In a cinematic landscape where horror comedies are increasingly popular, "The Bhootnii" attempts to carve its niche but ultimately falls flat. The film, starring Sanjay Dutt, Mouni Roy, and Sunny Singh, has been met with a chorus of critical disapproval, with reviewers questioning its plot coherence and production quality.
Released on May 1, 2025, "The Bhootnii" is set in the fictional St. Vincent College of Arts and Culture in Delhi, where students gather around the legendary Virgin Tree every Valentine's Day, believing it grants romantic wishes. However, the tree's allure is marred by a dark twist: every Holika Dahan Day, a student mysteriously dies, supposedly haunted by a ghost named Mohabbat, played by Mouni Roy.
The film opens with Shantanu (Sunny Singh), a heartbroken student, expressing his desire for love in front of the Virgin Tree. Soon, he encounters Mohabbat, who, unbeknownst to him, is a ghost with a tragic backstory. As the plot unfolds, Shantanu's life becomes entangled with Mohabbat's supernatural antics, leading to a series of comedic yet chaotic events.
Critics have been harsh in their assessments, with one reviewer stating, "The Bhootnii is a loud, confused, and unnecessary addition to Bollywood’s already questionable horror-comedy lineup." This sentiment echoes throughout various reviews, highlighting the film's lack of a cohesive narrative and effective humor.
While some viewers found moments of levity, they were overshadowed by a disjointed script filled with forced jokes and outdated tropes. One critic remarked, "The screenplay is an exhausting mix of forced jokes, outdated tropes, and cringe-worthy dialogue that feels like it was written by someone binge-watching TikTok trends." This criticism reflects a broader concern regarding the film's writing quality, which many believe detracts from the viewing experience.
Despite its shortcomings, the film features some notable performances. Sanjay Dutt, portraying Baba, a ghost hunter, tries to infuse energy into his role but is often hampered by the script. His character, described as a bizarre mash-up of ghostbuster and action hero, fails to deliver the expected comedic relief. Critics noted, "Sanjay Dutt's Baba character is a strange mash-up of ghostbuster, guru, and retired action hero," suggesting that his talents were underutilized in this production.
Mouni Roy's portrayal of Mohabbat has also drawn mixed reactions. While some reviewers appreciated her effort to bring depth to the character, others felt her performance was overshadowed by the film's overall lack of coherence. One review highlighted that her transformation into a vengeful spirit was unintentionally humorous, stating, "The make-up, VFX, and costume design are so bad, it becomes hard to take her seriously."
Sunny Singh's role as Shantanu has not fared much better. Critics have described his performance as dull, noting that his emotional scenes lacked the necessary spark to engage the audience. One critic lamented, "Sunny Singh as Shantanu is painfully dull. His expressions are limited to 'slightly confused' and 'mildly uninterested.'" This observation points to a broader issue with character development in the film.
Supporting characters, including Nickunj Sharma and Aasif Khan, have received some praise for their comedic timing. However, their contributions were viewed as insufficient to elevate the film above its flaws. Aasif Khan, in particular, was noted for bringing a few genuinely funny moments, with one review stating, "He’s probably the only actor who seems to understand the tone of the film and works with it, instead of against it."
As for the film's technical aspects, the visual effects have been criticized for their poor execution. One reviewer commented, "The VFX is so poorly done, it makes a high-school YouTube horror skit look like Avatar," highlighting the film's inability to deliver on its horror elements. This lack of quality in production values has further contributed to the film's negative reception.
Despite the overwhelming criticism, some viewers have found value in the film's premise and occasional humor. One review mentioned that the film could work as a one-time watch when there's nothing else to do. However, this sentiment is not universally shared, as many critics have urged potential viewers to reconsider their options.
Overall, "The Bhootnii" has struggled to find its footing in the crowded horror-comedy genre. While it attempts to blend romance, humor, and supernatural elements, it often fails to execute these themes effectively. As one reviewer succinctly put it, "The Bhootnii is a film that gives a full dose of laughter with thrilling elements and surprising twists," yet this statement seems to be more of a hopeful sentiment than a reflection of the film's actual quality.
In conclusion, "The Bhootnii" has become a talking point among audiences and critics alike, but for all the wrong reasons. With a lack of coherent storytelling, underwhelming performances, and poor production values, it appears that this film will not be remembered as a significant entry in Bollywood's horror-comedy lineup. As the credits roll, viewers may find themselves questioning not just the film but their own decision to watch it.
