The Bhootnii Review: A haunting blend of humour, horror, and heart

Written & Directed by: Sidhaant Sachdev
Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Mouni Roy, Sunny Singh, Palak Tiwari, Nickunj Sharma, Aasif Khan, and more
Duration: 2h10m
Rating: 4

The Bhootnii isn’t your typical ghost story. It’s a high-energy, genre-bending film that refuses to fit neatly into a single category, balancing supernatural thrills, romance, and gut-busting humor in equal measure. Directed by Sidhaant Sachdev, this film grabs your attention from the very first frame and keeps you guessing as it swings between spooky and silly. It’s a bold and fun experiment, and while it doesn’t always stick the landing, it’s an undeniably entertaining ride.

At the heart of the madness is Sanjay Dutt as ‘Baba’, a paranormal investigator who’s equal parts ghostbuster and rockstar. Dutt brings a certain magnetism to the role, playing his character with equal parts grit and humor—his best performance in years. Sunny Singh plays Shantanu, the unsuspecting, love-struck protagonist, with effortless charm, bringing warmth and sincerity to the story. Palak Tiwari, as Ananya, gives the film an emotional anchor, grounding the more whimsical moments. Nickunj Sharma (aka BeYouNick) and Aasif Khan add a significant dose of laughter with their impeccable comic timing, while Mouni Roy, as the spectral Mohabbat, leaves a lasting impression. She plays the role with a haunting depth, balancing menace and melancholy beautifully.

The plot, set in the eerily atmospheric St. Vincent College, revolves around the legendary “Virgin Tree,” a haunted spot that comes alive every Valentine’s Day in search of true love. This vengeful spirit’s obsession with affection turns deadly as Holi approaches, and the 27 days in between are filled with quirky interactions, chilling encounters, and lots of laughs. Sachdev’s masterful pacing keeps the tension high, while never losing sight of the emotional connections between the characters. The balance between dread and warmth is what makes the story feel so engaging.

What makes The Bhootnii shine technically is the stellar cinematography by Santhosh Thundiyil. Even mundane settings, like empty corridors, are charged with suspense. The visual effects are top-tier, delivering the supernatural moments with precision and polish, making the world feel tangible and real. Bunty Negi’s editing ensures the film maintains its pace, keeping the 2-hour-10-minute runtime exciting and tightly woven from start to finish.

The music is a standout feature. The soundtrack pulses with energy and elevates the entire experience. Song like Mahakaal Mahakaali is brilliant. The background score also knows when to build tension, when to recede, and when to let the story breathe.

Dialogue is another strength of the film, providing clever, sharp, and often humorous exchanges that never feel forced. The characters’ lines are laced with charm and wit, capturing the spirit of a real conversation while maintaining a touch of filmi magic that keeps things light, even as the supernatural danger grows.

Beyond the laughs and frights, The Bhootnii works because it has an emotional backbone. At its core, the film explores loneliness, longing, and the need to be loved—even from a ghost. It’s a heartfelt story that resonates with the desire for connection, even in the most unlikely of circumstances.

The Bhootnii is a fresh and fearless take on horror-comedy, one that doesn’t just deliver the thrills and laughs, but also tugs at your heartstrings. It may not always stick to the formula, but that’s part of its charm. A little spooky, a little silly, and a lot of fun, it’s a film that refuses to be pigeonholed and invites you to join in on the ride.

The Bhootnii is brought to life by the collaborative power of Soham Rockstar Entertainment and Three Dimension Motion Pictures. So grab some friends and head to the theater for an experience that’ll make you laugh, scream, and maybe even wonder about that tree in your backyard. But remember, just in case—avoid hugging it on Valentine’s Day.

News