Bhoothnath is the story of a ghost named Nath(Amitabh Bachchan) who
makes it impossible for anyone to stay in his home in Goa since his
death. Things are so bad that even taxi drivers refuse to chauffer
anyone as soon as they hear that Nath Villa is the destination. But
that’s till Nath comes across Banku(Aman Siddiqui) – the new kid who
has moved in with his parents Anjali(Juhi Chawala) and Aditya(SRK)
into Nath Villa.
So while the rest of the city trembles at
the thought of the family staying there, Banku is too busy making
friends with Nath whom he calls his Angel. For Banku there is nothing
like a ghost. Slowly and steadily the two forge a deep friendship much
to everyone’s confusion because no one but Banku can see this so called
Angel.
During one incident Banku with the help of his Angel
gets his school mate out of trouble. But this only causes a rumour
spreading fast across the school about Banku’s special friend. As a
result the principal hauls both Banku and Anjali into his office and
gives him the final warning. Anjali upset with her son’s constant
mischief reprimands him and gives him a slap. Unable to prove himself,
Banku sulks and doesn’t speak to either Bhoothnath or his mother.
However,
soon its time for Banku’s fancy dress competition and when another
mother comments on how Banku is dressed exactly like ‘Nath uncle’ does
reality hit home for Anjali. Heading home after the competition with
Banku, Anjali comes home to find herself dealing with a group of
builders who have been given permission by Nath’s son Vijay(Priyanshu
Chatterji) to build a resort there. Hearing this Nath gets very angry
and raises a storm – literally! And that’s
when she finally comes face to face with her son’s Angel and learns the
real truth about Nath and his ghostly existence. Now that Anjali knows
of Bhothnath she sets about helping his ghost to finally stop
wandering. And how after setting up a shrad at home Banku, Anjali,
Aditya and Nath’s son - Vijay - finally help Angel achieve mukti is
what the rest of the film is all about.
Bhoothnath
has everything for all age groups – fun for the kids and emotions for
the adults. Aman has done a great job as the naughty kid and Big B is
simply brilliant. From his emotions as a ghost trying to frighten the
world to coming to terms that a child has him fooled to his final
extremely emotional journey…everything leaves you spell bound. Juhi and
SRK have done a good job too.
A mention also needs to be made of
Vivek Sharma the director. From a script that is tightly held and moves
quick to special effects that definitely reflect umpteen hours in the
studio, the director’s hard work is clearly visible.
Bhoothnath
is definitely what the doctor ordered. For kids who are enjoying their
summer break. For parents who need to keep the tiny tots occupied. And
most importantly for Bollywood that has been down in the dumps….
Hallelujah!