Continuing within the ‘good for nothing’ character universe, we meet Major (Siddhant Chaturvedi) and Galileo aka Gullu (Ishaan Khatter), who possess the ability to see ghosts. They strike a deal with the alluring spirit Ragini (Katrina Kaif) to earn a substantial sum of money in exchange for a favour to be revealed at the ‘right time’. The Desi Ghostbusters trio embarks on freeing trapped spirits by fulfilling their last wishes. However, the plot takes a slippery turn when the malevolent spirit Atmaram (Jackie Shroff) enters, manipulating and deceiving the restless souls. The introduction of a romantic angle for Ragini amidst the chaos contributes to the film’s challenges, particularly in its second half.
“Phone Bhoot” is a comedy that revolves around Major and Gullu, two young men with the ability to communicate with ghosts. They make a deal with a seductive ghost named Ragini to help restless spirits fulfil their last wishes. However, things become complicated when a sinister spirit named Atmaram enters the scene, leading to a blend of humour and supernatural elements. The film’s first half is particularly strong in terms of humour and pop culture references, but the second half falters due to plot loopholes and an overloaded storyline. The performances by Siddhant Chaturvedi and Ishaan Khatter are noteworthy, while Katrina Kaif’s character could have been better developed. The film’s direction and music contribute to its entertainment value, though it falls short of delivering a satisfying horror-comedy experience. Despite its flaws, “Phone Bhoot” remains an enjoyable watch.
7/10
Streaming on Prime Video