Phone Bhoot Review:This film tries too hard to entertain

• Phone Bhoot is boring and unfunny.
• Despite the comedy, the screenplay lacks horror and thrills.
• Film highlights include Siddhant Chaturvedi and Ishaan Khatter’s chemistry.

Phone Bhoot follows Major (Siddhant Chaturvedi) and Gullu (Ishaan Khatter), two failed business partners whose families force them to live. Ragini (Katrina Kaif), a ghost, proposes to help the world’s troubled souls find “Moksha” (salvation). The trio faces what on this spooky adventure? Success? Phone Bhoot reveals all.

The first 30 minutes parody horror. The story recycles industry gags. Some dislike the film’s situational humor with film and series references. Film highlights include Siddhant Chaturvedi and Ishaan Khatter’s chemistry. Katrina Kaif excels. The Slice Advertisement meta-reference is hilarious. Funny Sheeba Chaddha is underused.

Phone Bhoot’s weak plot doesn’t matter. The film’s jokes fall flat. The film has 5 to 7 truly funny moments, but they aren’t enough to hold attention for 2 hours and 17 minutes. Despite the comedy, the screenplay lacks horror and thrills, and Katrina’s teaming with Siddhant and Ishaan fails. Jackie Shroff’s poor writing disgraces his 40-year career. We realise the makers want to make us laugh. Drama and emotion would have added depth to the spoof.

Performances
Ragini, Katrina Kaif, carries Phone Bhoot. Her dancing and screen presence in the two songs are noticeable. Like Ram, Shyam, Amar, and Prem, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Ishaan Khatter have great screen chemistry. They try to flavour the on-screen madness and deliver in the silliest situations. Jackie Shroff misplays. Sheeba Chaddha’s brief “Moksha” episode with Katrina Kaif is funny.

Phone Bhoot is boring and unfunny. Few gags and dialogues work alone. Spoof films won’t sell.

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