Hungama Play launches ‘Bhootatlela’

Hungama Play, a leading video on demand platform owned by Hungama Digital Media, today launched ‘Bhootatlela’, a new Hungama Original in Marathi and Hindi. A horror-comedy, the show revolves around Rayba, a soon-to-be-married man and his encounter with a ghost during the week leading up to his wedding. This lands him in situations that go beyond his control and turn his life into a comic mess. The show is headlined by popular actors from the Marathi entertainment industry, including Priyadarshan Jadhav, Surabhi Hande and Sayali Patil. Produced by CafeMarathi in association with Hungama Digital Media, Bhootatlela is written by actor-writer, Yogesh Shirsat and directed by the National Film Award winner, Shivaji Lotan Patil.

 Rayba (Priyadarshan Jadhav) can’t contain his excitement as he is about to get married to the love of his life, Shivani (Surabhi Hande). While his pre-wedding rituals are underway, Rayba begins to have some strange experiences. From a nagging feeling that he is being followed wherever he goes to the creepy experience of being watched constantly by a girl; every action of Rayba is now under the scrutiny of a force that he does not recognize. Things get complicated further when he comes face-to-face with the ghost, Sudha (Sayali Patil), who insists on marrying him. With his wedding just a step away, Rayba must now act quickly and figure out a way to drive away Sudha, or give up his dream of being with Shivani and get married to a ghost instead!  

 Speaking about the show, Siddhartha Roy, COO, Hungama Digital Media said, “With Hungama Originals we have built a robust library of shows that resonate with our audiences on account of the relatability and local relevance of the stories. Bhootatlela weaves in elements of horror and humour in a narrative that is crisp and entertaining. Its simultaneous release in Marathi and Hindi is sure to have an instant connect with a wider audience. We intend to strengthen our library further by releasing 12 to 14 original shows, across various languages, genres and formats, by the end of the year.”

 Nikhil Raibole, Co-Founder and CEO, CafeMarathi said, “We have always aimed at creating content that is entertaining and engaging. Bhootatlela is one such story that draws in the viewers from the first scene itself. We are certain that the audiences will enjoy the show and appreciate the performances of the actors. It was a great experience to work with Hungama Play once again, and we are certain that the platform’s extensive distribution network will help deliver the show to an extensive audience.”

 Starting today, the show will be available to stream on Hungama Play, Hungama’s video on demand platform. Bhootatlela will also be available to stream through Hungama Play on Vodafone Play, Idea Movies & TV, Airtel Xstream App, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Tata Sky Binge, MX Player, SonyLIV and Android TVs. Additionally, Hungama’s association with Xiaomi will enable consumers to watch the show via Hungama Play on Mi TV.

 Commenting on his digital debut, director Shivaji Lotan Patil said, “I am elated to call Bhootatlela my digital debut. It was an interesting experience to try and mould my style of direction to suit the sensibilities of the digital audiences. I am certain that viewers will enjoy the show for its thrills and comic elements. I am thankful to CafeMarathi, Hungama Play and the entire cast for coming together to create a show that is highly entertaining and engrossing.”

 Priyadarshan Jadhav, who also makes his digital debut with Bhootatlela, said, “It was a great honour to work with Shivaji once again. The show gave me ample freedom to experiment with my performance and I couldn’t have asked for a better debut in the digital world. My character in the show is faced with a dilemma and his reaction to a scary situation is actually quite comical. I am certain that the audiences will love my character and the show equally.”

 Talking about her role, Surabhi Hande said, “It was a pleasure to work with Shivaji and the entire cast of Bhootatlela. I have always been a fan of his work and was excited to be a part of the show. It is engrossing from the first scene itself and offers a story that is funny and scary in equal parts. I am looking forward to the audience’s reaction and hope that they enjoy watching it.”

 Bhootatlela is now available to stream on Hungama Play and partner networks.