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Gang of Ghosts poster

Gang of Ghosts

21 March 2014Hindi2h 8m
out of 10
Unfavorablemost critics didn't like it
Monk Score · 14 scored reviews · 4 not rated

This ghost-comedy remake haunts neither laughs nor heart, just missed chances.

Verdict tier Unfavorable, most critics didn't like it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: underlying premise and concept
  • Criticised: poor execution of remake

Audience

User score 2.0 out of 10 from 1 rating, not enough ratings for a verdict yet
Read 1 audience review ↓

Not streaming in India

Critic consensus

What 18 critics are saying

Critical consensus on Gang of Ghosts is overwhelmingly negative, with the majority of reviewers dismissing it as a failed remake of the Bengali film Bhooter Bhabishyat. Critics broadly faulted the film for clumsy execution, weak scripting, and an inability to sustain genuine humour, with several explicitly directing audiences to seek out the original instead. A small minority found occasional satirical sparks and light entertainment value, and one reviewer noted some enjoyment from the lead actors' performances, though others characterised those same performances as excessive hamming. The underlying concept about ghosts fighting displacement was acknowledged as having potential, but nearly all critics agreed the film squanders it.

How the 14 scores spread

4 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 18 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (18)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    NDTV

    Film review ·

    It deserves a quick, unceremonious burial. Moral of the story: Never rake up ghosts of the past.
  2. Top critic

    Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    Gang of Ghosts is an exhausting and depressing experience. Depressing because this film could have been so much better.
  3. Glamsham

    Film review ·

    It's light, easy, and funny, has a social message, and above all, lands a playful punch on the face of several Bollywood personalities that is hilarious in a respectful manner! GANG OF GHOSTS is recommended for your weekend dose of genuine humour.
  4. Zee News

    Film review ·

    The film does infuse a semblance of satirical spark in the spook saga. There are some portions where the spirits rise to an endearing level. If only the narration was able to make us believe that ghosts can be fun even when they are on the verge of losing their homes. Without the advantage of a credulous script, these other-worldly characters don`t stand a ghost of a chance.
  5. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    Clearly, makers like Kaushik, who had a formidable box office record in the '90s remaking South Indian films, need to borrow modern-day technique and storytelling tactics to keep the ever-evolving viewer engaged. In the case of GOG, the only ones who seem to have had a blast are the actors - Mahie, Anupam, Saurabh and Jackie, all of who ham.
  6. Mumbai Mirror

    Film review ·

    I wouldn't go as far as declaring this imitation to be the best form of flattery, but Gang Of Ghosts does arouse enough curiosity to make you want to watch the real deal. Excuse me while I procure a DVD.
  7. DNA India

    Film review ·

    A feeble attempt at remaking an interesting story, these ghosts will haunt you and I don't mean it in a good way!
  8. Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    Give this film a miss. Get an Ouija board and visit your favourite ghost instead. That will definitely be far more entertaining.
  9. Rediff

    Film review ·

    If you really want some laughs, go with the original,Bhooter Bhabishyat. Gang Of Ghosts belongs to the category of bad remakes.
  10. KoiMoi

    Film review ·

    ...a must-avoid film. It is garish, silly and often lame. It would be preferable if people do not tarnish the name of Bhooter Bhobishyot by calling this outlandish a remake of it. It is a mere copy, scene-by-scene, dialogue by dialogue but misses the spirit of the film overall. Quite a poor show.
  11. TimeOut

    Film review ·

    Gang of Ghosts is an absolute disaster and a golden example of how handing over creative control of your story to somebody else can be a bad idea.
  12. Sify

    Film review ·

    With none of the charm of the original, the film will certainly infuriate those who've seen it. Even for those who haven't, the only draw would remain the story about ghosts and their struggle to retain their home. But with unforgivably clumsy execution and mostly awful acting, one would recommend you rent out the original.
  13. Gulf News

    Film review ·

    It is buffoonery at its worst and a comedy that pretends to carry a social message. Their guns are trained on the greedy real estate magnates that dominate Mumbai. In their process of building skyscrapers, they have forgotten about the dead, the ghosts claim. At one point, Kher even rolls out a plea about graveyards getting smaller and the dead suffocating in their own coffins. If that didn't kill you, then you may just survive Gang Of Ghosts.
  14. IBNLive

    Film review ·

    ... a typical example of how some films should remain untouched and not be remade because it loses its authentic flavour. Go watch the original film in Bengali instead- it comes with English sub titles and even those translated lines are better than the dialogues of this remake.
  15. Jagran

    Film review ·

    he movie is bit on the unusual side, so if you are bored of serious and traditional movies and willing to cater your taste buds with something new this movie might offer you a different platter. Satish Kaushik is known for his comic sense hence has done a decent job. Sharman Joshi has done a good job. Meera Chopra has raised the bar of expectations with her performance.
  16. Komal Nahta's Blog

    Film review ·

    ... does not succeed in making the audience laugh too often or too much and will, therefore, not bring smiles on the faces of the people connected with the film. It will, in fact, entail heavy losses to all concerned.

From our readers

Audience reviews (1)

1 rating · user score 2.0

  1. 2/10

    'Gang of Ghosts' is a bad, really bad musical with crass music and crass style. The story-telling is plainly zero effective, and if you've watched the marvelous, near-perfect 'Bhooter Bhobishyat', you'll hate it. Its surely the worst Hindi film of the year. At crisp 92 minutes, the film offers no fun.

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