopra Genre: Children, Drama, Fantasy, Social Direction: Nitesh Tiwari Production: Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Renu Ravi Chopra Distribution: BR Films Written by: Nitesh Tiwari, Piyush Gupta, Additional Script writers – Shreyas Jain, Nikhil Mehrotra Cinematographer: Kamaljeet Negi Editor: Chandrashekhar Prajapati Music: Ram Sampth, Palash Mucchal, Meet Bros Anjjan, Yo Yo Honey Singh Release Date: 11th April, 2014 Language: Hindi Duration: 2 hours 35 minutes The Plot: Bhoothnath Returns starts with Bhoothnath aka Kailash Nath (Amitabh Bachchan)'s return to Bhoothworld, where he is laughed at by the other ghosts due to his inability to scare even children. Ahh…Bhoothworld is an afterworld Sarkari Office (Government Office) full of files. Ghosts wait with a token number to be reborn as humans. A mosquito rebirth can happen instantly, but there is lucky draw to be reborn as a film star's pet. Bhoothnath asks for a chance to earn his reputation as a ghost who can scare people and he is sent back to the earth as a ghost itself.

Bhoothnath meets street-smart Bhoothnath realizes that kids are not afraid of him. Then, he meets Daharavi boy Akhrot (Parth Bhalerao) who can see him and even he is not scared of him. Rest of the story revolves around a bond developed between Bhoothnath and Akhrot and the social cause for which they join hands together. Bhoothnath becomes a reformer focusing on corruption, solving water shortages, clean streets etc. in Dharavi. A very novel concept of a ghost Bhoothnath standing for election against corrupt Bhau (Boman Irani) is shown. Akhrot's logic behind convincing Bhoothnath to stand for the election is that he is good and since he is dead, no one can kill him. How speech by a politician is manipulated for one's own advantage is also depicted in the movie.

Director and Story Writer: It is 2nd movie of the director Nitesh Tiwari (after Chillar Party). Though the concept of the movie is very good, but could have been handled in a much better manner. Although the first half of the movie is good, the second half drags and gets preachy. It loses its feel for a Children's movie. But yes, Nitesh has been successful in conveying a social message that we as citizens have the responsibility to make the country win by choosing the right leaders.

Cast and their Performance: Amitabh Bachchan as Bhoothnath is very natural, and spontaneous. He is seen more of himself enjoying with the kids.

The highlight of the movie is Parth Bhalerao as Akhrot. He has given an outstanding performance. He shares almost every frame with Amitabh Bachchan.

Boman Irani as Bhau is also good.

Music: Music by Ram Sampth (Har Har Gange, Sahib, Dharavi Rap) is good. Palash Mucchal & Meet Bros Anjjan's Party to Banti Hai (sung by Mika Singh and Meet Bros Anjjan) is also good. The movie closes with Yo Yo Honey Singh's Party with the Bhoothnath is average.

Thumbs up: Parth Bhalerao's performance as Akhrot. The bond between Parth Bhalerao and Amitabh Bachchan.

Thumbs down: Children may not enjoy the second half since it gets preachy. The very genre of the movie gets ambiguous.

One-Liner: Bhoothnath Returns could have been much more hilarious.

Rating: 2.75 / 5 (Average +)

A Must Watch!!!

[Ismailkb366 · 8/10 · 22 April 2014]

Bhoothnath Returns is a sequel to Bhoothnath. It got the right name Bhoothnath Returns, as Amitabh Bachchan (as Bhoot) goes to Bhoot world and see everybody laughs at him not to scare people on Earth. He will be sent back to earth to redeem himself. In his way back to Earth Bhoothnath lands in Dharavi, where he will be stunned by Parth (as akhrot) a kid who can see him and they become buddies. As the story grabs the pace, it becomes more interesting. Bhoothnath stand to contest against Boman Irani (as Bhau) a well known corrupt politician, who wants to stop bhoothnath to contest against him. Bhoothnath Returns came up with a great message to the world is to vote for your candidate. Ranbir Kapoor and Shah Rukh Khan gave their special appearance to promote Election Campaign. Highlight and pick of the movie is Story, Star Cast, Music, Beautiful Execution and Fun Element. For Me it's Entertainment and complete fun. Go watch it !!!

A good film watchable both by children and adults

[mayank_782 · 7/10 · 28 September 2014]

This film, released during the election, is both socially and politically relevant. It deals with the issue of corrupt politicians and the voting condition in the India.

Furthering the narrative of the previous movie, Bhootnath(Amitabh Bachchan) is derided in the "Bhoot World" for bringing shame on the ghost community. To prove himself, he comes back to Earth but gets entangled in politics and elections.

The pacing of the movie is good and it does not drag on. The first half is particularly interesting. The second half starts to weigh in on you(courtesy the long run time of the film). Nevertheless the film gets its message across successfully and is a good attempt by the director.

Performance, Amitabh Bachchan gives mature performance as the ghost, aided well by Boman Irani(as the dangerous and corrupt politician) and Parth(the child actor).

A good film relevant to the current situations of the country.

Bhootnath returns, but not the audience

[paavanpshukla · 4/10 · 11 April 2014]

Since it's the election season, most movies would want to cash in on them. Jai ho,Youngistan and now Bhootnath returns. I wouldn't be surprised if this movie is tax free in coming days. Does it deserve that? Probably yes,Since it has a message to convince people to vote. Should you watch it. NO! The plot has nothing special to offer. It should have been a documentary. The "bhoot World" set seems to be a complete rip off from the Harry Potter series. Even the background music. There is no connection with the prequel other than the SRK appearance which is not even 2 min long. I like AB and 'Akhrot's acting and the dialogue delivery but the story didn't use them to their optimum level. I couldn't help but notice that some of the ghosts seen in the movie are in double roles. Sometimes ghosts and them out of no where,they are seen in the crowd talking to people and shaking hands…Mr director thinks the audience is dumb!

As far as kids films are concerned, this movie doesn't even crack into the top 5.

Yes the movie has a social message but we all know that its important to vote. Yes the movie has shown how the system works,But again we all know that. Kids will love this, moms and dads will be forced to watch this. But for adults, I wouldn't recommend this one at all.

I will rate this one 4 on 10. 1 each for the acting,1 for the DOP and 1 for the music.

MY REVIEW: Bhootnath Returns Strong!!

[saytosandeep · 7/10 · 25 August 2014]

Bhootnath Returns. The sequel to well received Bhootnath is very different from its original and mostly in good way. Bhootnath played by always amazing Amitabh Bachchan returns to earth, becomes friend with poor kid Akhrot played by superb Parth Bhalerao and fights face to face with corrupt politician played by ever dependable Boman Irani.

The good doesn't stop here. Nitesh Tiwari of Chillar Party fame directs the well written story with conviction and emotion so that you can easily relate to the pain and agony of who are at the receiving end of cancer named corruption. The fresh ideas like Bhootnath using his power to get the haunted buildings freed from ghosts and 'you are not required to be alive to contest an election' stand out.

However, as movie progresses the solutions become more simplistic and less charismatic. Parth's performance is outstanding specially being in the company of big talents like Big B and Boman. He makes you laugh and cry with equal ease. His cracking chats with Big B and emotional scene with his mother before the climax are just one of the many good evidence of his acting prowess.

I am going with strong 7 out of 10 for Bhootnath Returns. It deserves a watch for some witty ideas and towering performances.

Ghost - Boy, companions (election), a treat to watch!

[MuviFan73 · 7/10 · 8 August 2018]

Tone, Script & Story: The story is how a bhooth (ghost) returns from bhooth world to India seeking second chance to fright people. One thing leads to another and the bhooth now is contesting for elections. I liked the script which highlights a dharavi child able to see this ghost followed by elements requirements to be a lok sabha election candidate.

The story highlights and follows factors related to election, mafias involved along with other type of candidate's. It shows why voting is important, what happens and what could happen.

Direction, Screenplay, Cinematography: The locations consisting of under construction buildings, local slum, media and its components all stand justified.

Music: I would rate it as 'good'. My favorite track is 'Sahib'. Acting: One of the main reasons I like this movie is because of work done by 'Akhrot'. Other actors have acted really well too.

Final Verdict: What requires a ghost to stand in election followed by his companionship with a boy from slums is all a treat to watch.

a better film than many in the recent past

[sharadraj4 · 9/10 · 15 April 2014]

What I liked in the film is its well connected sequences. Each sequence seems to be well rehearsed and acted. Each actor in any frame seems to have given his/her best. They all seem so convincing. You seems to be grinning and smiling all the time and suddenly its time to introspect. The political scenario is captured without its repetitiveness, contrary to other films. No doubt a simple story but told with an honesty that entertains. If one remembers Hugo, the hugely successful 3Dfilm that won tons of awards, please just try to compare. This one is a lot simpler and better....but may not get awards being an Indian film....Some international politics. The Great Bachchan delivers yet another masterpiece. Go and watch the film at least twice---Sharadraj

An Ambitious Project At The Right Moment. ♦ 60%

[nairtejas · 6/10 · 14 April 2014]

Well, it's election time and the makers have used nicely, to convey a message that is the need of the hour: Every person should VOTE!

Starting off with where Bhoothnath ended, Bhoothnath comes back to Earth to get back his pride from the embarrassment he had brought to the whole ghost world after failing to scare SRK's on-screen son. The humor is pretty good since the beginning and the first half is a sure shot winner for this genre. Come second half and the political theme kicks in. Now there is good intention in the plot, but it uses the same age-old formula of fighting bad with its opposite and the whole scrupulous thingy which makes it look feeble all the way.

Amitabh Bachchan is fine but I loved Boman Irani more. The kid is fine. Supporting cast is good, as well. But when you use the same storyboard, it chafes the experience a bit. While the plot is strictly illogical & unrealistic (you weren't expecting otherwise, were you?), the elements it stands on are not strong enough reflect the cultural of cinema. Yes, it is entertaining, taking sarcastic potshots at corruption, politics, government and the present state of Indian bureaucracy. So a 6/10.

Again, unnecessary songs, wasted cameos and a slight essence of over- acting reduces the strength of the film as a celluloid.

BOTTOM LINE: The end is predictable and if your kids love such type of movies, it might be the good afternoon show. Watchable!

Bhoothnath Returns Review- Decent entertainer for all....

[Achyut_Prashast_Singh · 9/10 · 10 May 2015]

Movie:Bhoothnath Returns Rating: 4.5/5

Amitabh Bachchan sir is known for his great performance in various movies, as well as new subjects in his movies. Same with his this film Bhoothnath Returns, which has a good message for all, as well as entertainment too!

The performances by all actors are great. Especially the boy Parth Bhalerao, who gives the best one of all. Boman Irani too is entertaining with his bone ticking comedy. The music is good. The vfx is great. The film is good from the beginning to the end. It can be said that if you want to witness the rise of new cinema, then Bhoothnath Returns is one such movie.

On the whole, Bhoothnath Returns gives some hope for a better cinema, as well as a smile on the viewer's face.

Entertaining and Provocative with Some Glaring Loopholes

[DareDevilKid · 7/10 · 18 April 2014]

Reviewed by: Dare Devil Kid (DDK)

Rating: 3.2/5 stars

Topical, thought-provoking, and immensely relevant in today's times. While "Bhoothnath Returns" is by no means a perfectly made film, it still demands mandatory viewing for the crucial topics it addresses and the simple solutions it offers; solutions that we're well aware of and know what a major difference they could create on future, but seem to be too apathetic or just plain lazy to follow them. What's more, the film presents these issue and the highly vital topic of voting with oodles of humor and charmingly fun moments. The voting conundrum that is raised becomes all the more synonymous with our impending elections staring us in the face.

However, the film does have quite a few flaws. Director, Nitesh Tiwari, doesn't exhibit the exhibit the same deft touches, assuredness, and control as his debut film "Chillar Party" (an instant classic). The screenplay takes way too many liberties and at times asks a bit too much of its audience in terms of suspension of disbelief. Also, what begins and continues as a somewhat neatly woven, smart political satire for most of the film's proceedings, delves into contrived and clichéd territory towards the climax. Additionally, "Bhoothnath Returns" could have done with much sharper editing. The movie is easily 30-40 minutes too long.

Yet, the film still manages to punch above its weight due to the truly delightful performances. Amitabh Bachchan, Boman Irani, and Sanjay Mishra are magnificent as ever. But, it's the debutant child actor, Parth Balerao, who completely steals the show and even manages to overshadow the omnipotent Bachchan in some scenes; something even accomplished senior actors find difficult.

While, not nearly as skillfully helmed and heartwarming as Tiwari's debut venture, "Bhootnath Returns" is still an enjoyable film once you overlook the flaws. Moreover, it subtly drives home an extremely strong, poignant message, without being preachy.

Disappoints making the big mistake of not targeting the kids as its main audience.

[bobbysing · 5/10 · 17 June 2014]

To give its deserving due, BR begins superbly with a novel thought of a 'Ghost World' and its official works being performed like a government office (the thought first came in FATSO, 2009). But then it starts taking too much time to reach any point and there is neither any excitement nor the lovable charm as seen in the original. Thankfully Boman enters next with his own style of comic portrayal mixed with cruelty like his earlier famous characters, but again quite annoyingly he also has only 2-3 scenes before the intermission without contributing much. Besides a completely social, thought provoking song made on the lines of Michael Jackson's "Heal The World" (with stills showing poverty, hunger, pain and class divide in the society), strongly raises a question that what the director is really up-to and for whom actually he is making this sequel?

Nevertheless in the first half, it still somehow remains bearable even when the film is nothing close to any comic entertaining venture involving the kids. But moving into its final hour, it questionably shifts gears and entirely becomes a social, preachy drama telling you all about the importance of voting and the need to elect an honest candidate in a democracy. The progression soon goes into a boring mode indicating towards the dualistic approach of the makers wherein they probably wished to en-cash both the family audience as well as the nation's present election euphoria resulting in a completely avoidable and messy script.

In other words, apart from the first 15 interesting moments, nothing is there in this sequel comparing to the promises made in its excellent promos. In fact the theatrical trailer itself is the sum of all the enjoyable scenes in the film which keep coming at long gaps, serving you a lot less than the expected. Few surprising cameos are also thrown in to generate some kind of excitement in the audience which doesn't work and even the hit track "Party To Banti Hai" fails to make any kind of impact beginning all of a sudden, without any fine build up.

Yes, admitting its merit, the message conveyed by the makers is no doubt important and perfectly apt in the current scenario of ongoing Lok Sabha elections in the county. Yet the 100 crores question is that what are these messages and lengthy preachy sequences doing in a film which is supposed to be made for the kids below 14 years? Elections have nothing to do with them in this tender age and hence they are least interested to see anything related to voting, candidates, vote buying, bogus voting, TV debates, speeches and more. So why such a script was written, chosen and approved by the production house as the sequel of BHOOTHNATH remains out of my understanding really.

Coming to the performance, the Senior Bachchan still has everything in his persona to lighten up the screen and he does that well in his baritone voice and unique funny expressions too like an institution. But still I somehow found the body energy missing and the movements too little, may be due to the age factor coming into the act inevitably. Boman Irani is as usual flawless as the opportunist don-builder- politician becoming more active only post the intermission. Sanjay Mishra, Brijender Kala, Usha Jadhav & Usha Nadkarni play it fine in their supporting characters whereas the three key figures of the Industry add nothing in their one scene cameos really. So in the end,Parth Bhalerao (The kid – Akhrot) remains the ultimate winner above all, showing amazing confidence standing amongst veterans such as Amitabh Bachchan and Boman Irani.

Musically the soundtrack had two already hit party songs, particularly the Honey Singh track quite famous among the kids. But again, the director is unable to use them well and they still remain more enjoyable as individual tracks only on the dance floors. Cinematography convincingly executes the 'Bhoot' sequences as required but the background score is not able to create any kind of upbeat energy as it was there in MR. India in many similar sequences (like the one where Anil Kapoor comes to meet Anu Kapoor in the office just like Amitabh goes to meet Sanjay Mishra here). Keeping the focus right on the subject only, the script doesn't have any love or female angle as per the usual format but despite the fact it becomes too long and should have been wrapped up in just 120-30 minutes instead of 150.

Regarding the direction, frankly this would have been a perfect subject for Raj Kumar Hirani as I personally felt, since director Nitesh Tiwari completely ruins a potential plot with his confused handling, satisfying neither the kids nor the adults. The film keeps hanging in the mid with all the educative election insertions and I really couldn't imagine how on earth that was all conceived in the film aiming the kids coming for the sequel of their favourite BHOOTHNATH. Besides there are certain flaws pointing towards the careless writing too like why Bhoothnath doesn't go back to the Bhoothland after he successfully scares few kids fulfilling his only task, Why he keeps staying on earth after getting the task done, Why the table tennis is being played with rackets floating in the air when they were all Bhoots only living together visible to each other and why TV channels did not make it an issue of silly superstition being spread, instead of calling Bhoothnath for a Live interview?

Summing it all BHOOTHNATH RETURNS is just a misguided film having nothing in its content as per the expectations raised and the kid residing in me was really disappointed watching all those heavy-boring scenes, especially in its second half.

A well directed Political satire !

[KabirKhullar · 9/10 · 14 April 2014]

This film takes the story forward, Amitabh Bachchan was sent back to earth to regain his pride and respect but after seeing the corruption and mismanagement he actually end up contesting for elections. The story of the film is well written and executed.

Performance wise, Amitabh Bachchan is at his best, before watching this film, I didn't know that a ghost character can be so loving and caring. The small boy has certainly proved his acting skills, from dialogue delivery to expression, he looks really promising. Well the third lead does not need any introduction, Boman Irani did it again. I believe he is one actor in the industry who can make you like an antagonist of a film. Well a film can only be successful if everybody gives their best to it and that's what happens in Bhootnath Returns. From Amitabh Bachchan to Boman Irani to director to Cinematographer, everybody has done their part wonderfully.

It is a must watch!!!!!!

Starts on a great foot, but the pace flounders midway through

[hrjet9 · 6/10 · 21 April 2014]

I was rather disappointed with the movie. My expectation, based on the other reviews, was that this is a good movie to watch for kids, though a little serious and dragged in some places.

Instead, what I saw was a lot of dragging that utterly bored the kids (and adults as well to some extent). Moreover there is a violent scene in which a kid is assaulted, which makes this movie completely unsuited for young kids.

That said, the first part is brilliant, and I thought the story was well written. The concept of a friendly ghost is well woven with current topics. The director could have handled the story better and could have definitely cut the narrative to a crisp pace.

Could be better

[silvan-desouza · 5/10 · 1 May 2014]

Bhootnath wasn't a great film but BR has a good concept of a ghost standing of elections. The film is well handled although it may not seem realistic and sometimes mockish but it goes well with the genre. What however doesn't work well is the lengthy second half and preachy scenes which look straight out of a Prakash Jha film. The film has a good message no doubt but the sudden change of scenario does not really gel yet the film does seem well intentioned

Direction is good Music is okay, Apun Ka Ilaaka(Dharavi Rap) stands out rest are okay Yo Yo honey Singh is getting repetitive.

Amitabh Bachchan does his role as always brilliantly, he is much more in control this time compared to Bhootnath, Parth Bhalerao as the child is superb and natural and teams up well with Bachchan. Amongst rest Boman Irani is perfect as the evil Bhau, though he has played such a role before Sanjay Mishra is perfect, Brijendra Kala and all others are good

Good intent, bad execution

[arunav-sanyal91 · 6/10 · 15 May 2014]

While primarily the movie has a documentary like feel to it, the movie isn't a documentary but rather a social commentary about the current political scenario of India.

Some good points:-

1. Excellent acting by the entire cast 2. Good theme and intent of story

Some bad points:-

1. Incredibly long and stretched. They could have wrapped up the entire movie in 90 minutes. Sometimes repetitive and boring 2. Trying to be funny but failing miserably 3. No connection whatsover with the previous movie. This cannot be a sequel, its an entirely separate movie.

Interesting Facts

[hellothere3007 · 8/10 · 25 August 2014]

Watched it on 24th August 2014 on SONY channel sharp 7PM. Yes it's a trivia that the movie was released during the election period.The story of the movie started in with a fantasy but ended with a almost true fact that is,the value of single vote. Amitab Bachhan said on the eve of election campaign who was invisible to others except a kid, how many people enjoy the election day as holiday or go to vote. What an impact !! a lively person doesn't understand the value of one vote while a dead person(Bhootnath) does. Besides the funny act with children, Amitab Bachhan said something hilarious but was serious in real life. When people don't want to vote any party, they vote to their favorite cartoons in Sweden and other countries of Europe. If it happens in India then every cartoon characters of TV or comic books will win from different towns/cities of India. Chacha Chaudhory from Kanpur, Pokemon from Mumbai and many more. Watching this scene of the movie surely children as well as adults had fun and taking it seriously . Hats-off to the best considered actor of the century Amitab Bachhan.