The latest horror-comedy installment, *Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3*, directed by Anees Bazmee, serves up a concoction of thrills, laughter, and mystique that both entertains and falls short of expectations. Starring Kartik Aaryan and Vidya Balan, with the enchanting Madhuri Dixit, this film dives into a spooky narrative that initially grabs attention but struggles to maintain its grip as the plot unfolds.
In the grand tradition of predecessors in the *Bhool Bhulaiyaa* series, this third chapter brings back the beloved ghostly figure of Manjulika, first brought to life by Vidya Balan in the 2007 original. This time, the stakes are higher, and the scale is bigger with a star-studded cast including haunting performances from Triptii Dimri, Rajpal Yadav, Vijay Raaz, Rajesh Sharma, and Ashwini Kalsekar. The film’s 2-hour 38-minute runtime is packed with a mix of horror, historical drama, and a dash of humor that underpins its narrative.
The story unfolds with Ruhan Randhawa, eerily known as Rooh Baba (Aaryan), who exploits people’s superstitions as a fraudulent ghostbuster. The plot thickens when he encounters Meera (Dimri), desperate to offload her ancient family mansion, haunted by none other than the spirit of the vengeful Manjulika. We learn through labyrinthine flashbacks that 200 years ago, Princess Manjulika was brutally immolated by her own father for assassinating her brother, Prince Debendra Nath, for the royal succession. Interestingly, Aaryan doubles up in the role of Debendra Nath, adding a curious layer to the story.
A local pandit insists that only a royal family member can exorcise Manjulika’s spirit from the haveli, prompting Rooh Baba’s journey into the eerie mansion, soon joined by the enigmatic restoration artist, Mallika (Balan). Her presence among the cobwebs of history and the supernatural is cloaked in mystery, making her motives transparent yet captivating.
The plot becomes even more tangled with the arrival of the elegant Rani Sahiba (Dixit), whose designs on acquiring the cursed haveli bring to light her true identity—as one of the prince’s sisters, alongside Mallika.
. As the layers of the story unfold, the film maintains an initial aura of suspense, though the novelty of jump scares dissipates quickly, leaving the humor to pick up the slack. Bazmee, a maestro of comedy, flexes his comedic muscles, offering laughter that at times feels refreshing and, at others, overbearing.
Yet, despite the bursts of humor, the film falters midway, losing momentum as if Bazmee momentarily loses sight of his destination. While the path to the conclusion may feel meandering and overly winded, Madhuri Dixit’s performance stands as a beacon, infusing magic into the proceedings with her flair and theatrical grace—fitting snugly within the fantastical tapestry of Manjulika’s haunting legacy.
The film’s finale is perhaps its strongest suit. Without revealing too much, the denouement weaves Manjulika’s enigma into a poignant closure that brings all the players together. This climactic stretch, despite seasoned with familiar execution and some lackluster performance moments, notably from the lead, elevates the film by subtly tying its narrative threads into a cohesive cloth of storytelling ambition. Here, Kartik Aaryan’s burgeoning movie star persona is on full display—ambitious and earnest, yet captivatingly nuanced in its bouquet of suspense.
Amidst a year seemingly dominated by the anticipated *Stree 2*, *Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3* emerges as a compelling narrative force, marked by a story that resounds with the spirit of Manjulika—a specter that haunts not just the haveli but the audience’s imaginations. It’s a captivating mix that beckons viewers to cheer and engage with its storied past and comedic nuances.
In the end, while audiences might be left divided about its effectiveness, there’s no denying the film’s ability to spur conversation, driven by the clever intertwining of its horror and humor elements, and crowned by a twist that demands reflection.
