Bhanupriya Bhooter Hotel Review: A Haunted Stay with Heart and Humor
Director Aritra Mukherjee's Bhanupriya Bhooter Hotel presents a refreshing take on the haunted house genre, blending supernatural scares with witty humor and heartfelt moments. Released on December 25, 2025, this Bengali horror-comedy has garnered positive ratings from both critics and audiences, earning a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.
A Mysterious Mountain Retreat
The film unfolds in a luxurious mountain hotel nestled amid the snowy peaks of North Bengal. Named after its enigmatic owner Bhanupriya, the hotel opens for the winter season, attracting guests seeking respite from the cold. However, their peaceful getaway quickly turns chaotic as bizarre ghostly disturbances begin to plague the establishment.
The story follows skeptical lawyer Aranya, played by Soham Majumdar, and his sharp-witted partner, portrayed by Mimi Chakraborty. They are joined by another couple, played by Bonny Sengupta and Swastika Dutta, as they encounter mischievous spirits tied to the hotel's dark secret. The property was illegally constructed over a colonial graveyard, sparking unresolved historical grievances that manifest as supernatural chaos.
Clever Plot and Engaging Mystery
What begins as a typical ghost story evolves into something more substantial. The central mystery revolves around a hidden map that uncovers not treasure, but contested property rights and bureaucratic entanglements. This clever twist transforms supernatural scares into a battle against red tape, culminating in an unexpected courtroom showdown that adds depth to the narrative.
Mukherjee demonstrates confident command over tone and pace, balancing humor, suspense, and warmth in a way that feels rare in contemporary Bengali cinema. The haunted hotel itself becomes as much a character as the people who inhabit it, with its dimly lit corridors and decaying interiors creating an immersive atmosphere.
Strong Ensemble Cast
The film's success largely rests on its talented ensemble cast. Mimi Chakraborty commands the screen with energy and presence, while Soham Majumdar provides grounded earnestness that complements her performance perfectly. Bonny Sengupta and Swastika Dutta inject vitality and charm, ensuring the humor lands naturally throughout the film.
Veteran performers including Kanchan Mullick, Anamika Saha, and Manasi Sinha add depth and reliability to the ensemble. Their collective chemistry makes moments of humor, tension, and light horror feel organic rather than staged, with actors managing tonal shifts skillfully throughout the narrative.
Technical Excellence
On a technical level, the film impresses with careful attention to detail. The haunted hotel setting is visually engaging, with costumes balancing whimsy and realism effectively. The musical number "Tumi Ke" stands out as a tango-inspired sequence that blends style, narrative, and rhythm seamlessly.
Music and sound design are calibrated precisely to enhance both suspenseful moments and comedic beats without ever distracting from the story. These elements support the film's overall tone and underscore the director's careful attention to mood and rhythm.
Minor Flaws and Overall Appeal
While generally well-paced, the film occasionally wavers with some sequences lingering longer than necessary. A few tonal transitions feel slightly uneven, and some humor relies on familiar tropes. However, these imperfections are minor and don't undermine the overall strength and charm of the production.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Bhanupriya Bhooter Hotel is its family-friendly appeal. The film balances mild scares, clever humor, and engaging performances in a way that makes it accessible to audiences across age groups. Children and adults alike can enjoy the story, which maintains a sense of playful suspense without seeking to shock or terrify.
The writing, direction, and ensemble performances work in concert to create a cinematic experience that is both intelligent and thoroughly enjoyable. With its unique blend of supernatural elements, social commentary, and courtroom drama, this film represents a welcome addition to regional cinema that deserves attention from viewers seeking something different from conventional horror comedies.
