Vikram Bhatt Horror Sequel Haunted 3D Echoes Of The Past Released to Poor Reviews
The Hindi horror sequel Haunted 3D: Echoes Of The Past, directed by Vikram Bhatt, was released in theatres on June 12, 2026, opening to a weak critical reception. The film, which stars Mahaakshay Chakraborty and Chetna Pande, struggled to impress critics, receiving a low 2.0-star rating due to its predictable scares and dated visual effects.
Written by Mahesh Bhatt, Suhrita Das, and Shubham Dhiman, the film serves as a sequel to the 2011 film Haunted – 3D. The story follows Dev Dutt, played by Mahaakshay Chakraborty, a troubled man who seeks peace by moving into a secluded, remote mansion overlooking Maniktala Lake. Instead of finding tranquility, Dev becomes trapped in a supernatural nightmare as he uncovers dark secrets within the mansion's walls and confronts memories of his lost love, Sunheri, played by Chetna Pande.
Despite its scenic mountain setting and an initially promising premise, the film has been widely criticized for relying on outdated horror tropes such as creaking doors, shadowy figures, and loud jump scares. Reviewers noted that the screenplay fails to build genuine tension and suffers from sluggish pacing, with key mystery elements unfolding too slowly to make an impact.
The film's romantic subplot between Dev and Sunheri, intended to be the emotional core of the narrative, was also criticized for lacking depth. Additionally, critics pointed out a jarring tonal imbalance as the film awkwardly transitions between romance, horror, and mystery. The climax, which turns a supernatural confrontation into a routine physical brawl, reportedly drew unintentional laughter from audiences.
While some sequences successfully established an eerie gothic atmosphere, the film's technical execution fell short. Inconsistent visual effects and dated CGI frequently disrupted the viewer's immersion, and the background score failed to effectively build suspense.
Produced by Vikram Bhatt, the 2-hour-and-18-minute film also features Sunil Shakya and Mannveer Choudharry in supporting roles.
