Akshay Kumar, Shikhar Dhawan Play Cricket on Bhooth Bangla Set

Mumbai’s bustling film sets are no strangers to high energy, but the sets of the upcoming horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla recently turned into something far more unexpected: an impromptu cricket ground. Leading man Akshay Kumar, never one to let long shooting hours dampen spirits, kickstarted a friendly match during a break, and the mood shifted dramatically when former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan walked in to join the game.

The surprise appearance sent ripples of excitement through the crew. What began as a casual way to unwind quickly escalated into a full-fledged contest, complete with enthusiastic cheering from unit members who suddenly found themselves acting as both players and spectators. Akshay upped the stakes by announcing a cash prize for the winning team, injecting an extra layer of competitive fun into the already lively atmosphere.

Sources present on set described the scene as electric—laughter echoing between takes, friendly banter flying across the makeshift pitch, and a rare sense of camaraderie that cut through the usual pressures of a big-budget production. For a film built around scares and laughs, these light-hearted moments off-camera have become just as shareable as the promotional material.

The reunion of Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan after 14 years remains one of the project’s biggest draws. Their previous collaborations delivered consistent box-office successes and memorable comedies, so anticipation for Bhooth Bangla has been building steadily. The film brings together a notable ensemble: Wamiqa Gabbi, Paresh Rawal, Tabu, and Rajpal Yadav, promising a blend of humour, suspense, and star power.

Adding to the current buzz is the film’s first song, “Ram Ji Aake Bhala Karenge,” which has been trending across music platforms since its release. Produced under the banners of Balaji Motion Pictures and Cape of Good Films, the track has given audiences an early taste of the movie’s tone—playful yet rooted in Indian sensibilities.

While the horror-comedy genre has seen varied success in recent years, Bhooth Bangla benefits from the proven creative chemistry between Akshay and Priyadarshan. The actor’s ability to balance intense roles with lighter entertainers keeps him relevant across generations, and this project appears poised to lean into his signature brand of high-energy screen presence.

The spontaneous cricket match, though unplanned, reflects a broader reality of long-format shoots: small gestures of team bonding can make a tangible difference to morale. In an industry where deadlines and night shifts test endurance, moments like these remind everyone why they signed up in the first place.

Bhooth Bangla is slated for theatrical release on April 10, 2026. With the first song already gaining traction and behind-the-scenes stories like the Akshay-Shikhar face-off circulating widely, the film is building momentum well before its arrival in cinemas. Whether delivering chills, chuckles, or both, the project is shaping up to be one of the more keenly watched titles of next year’s lineup. For now, the real winner appears to be the spirit of fun that briefly turned a film set into a stadium.