The Odia film industry has been making waves with fresh and exciting content and Bou Buttu Bhuta is the latest example. Released during the festive Raja season on June 12, 2025, this horror-comedy-drama blend has already won hearts in theatres. Now, fans eagerly await its OTT debut, tentatively set for August 15, 2025. While the streaming platform remains unconfirmed, rumors suggest it might land on ZEE5 or SonyLIV.
Why Bou Buttu Bhuta Stands Out
Produced by Babushaan Films and Sidharth Music, the film had strong pre-release buzz, with satellite and digital rights locked early. Its Raja Festival release was a smart move, drawing families looking for entertainment. Now, with its OTT premiere just two months later, the film is poised to reach a wider audience beyond Odisha.
The Story: A Mix of Heart and Horror
The film follows Buttu (Babushaan Mohanty), a dreamer from a quaint Odia village, and his close bond with his mother (Aparajita Mohanty). Their simple life takes a spooky turn when supernatural elements creep in, inspired by local folklore.
The title Bou Buttu Bhuta hints at ghostly scares (Bhuta means ghost), but the film balances horror, comedy, and emotion making it a wholesome family entertainer.
What Works in the Film?
Strong Performances – Babushaan shines as Buttu, effortlessly switching between humor and emotion. Aparajita Mohanty delivers a touching performance as his mother, while Archita Sahu and Anugulia Bunty add solid support.
Memorable Music & Background Score – Gaurav Anand’s music and Abhishek Panigrahi’s background score elevate the film, especially in eerie and emotional scenes.
Authentic Odia Vibes – The cinematography (Rudrakanta Singh) beautifully captures rural Odisha—lush landscapes, traditional homes, and cultural nuances that feel real and relatable.
Genre-Bending Appeal – Few Odia films attempt a mix of horror, comedy, and drama. Bou Buttu Bhuta takes the risk and mostly succeeds, offering something fresh.
Where Could It Improve?
Slow Pacing – The first half drags in parts, and a tighter edit (by 20-30 minutes) could’ve helped.
Predictable Plot Twists – Some story turns feel clichéd, and the horror elements could’ve been scarier.
Limited Pan-India Appeal – Non-Odia viewers might miss some cultural references unless dubbed or subtitled well.
Audience & Critics’ Reactions
The film got a good theatrical response, with praise for its music, performances, and emotional core. While some found the first half slow, others appreciated its unique blend of genres.
On social media, Odia fans have been vocal about their love for the film, calling it a “must-watch regional gem.” IMDb ratings are unusually high (9+), likely due to loyal fan support.
OTT Release: What to Expect?
With its digital premiere around Independence Day (August 15), Bou Buttu Bhuta has a chance to expand its reach. If the platform adds subtitles or a Hindi dub, it could attract a pan-Indian audience.
That said, the slow-burn narrative might test some viewers’ patience on OTT, where attention spans are shorter. Still, for those who enjoy regional stories with heart and humor, this one’s worth a watch.
A Bold Step for Odia Cinema
Bou Buttu Bhuta isn’t perfect but it’s a sincere, entertaining effort that pushes Odia cinema forward. With strong performances, great music, and cultural authenticity, it’s a 3.5/5 film that horror-comedy fans should check out.