Genre: Horror/Comedy
Release Date: 2022
Language: Hindi
Phone Bhoot (transl. Phone Ghost) is a 2022 Indian Hindi-language supernatural comedy film directed by Gurmmeet Singh and produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani under the banner of Excel Entertainment. The film stars Katrina Kaif, Ishaan Khatter, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Jackie Shroff in key roles. It was released theatrically on 4 November 2022 and received mixed reviews from critics.
Plot
The story follows Major and Gullu, two quirky, unemployed young men who dream of becoming professional exorcists. They frequently pray to their self-made idol, Raaka, to help them escape poverty. During a bizarre turn of events at a ghost-themed party, the duo is electrocuted and transported to the spirit world, where they meet Ragini, a kind-hearted ghost. She offers to help them fulfill their dream—on the condition that they help lost souls achieve moksha (salvation) by revealing the truth about their wrongful deaths.
Returning to the human world, Major and Gullu start their own ghostbusting business named “Phone Bhoot”, with Ragini as their supernatural partner. As their fame grows, they attract the wrath of Atmaram, a sinister tantrik whose dark business begins to crumble because of their success.
The story takes a twist when it’s revealed that Ragini was once the lover of Raja Dushyant Singh, both of whom were killed in a car crash orchestrated by Atmaram. Seeking vengeance, Ragini’s true intentions come to light when Atmaram captures her during a lunar eclipse. With help from the spirits they once freed—and their animated idol Raaka—Major and Gullu confront Atmaram, rescue Ragini, and free countless trapped souls. In the end, Ragini and Dushyant reunite in the afterlife, promising to guide Major and Gullu whenever they’re in need. The film concludes with a tease for a potential sequel.
Cast
- Katrina Kaif as Ragini Maheshwari
- Ishaan Khatter as Galileo Parthasarthy (Gullu)
- Siddhant Chaturvedi as Sherdil Shergill (Major)
- Jackie Shroff as Atmaram Dhyani
- Sheeba Chadha as Chikni Chudail
- Nidhi Bisht as Lady Diana (Daayan)
- Hetal Gada, Manu Rishi Chadha, Armaan Ralhan as Dushyant Singh
- Cameo appearances by Pulkit Samrat, Varun Sharma, and Manjot Singh from Fukrey fame.
Soundtrack
The music of Phone Bhoot was composed by Tanishk Bagchi, Rochak Kohli, Mikey McCleary, and Roy, with lyrics by Kumaar, Tanishk Bagchi, and Baba Sehgal. The soundtrack, released under Zee Music Company on 18 October 2022, includes five tracks blending quirky beats with supernatural themes.
Tracklist:
- “Kinna Sona” – Tanishk Bagchi, Zahrah S. Khan (3:18)
- “Kaali Teri Gutt” – Romy, Sakshi Holkar (3:17)
- “Phone Bhoot Theme” – Baba Sehgal (3:07)
- “Jaau Jaan Se” – Rochak Kohli, Lisa Mishra (3:17)
- “Jaau Jaan Se (Chill Mix)” – Rochak Kohli, Lisa Mishra (3:20)
The first single, “Kinna Sona,” was released on 13 October 2022, followed by “Kaali Teri Gutt” on 18 October 2022. The full album dropped the same day, and the “Phone Bhoot Theme” video premiered on 31 October 2022.
Production
Principal photography for Phone Bhoot began on 12 December 2020 in Mumbai and wrapped up in mid-2021. The film features stylized production design and eccentric visuals, aligning with Excel Entertainment’s tradition of quirky storytelling.
Reception
Phone Bhoot received mixed critical responses, with praise for its humor, performances, and Katrina Kaif’s screen presence, but criticism for its uneven writing and pacing.
- The Times of India – 3.5/5: “A unique horror comedy and a refreshing addition to the genre.”
- India Today – 3.5/5: “Katrina Kaif shines while Ishaan and Siddhant bring energy and wit.”
- Filmfare – 3/5: “Perhaps the silliest yet most entertaining horror comedy you’ll ever see.”
- Bollywood Hungama – 3/5: “A fun first half, though the second half loses steam.”
- NDTV – 2.5/5: “A madcap party of a film—chaotic but lively.”
- The Quint, Rediff, and Mashable rated it between 2.5/5, calling it an amusing but inconsistent entertainer best enjoyed with friends.
On Rotten Tomatoes, only 33% of 12 critics gave positive reviews, with an average rating of 5/10.
