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Bhoothnath Returns

2014 · Directed by Nitesh Tiwari

Original language: Hindi

  • comedy
  • drama
  • fantasy

The story

Boothnath vows to redeem himself when spirits tease him, and searches for a child to terrify. He befriends Akhrot, a slum kid, and helps him take on the country's most powerful politician.

What it’s like

Bright, saturated colour and broad, bustling frames of crowded city streets and a sprawling housing society give this the feel of a Saturday-afternoon family outing, with a warm glow over everything and playful, cartoonish touches in the ghostly effects. The vibe is good-natured and kid-friendly, mixing light fantasy with sitcom-style slapstick and a sharper streak of political satire. Pacing is brisk and episodic, with comic set pieces giving way to sweeter scenes between a lonely spirit and a scrappy boy, whose friendship slowly softens the ghost's gruff, self-pitying manner. Intensity stays low: mild scares, no gore, no sexual content, and no real cruelty, just some bluster and a few tense moments that resolve quickly. It suits a lazy weekend with children, a comfort watch, or anyone wanting something lighthearted, colourful and gently funny, with a little social commentary tucked in.

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