Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 is a mix of old and new. Where the story is led by all new characters essayed by Kartik Aaryan, Tabu and Kiara Advani, there are elements that hark back to the 2007 original film — from the character of Manjulika to the title track. Director Anees Bazmee knows that comparisons with the Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan-starrer are inevitable.

“I hope there won’t be too much of a comparison because this is a different film. I was sure from the beginning that I didn’t want to make a similar film. So, we have told a new story with new actors and new energy. We have retained the comic and horror elements, and the two songs [from the predecessor]. Besides that, you won’t find any similarity. Bhool Bhulaiyaa [2007] was a psychological thriller; this is a horror comedy,” states the filmmaker.

The May 20 release sees Aaryan as a happy-go-lucky ghostbuster who mistakenly unlocks a haunted chamber, thus freeing the spirit of Manjulika. All hell breaks loose when Advani’s character Reet is possessed by the spirit. While laugh riots come easy to Bazmee, he admits that crafting a horror comedy is tougher than it looks. “When you want to scare the audience, you have to set the mood. If you want to add comedy to it, then you have to be sure about the timing. It’s tough because I have made several comedies, and this was new for me. People don’t attempt this genre because it is difficult.”

During the film’s making, rumours were rife that Kumar and Balan may make special appearances in the sequel. Probe the director on this, and he says, “I would have been happy to have them [on board], but the script didn’t allow us.” Does he intend to have a screening for Priyadarshan who had helmed the 2007 hit? “It will be an honour for me to show this film to Priyadarshan. I have watched all his movies, and he is a dear friend.”