Story
The plot of The Bhootni kicks off with the mysterious Virgin Tree at St. Vincent College, where locals believe a cursed ghost awakens every Valentine’s Day. This ghost targets a young man each year, causing his death by Holi. This time, Shantanu (Sunny Singh) becomes the ghost's prey, prompting the college to hire the legendary 'Ghostbuster' Krishna Tripathi (Sanjay Dutt) to save him. Will Krishna succeed in ending the ghost's reign of terror, or will there be an unexpected twist? To find out, you’ll have to head to the theater.

How the Film Fares
Despite being marketed as a horror-comedy, The Bhootni leans more on comedy than actual scares, making it feel like a half-baked offering. Compared to films like Stree and Bhediya, this movie fails to deliver the right balance of thrills and laughs. The only time you’ll hear a ghost is through Mouni Roy’s shrieks, which fail to instill much fear. What saves the film, however, is the comedy and Sanjay Dutt’s captivating performance. The movie feels like one of those classic, brainless films you can watch without thinking too much. While the first half is rather tedious, the second half picks up pace and offers some fun.

Directing and Writing
Directed by Siddhant Sachdev, who also wrote the story, The Bhootni initially struggles to find its footing. The film wastes valuable time in the first 20 minutes, before finally introducing Sanjay Dutt's character, Krishna. Once he enters, the movie gains some momentum. The film’s comedy, written by Vankush Arora (known for Comedy Circus), is amusing, but it’s only in the latter half that the comedy lands properly. The plot has potential, but the execution falters in the first half.

Acting
Sanjay Dutt, as always, steals the show with his action-packed performance. He manages to make even the most ridiculous scenes believable, like shooting a ghost with a gun. His natural charisma and ability to carry the film make it worth watching, especially for his fans. Sunny Singh as Shantanu lacks any significant impact, and Mouni Roy's portrayal of the ghost is rather forgettable. Palak Tiwari, though given a limited role, shines in her brief appearance, proving to be a stronger presence than Mouni. Nikunj Sharma and Asif Khan provide decent supporting performances.

To Watch or Not to Watch
The Bhootni is a one-time watch, especially for fans of Sanjay Dutt. It doesn't offer anything particularly fresh or exciting in the horror-comedy genre, and the audience may find it more suitable for a casual viewing at home rather than a theater experience. If you're a fan of Sanju Baba, you’ll likely enjoy his antics. The movie works well for a younger audience as the horror elements are mild. For the rest, it’s a decent watch if you have no higher expectations.