The Bhootnii Review: Sanjay Dutt bosses his way with a heart concoction of thrills, chills, and laughs galore

MUMBAI: Written and directed by Sidhaant Sachdev, The Bhootni stars Sanjay Dutt, Mouni Roy, Sunny Singh, Palak Tiwari, Nickunj Sharma aka Beyounick, and Aasif Khan 

Who knew a ghost story could make you laugh until your stomach hurts and then send chills down your spine in the same breath? The Bhootnii is Bollywood’s wild ride through the supernatural that manages to juggle horror, romance, comedy, and a bit of drama, all while keeping you on the edge of your seat. This isn’t just another spooky tale; it’s a genre-bending, campy, heart-tugging, laugh-out-loud experience. If you're in the mood for a cinematic cocktail of horror, humor, and heartfelt moments, buckle up—The Bhootnii is here to deliver. 

First, let’s talk about the star of the show, Sanjay Dutt. He plays ‘Baba,’ a paranormal investigator with a rockstar vibe. If ever there was a ghostbuster who could handle both ghoul and goofiness in equal measure, Dutt nails it. His performance is a riot, full of swagger and comedy that make you wonder if Dutt was born for this role. Right alongside him is Sunny Singh as Shantanu, the unsuspecting protagonist caught in the paranormal crossfire. He brings warmth and charm to the love-struck hero, offering the perfect balance to the madness unfolding around him. Palak Tiwari as Ananya grounds the film emotionally, while Nickunj Sharma (aka BeYouNick) and Aasif Khan bring infectious laughs, ensuring the comedy hits all the right notes. 

The plot, set in the haunted St. Vincent College, is built around the legend of the “Virgin Tree,” a ghostly entity that comes to life every Valentine’s Day in search of true love. This ghost is all about affection, but when Holi nears, its passion turns deadly. The 27 days in between? Packed with spooky moments, emotional confessions, and enough laughs to keep things light. Director Sidhaant Sachdev expertly combines horror with humor in a way that doesn’t feel forced—each twist is as funny as it is terrifying, keeping you engaged through the ups and downs. 

What elevates The Bhootnii to another level is its technical brilliance. Santhosh Thundiyil’s cinematography does wonders, making even the simplest scenes feel suspenseful. The corridors of St. Vincent College never looked so creepy! The visual effects are top-notch too, and the seamless blending of the supernatural with the real world is executed beautifully. Bunty Negi’s editing ensures there’s never a lull, keeping the 2-hour-10-minute runtime moving at a brisk pace. It’s a nonstop adventure, packed with surprises at every turn. 

As if that wasn’t enough, the music of The Bhootnii is an absolute banger. The background score knows when to creep in quietly and when to make its presence felt, amplifying the suspense without ever overpowering the film. 

Let’s not forget the dialogue, which adds its own charm. The script is witty and clever, allowing the characters to speak like real people but with a dash of that filmi magic that keeps it all entertaining. Even in the most tense moments, the characters manage to deliver lines that are equal parts funny and heartfelt. 

But what really makes The Bhootnii stand out from the crowd is its emotional core. Yes, it’s a horror-comedy, but beneath the laughs and scares is a poignant story about loneliness and the need for love—be it from a friend, a lover, or even a ghost. It’s a film that taps into universal feelings, making sure you leave the theater with more than just goosebumps. 

The Bhootnii isn’t just a ghost story; it’s a wild, heart-pounding ride that brings everything together in a way that only Bollywood can. It mixes humor, horror, romance, and a bit of drama to create an experience that will keep you laughing, gasping, and maybe even thinking twice before you walk past any trees on Valentine’s Day. While it might not be a perfect ghost story, it’s certainly one that will entertain you from start to finish. 

Backed by Soham Rockstar Entertainment and Three Dimension Motion Pictures, The Bhootnii conjures up a quirky blend of chills, charm, and cinematic flair. 

So, grab some friends, pack the popcorn, and get ready to laugh, scream, and wonder if your backyard tree is plotting something sinister. Just maybe give it some space—after all, you never know what might be lurking in the branches. 

3.5/5 stars