If it weren't for the sermonizing, and loss of genre context, I'd have given this movie a 10 for effort. More on that later.Haven't seen the first one, so I do not know firsthand how this one compares. However, everyone I know who's seen the first one too, says this is the better effort. I'll take their word for it, since I have no intention of watching the first one anyway, since word is that its quite sappy. The filmmakers seem to have understood that the novelty of having a ghost in the narrative has worn off for seasoned movie-goers, so they kinda go a different route after a little bit of been there-done that. Satire is woven into the tale, though not as much as the movie needs. It turns preachy and sermonizes much past the hour where the audience starts hemming and hawing, and its holier-than-thou position on electoral responsibilities is where it fatally mis-steps, though, considering the milieu, it does what is expected in that department, where everyone gets the message only of its driven home with a sledge- hammer. The makers know this, and try to temper the message by having a few in- jokes at the expense of the celebrity community, but they are too few, and too far between. The positioning of a couple of cameos is also convenient, but does not detract from the preachy, message-brandishing documentary feel overall.The performances are solid/sincere, though Irani does what he's been doing since the Munnnabhai movies, and esp. 'Khosla ka Ghosla'. And this is perhaps the year of Sanjay Mishra, with this and 'Aankhon Dekhi'. Subtlety is an art, and this guy's the master.The technical values are right up there, esp. with the production design with the use of real locations (not the fantasy ones),and the score is above average. Continuity is maintained well, and that is a feat for something out of Bollywood. Neither completely embracing the mainstream nor the niche market, this one's a pretty decent efforts considering what came before it, and today's landscape of movies that are being released.Verdict: I'm sure the tone won't go down well with the independent- minded, but this one deserves an audience for the effort it makes in trying out something different, though they could've done without said hammer.

Reviewed by: Dare Devil Kid (DDK)Rating: 3.2/5 starsTopical, thought-provoking, and immensely relevant in today's times. While "Bhoothnath Returns" is by no means a perfectly made film, it still demands mandatory viewing for the crucial topics it addresses and the simple solutions it offers; solutions that we're well aware of and know what a major difference they could create on future, but seem to be too apathetic or just plain lazy to follow them. What's more, the film presents these issue and the highly vital topic of voting with oodles of humor and charmingly fun moments. The voting conundrum that is raised becomes all the more synonymous with our impending elections staring us in the face.However, the film does have quite a few flaws. Director, Nitesh Tiwari, doesn't exhibit the exhibit the same deft touches, assuredness, and control as his debut film "Chillar Party" (an instant classic). The screenplay takes way too many liberties and at times asks a bit too much of its audience in terms of suspension of disbelief. Also, what begins and continues as a somewhat neatly woven, smart political satire for most of the film's proceedings, delves into contrived and clichéd territory towards the climax. Additionally, "Bhoothnath Returns" could have done with much sharper editing. The movie is easily 30-40 minutes too long.Yet, the film still manages to punch above its weight due to the truly delightful performances. Amitabh Bachchan, Boman Irani, and Sanjay Mishra are magnificent as ever. But, it's the debutant child actor, Parth Balerao, who completely steals the show and even manages to overshadow the omnipotent Bachchan in some scenes; something even accomplished senior actors find difficult.While, not nearly as skillfully helmed and heartwarming as Tiwari's debut venture, "Bhootnath Returns" is still an enjoyable film once you overlook the flaws. Moreover, it subtly drives home an extremely strong, poignant message, without being preachy.

"Bhoothnath Returns" Indeed! No one can decree Indian's!!! This movie is a big slap on Democracy, Politics & Election in India. Bhoothnath Returns story, idea & social message are thematically linked with excellent issues, speech, emotions & presentations which took the bar of movie at Pinnacle. All the characters were Jaunty, Pert & Sveltest. Their cadences & intonation performance makes them spiffy & snappy."Bhootnath Returs" deserve extolling applaud & Ensky.Amitabh Bachchan & Parth Bhalerao (Akhrot) stupendous effort made "Bhootnath Returs" humongous & memorable. Amitabh is eternally Enticing, Alluring, impeccable, splendid, fantabulous & out-and-out sterling.

Cast: Amitabh Bachchan (Bhoothnath), Parth Bhalerao (Akhrot), Boman Irani (Politician Bhau), Anurag Kashyap, Usha Jadhav, Sanjay Mishra, Brijendra Kala, Usha Nadkarni, Kurush Deboo (Psychiatrist), Dheerendra Dwivedi (Dheeraj), A. R> Manikandan (Muncipality Officer), Guest Appearance – Shahrukh Khan and Ranbir Kapoor, Ghosts – Farah Ahmed, Manoj Anand, Raj Awasti, Jas Dhillon, Sandeep Garcha, Taj Gill, Hassen Monisha, Sharif Islam, Amrita Jazzmyn, Preet Kaur, Neena Kumar, Fayaz Nathalia, Kumud Pant, Sanjeev Parma, Jayesh Patel, Rajen Prajapati, Simi Rai, Atul Sharma, Ashwani Chopra Genre: Children, Drama, Fantasy, Social Direction: Nitesh Tiwari Production: Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Renu Ravi Chopra Distribution: BR Films Written by: Nitesh Tiwari, Piyush Gupta, Additional Script writers – Shreyas Jain, Nikhil Mehrotra Cinematographer: Kamaljeet Negi Editor: Chandrashekhar Prajapati Music: Ram Sampth, Palash Mucchal, Meet Bros Anjjan, Yo Yo Honey Singh Release Date: 11th April, 2014 Language: Hindi Duration: 2 hours 35 minutes The Plot: Bhoothnath Returns starts with Bhoothnath aka Kailash Nath (Amitabh Bachchan)'s return to Bhoothworld, where he is laughed at by the other ghosts due to his inability to scare even children. Ahh…Bhoothworld is an afterworld Sarkari Office (Government Office) full of files. Ghosts wait with a token number to be reborn as humans. A mosquito rebirth can happen instantly, but there is lucky draw to be reborn as a film star's pet. Bhoothnath asks for a chance to earn his reputation as a ghost who can scare people and he is sent back to the earth as a ghost itself. Bhoothnath meets street-smart Bhoothnath realizes that kids are not afraid of him. Then, he meets Daharavi boy Akhrot (Parth Bhalerao) who can see him and even he is not scared of him. Rest of the story revolves around a bond developed between Bhoothnath and Akhrot and the social cause for which they join hands together. Bhoothnath becomes a reformer focusing on corruption, solving water shortages, clean streets etc. in Dharavi. A very novel concept of a ghost Bhoothnath standing for election against corrupt Bhau (Boman Irani) is shown. Akhrot's logic behind convincing Bhoothnath to stand for the election is that he is good and since he is dead, no one can kill him. How speech by a politician is manipulated for one's own advantage is also depicted in the movie. Director and Story Writer: It is 2nd movie of the director Nitesh Tiwari (after Chillar Party). Though the concept of the movie is very good, but could have been handled in a much better manner. Although the first half of the movie is good, the second half drags and gets preachy. It loses its feel for a Children's movie. But yes, Nitesh has been successful in conveying a social message that we as citizens have the responsibility to make the country win by choosing the right leaders.Cast and their Performance: Amitabh Bachchan as Bhoothnath is very natural, and spontaneous. He is seen more of himself enjoying with the kids.The highlight of the movie is Parth Bhalerao as Akhrot. He has given an outstanding performance. He shares almost every frame with Amitabh Bachchan.Boman Irani as Bhau is also good.Music: Music by Ram Sampth (Har Har Gange, Sahib, Dharavi Rap) is good. Palash Mucchal & Meet Bros Anjjan's Party to Banti Hai (sung by Mika Singh and Meet Bros Anjjan) is also good. The movie closes with Yo Yo Honey Singh's Party with the Bhoothnath is average.Thumbs up: Parth Bhalerao's performance as Akhrot. The bond between Parth Bhalerao and Amitabh Bachchan.Thumbs down: Children may not enjoy the second half since it gets preachy. The very genre of the movie gets ambiguous.One-Liner: Bhoothnath Returns could have been much more hilarious.Rating: 2.75 / 5 (Average +)