Haunted 3D: Ghosts of the Past Review, Box Office Collection Release Date

Haunted 3D: Ghosts of the Past represents director Vikram Bhatt’s ambitious return to the horror franchise that made history in 2011 as India’s first stereoscopic 3D horror film. Scheduled for release on November 21, 2025, this sequel arrives after a remarkable fourteen-year gap, bringing back Mimoh Chakraborty alongside new cast member Chetna Pande. Based on the recently released teaser and available production information, this early review examines whether the sequel can recapture the magic that made the original a surprise hit.

Official teaser poster for the horror film Haunted 3D: Ghosts of the Past, releasing on 21st November 

Haunted 3D: Ghosts of the Past Legacy of the Original: Setting High Expectations

The original Haunted 3D (2011) was a landmark achievement in Indian cinema, not merely for its technical innovation but for its commercial success and narrative approach to horror. Directed by Vikram Bhatt, the film starred Mahaakshay Chakraborty (Mimoh), Tia Bajpai, Achint Kaur, and Arif Zakaria in a time-travel horror story that struck a chord with audiences. The film’s success was evident in its box office performance, grossing ₹262.5 million domestically and ₹350 million worldwide against a production budget of ₹130 million, earning it the distinction of recording the highest opening weekend for an Indian horror film at the time.

Critical reception of the original was notably mixed but leaned positive for its technical achievements and storytelling approach. The Times of India awarded it three stars, praising the 3D effects as “smartly done” and noting that “experiencing the horror in 3D is indeed a novel experience for the viewer”. Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama gave it three and a half stars, describing it as succeeding in keeping viewers “tense and edgy, as a true poltergeist/horror flick should”. However, critics like Shubhra Gupta of the Indian Express were less impressed, awarding only two stars and describing the non-3D elements as “same old same old”.

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The Sequel’s Production Journey and Cast

Haunted 3D: Ghosts of the Past brings together the powerhouse trio of Mahesh Bhatt, Anand Pandit, and Vikram Bhatt, who previously collaborated on the successful 1920: Horrors of the Heart. The film is produced by Anand Pandit, Rakesh Juneja, and Shwetambari Bhatt, with co-production handled by Roopa Pandit, Dilipsoni Jaiswal, Rahul V. Dubey, Manish Bhushan Mishra, Mehboob Ansari, and Sanjay Singh.

Mimoh Chakraborty returns to reprise his role, bringing continuity to the franchise, while Chetna Pande joins as the female lead, replacing Tia Bajpai from the original. The supporting cast includes Shruti Prakash, Gaurav Bajpai, Praneet Bhatt, and Hemant Pandey. The film’s technical team features cinematographer Naren A. Gedia, with music composed by Prateek Walia, Nayeem-Shabir, and Puneet Dixit.

Performance Comparison: Original Haunted 3D vs Upcoming Sequel

Haunted 3D: Ghosts of the Past Teaser Analysis: Visual Effects and Early Reception

The official teaser, released in September 2025, has generated significant discussion, though not all of it positive. Set in the mysterious location of “Maniktal,” the teaser showcases the familiar Vikram Bhatt horror elements: an isolated mansion, supernatural occurrences, and period elements. The narrative appears to follow Mimoh’s character as he encounters paranormal phenomena tied to historical trauma, maintaining thematic consistency with the original film’s approach to supernatural storytelling.

However, early audience reactions to the teaser have been notably critical, particularly regarding the visual effects quality. Popular reaction videos and social media responses have characterized the CGI work as substandard, with some critics comparing it unfavorably to fan-made content. One prominent reaction described the visual effects as “literally terrible” and suggested that better editing could be achieved on mobile phones. Another reviewer expressed disappointment, noting that the extensive use of VFX detracted from what could have been achieved with practical effects and real locations.

Poster of ‘Haunted 3D: Ghosts of the Past’ showcasing the film’s haunted mansion and eerie atmosphere with a release date of 26th September 

Technical Aspects and 3D Innovation

The sequel promises to maintain the 3D experience that was central to the original’s appeal, with the film being shot in stereoscopic 3D format. Vikram Bhatt has emphasized his commitment to the “romanticized horror” style that characterized his previous successes, incorporating songs, intrigue, love story elements, and frightening moments. This approach differentiates the film from contemporary horror movies that often blend horror with comedy.

The production design, handled by Naushad Memon, and the action direction by Abbas Ali Moghul suggest an investment in creating authentic period atmospherics and effective horror sequences. However, the heavy reliance on digital effects, as evidenced in the teaser, raises concerns about whether the film can achieve the practical horror effectiveness that made the original memorable.

Narrative and Thematic Elements

Based on available information, Haunted 3D: Ghosts of the Past appears to follow the franchise’s established pattern of exploring traumatic historical events through supernatural lens. The story centers on a man seeking to escape his past who encounters a desolate mansion harboring “pain, fear and dark secrets”. This setup suggests themes of redemption, confronting historical trauma, and the cyclical nature of violence – elements that were effectively explored in the original film.

The film’s musical component, always a strength in Vikram Bhatt’s horror productions, features compositions that early listeners have praised, with social media comments noting that “horror movie songs are always best”. The track “Nazrein Tu Mila” has been particularly well-received in its audio teaser format.

Movie poster for ‘Haunted 3D: Ghosts Of The Past’ directed by Vikram Bhatt, featuring a haunted mansion and eerie atmosphere 

Market Context and Competition

The November 21, 2025 release date places the film in direct competition with Farhan Akhtar’s 120 Bahadur, creating an interesting box office battle between horror and war genres. This timing also positions the film during the traditional pre-Christmas movie season, when family audiences typically drive box office performance.

The horror genre in Bollywood has seen mixed fortunes in recent years, with films like 1920: Horrors of the Heart achieving moderate success while others have struggled to connect with audiences. The sequel’s success will likely depend on its ability to balance nostalgia for the original with fresh storytelling elements that can attract both returning fans and new viewers.

Assessment and Verdict

Haunted 3D: Ghosts of the Past faces the challenging task of living up to a beloved original while justifying a fourteen-year gap between installments. Early indications suggest a film that understands its predecessor’s strengths – atmospheric horror, emotional depth, and technical innovation – but may struggle with execution, particularly in the visual effects department.

The return of Mimoh Chakraborty provides narrative continuity, while Vikram Bhatt’s established expertise in the horror genre offers reason for cautious optimism. However, the negative reception of the teaser, specifically regarding CGI quality, raises concerns about whether the production has allocated sufficient resources to match audience expectations raised by the original’s technical achievements.

The film’s success will ultimately depend on its ability to deliver genuine scares, emotional resonance, and technical polish when it reaches theaters. While the foundational elements – experienced director, committed cast, and proven production team – are in place, the execution will determine whether this sequel becomes a worthy continuation of the Haunted legacy or a disappointing return to a franchise better left in the past.

Anticipated Rating: 2.5/5 (subject to change upon full release)

Recommendation: Approach with cautious optimism for fans of the original, while newcomers should consider watching the 2011 film first to appreciate the narrative and stylistic continuations. The film’s ultimate success will depend on whether it can overcome its apparent technical shortcomings with strong storytelling and effective practical horror elements.