The cinematic world of Bollywood is seeing a shimmering spell cast upon its audiences with an increasing focus on horror comedies. As the silver screen witnesses the success of Munjya and the much-anticipated Stree 2, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 emerges as yet another dynamic player in this genre. The audience’s appetite for eerie laughter grows, and this genre, though sparingly explored in the past, captivates when nurtured with expertise.
Anees Bazmee’s film, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, continues the saga of a franchise that has consistently captured viewers’ imaginations and interest. The legacy began with the eponymous original featuring the impressive duo of Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan, and it was successfully carried forward by Kartik Aaryan in the second installment, where his performance alongside Kiara Advani and Tabu in compelling dual roles earned widespread acclaim. The third rendition serves as a testament to the visionary casting dynamics Bazmee has orchestrated, especially by bringing the celebrated Vidya Balan and the timeless Madhuri Dixit onto the screen together for the first time in this genre.
Vidya Balan, synonymous with brilliance in acting, reprises an evolved version of the mighty Manjulika, further solidifying her reputation as a powerhouse performer. Her intricate portrayal this time encapsulates an altogether different aspect of her character from the original, yet retains the charm and craft that audiences have adored ever since. Alongside Vidya, Madhuri Dixit waltzes into a horror comedy for the first time, adding a layer of wonder to this cinematic offering. Their onscreen chemistry is bound to leave fans in awe, what with their fascinating ‘jugalbandi’ that promises to be a monumental crowd-pleaser, made even more specular with the rendition of “Ami Je Tomar” which is poised to receive audience applause across theatres.
Kartik Aaryan brings Rooh Baba back to life with his effortless portrayal of the quintessential boy-next-door. Aaryan’s ability to blend innocent charm with remarkable comic flair does not disappoint, seamlessly transitioning into laughter inducing moments that reinforce his comfort and precision in this niche. Complementing him is Triptii Dimri, whose nascent stardom in the Bollywood landscape might just find new heights post this film, despite her limited screen time in this installment.
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Without delving into spoilers, it is crucial to mention the film’s intriguing climax—an area in which the writers have truly excelled. The narrative’s high-paced ending, crafted with care to maintain suspense and thematic depth, results in a storyline that compels. Bazmee’s filmwork and dedication to highlighting powerful messages within a framework of humor invite applause.
As we uncover the plot, Rooh Baba’s journey into Raktaghat’s haunted mansion in West Bengal leads him to unsettling confrontations with two spirits, both claiming the identity of Manjulika. Authentic humor thrives in scenes featuring the comedic prowess of Bollywood stalwarts like Rajpal Yadav and Sanjay Mishra—filling the film’s humorous reservoirs with memorable dialogues. However, the screenplay leaves room for denser comedic sequences and could have embraced an even sharper punchline approach.
Anecdotal performances from supporting actors such as Rajpal Yadav, Vijay Raaz, Sanjay Mishra, Ashwini Kalsekar, as Panditayeen, and Rajesh Sharma round out a talented ensemble—each contributing uniquely to the film’s allure.
Musically, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 excels. Its vibrant tracks, particularly the now-popular title song, have infused energy across audiences, sparking tapping feet and swaying movements in theatres. The music successfully maintains the franchise’s buoyant rhythm that has become its hallmark.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 launches into the highly competitive landscape of Diwali releases, directly clashing with the loud entry of Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again. Amidst the festival of lights, fireworks are anticipated at the box office. Will Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 rocket into box office glory, or fizzle out like a damp ‘phuski bomb’? The completion between these cinematic titans will be watched with bated breath as audiences flock to theatres this festive season.
