'Bhoot Police' updates: Officially skipping theatrical release, Saif's look revealed
Pavan Kirpalani's horror-comedy offering Bhoot Police is officially skipping theatrical release altogether, confirmed streamer Disney+ Hotstar earlier today. The Saif Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Yami Gautam-starrer will be a Multiplex release on the platform, although makers are yet to announce a release date. Previously, it was reported that the film would come out in theaters in September this year.
Khan dons a chilling look as Vibhooti
Various entertainment portals had speculated about the direct-to-digital release of the movie for the past few months. Now, Hotstar has shared the first look of Khan as Vibhooti, announcing the project's arrival on the OTT platform. Wearing black attire, Khan's smile is almost evil as he holds a spiky stick in one hand. Several religious signs, idols, monuments can be seen in the background.
'Don't fear the paranormal and feel 'Saif' with VIBHOOTI'
Khan was brutally thrashed for 'anti-Hindu' sentiment of poster
Ever since Khan's look released, netizens erupted in anger for the anti-Hindu sentiments the photo shows. Many called him out for showing Hindu gods and saints in a demeaning manner. "Hope #SaifAliKhan not been learnt from Tandav," wrote one. Another user said Khan wasn't a "bhoot police" but the "real bhoot." To recall, boycott calls were raised against Tandav for allegedly mocking Hindu gods.
The team originally booked big screen release in September
Announced in 2019, the shoot got wrapped up on February 5 this year, after which makers had booked a September 10, 2021 release date for Bhoot Police. Plans were obviously hampered by the raging second wave of COVID-19. In May, sources suggested that producer Ramesh Taurani was already engaged in advanced discussions with Disney+ Hotstar, and the paperwork was due to be signed soon.
The movie follows four 'ghostbusters' through an adventure
While the original cast featured Khan, along with Ali Fazal and Fatima Sana Shaikh, changes were made later. Not much is known about the plot, except for the fact that the four lead stars will play "ghostbusters" in the movie. The recent poster for Khan also suggests that Vibhooti will be fighting paranormal elements. We can't wait for the ghost-hunting to begin!
Pandemic is making theatrical releases seem long lost dreams
Given Bhoot Police team is not waiting for COVID-19 conditions to get better, there is a chance that other teams will follow suit. A recent report had stated that Akshay Kumar-led Bell Bottom was also planning to let go of its hopes of getting a theatrical release. The closing down of theaters in Maharashtra, the hub of Hindi cinema, is certainly making things difficult.
