Copy or Tribute? ‘Bhooth Bangla’ Song ‘Ram Ji Aake Bhala Karenge’ by Pritam Draws Attention for Similarities to Satyajit Ray’s Bengali Classic

The recent release of the song "Ram Ji Aake Bhala Karenge" from Akshay Kumar’s upcoming film Bhooth Bangla has ignited a spirited debate across social media and the film industry. While the track has quickly gained traction for its catchy melody, listeners were quick to notice striking similarities to a classic composition by the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray. This has led to a polarising discussion: is the song a respectful tribute to a cinematic giant, or a case of uncredited imitation? ‘Bhooth Bangla’ Song ‘Ram Ji Aake Bhala Karenge’: Akshay Kumar Revives His OG Avatar While Battling Ghosts in First Single (Watch Video).

‘Bhooth Bangla’ First Single ‘Ram Ji Aake Bhala Karenge’

The track, titled "Ram Ji Aake Bhala Karenge", serves as the first major musical reveal for Priyadarshan’s horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla. Featuring Akshay Kumar in a vibrant, high-energy sequence, the song is designed to set the quirky and supernatural tone of the film.

Watch the Music Video of ‘Ram Ji Aake Bhala Karenge’:

Composed by Pritam and written by Kumaar, the song features the vocals of Armaan Malik Aarvan. Since its debut, the music video has garnered millions of views, primarily driven by the long-awaited reunion of Kumar and director Priyadarshan, who previously collaborated on cult classics like Bhool Bhulaiyaa.

The Satyajit Ray Connection

The controversy centres on the song’s melodic structure, which many listeners claim is a direct lift from Satyajit Ray’s "Bhuter Raja Dilo Bor" from the 1969 Bengali masterpiece Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne.

Same Same But Different?

Ray, who was as celebrated for his music as he was for his direction, composed the original song as a grand, rhythmic salute to a king within the film’s fantastical world.

Critics and fans have pointed out that the hook and the specific rhythmic cadence of "Ram Ji Aake Bhala Karenge" mirror the iconic Bengali track. In the original, the melody is used to convey a sense of whimsical wonder, a mood that Bhooth Bangla appears to be attempting to replicate in its own horror-comedy context.

Watch the Music Video of ‘Buter Raja Dilo Bhor’:

Tribute or Plagiarism?

Social media discussions split audiences into two camps: those praising the song as a nostalgic homage to Indian cinema’s vintage aesthetics, and critics who labelled the uncredited similarity to Ray’s work as plagiarism.

However, many missed checking Pritam’s Instagram handle, where he shared a detailed note while unveiling the song. The note also included a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Satyajit Ray.

He wrote, "The OG Bhool Bhulaiyaa team is back with Bhooth Bangla and here is the new song #RamJiAakeBhalaKarenge, the song that has released today. The joy of working with Priyan Sir and Akshay Kumar is the clarity of their vision. This song is their tribute to Satyajit Ray’s cinema. It also brought back fond memories from my childhood and all credit goes to Kumaar, our lyricist, who managed to weave in the nostalgia beautifully."

He added, "This song was conceived keeping my friend Neeraj Shridhar in mind as the singer, but due to a personal loss, Neeraj could not lend his voice this time." Akshay Kumar’s ‘Hera Pheri 3’ Postponed? Priyadarshan Breaks Silence on Legal Mess and Release Delay.

Pritam Shares Heartfelt Words for Satyajit Ray As She Unveils ‘Bhooth Bangla’ Track ‘Ram Ji Aake Bhala Karenge’

For Bengali audiences and cinema enthusiasts, the Ray original is considered sacred. Many argue that if the song is truly a tribute, it should be clearly acknowledged, something Pritam has done, though many seem to have missed it. Bhooth Bangla is scheduled to release in the theatres on April 10, 2026.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 28, 2026 01:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).