Watched Bhoothnath again with the family and, crikey, it’s still an absolute charmer.
Amitabh Bachchan is simply marvellous as the grumpy ghost who finds an unexpected friend in little Banku – their bond is so beautifully written and directed you’ll have a lump in your throat one minute and be chuckling the next.
Young Aman Siddiqui is a proper little legend; no overacting, just pure cheeky innocence. Juhi Chawla brings the warmth, the Goa bungalow is gorgeous, and the songs are proper earworms. Shahrukh has a brief guest appearance, but a bit unnecessary IMO.
Yes, it does sag a bit in the middle and the last 45 minutes could have been trimmed by a good 15, but when the heart is this big, you forgive the odd loose end. A lovely, gentle family film that reminds you Amitabh can do tender just as powerfully as intense.
Solid 7/10 – dust it off for the kids, you won’t regret it.
