The excitement is palpable as the long-awaited sequel ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ brings back a wave of nostalgia with the announcement that Vidya Balan will reprise her role as the hauntingly memorable Manjulika. Vidya, whose performance in the original 2008 film ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ carved a permanent niche in the hearts of fans, will star alongside Kartik Aaryan, who endeared himself to audiences as Rooh Baba in ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’. However, amidst the buzz surrounding the new film, speculation abounds regarding Akshay Kumar’s potential return to the franchise.
Set against a backdrop of psychological thrill and comedic elements, the ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ series has always stood out in the realm of Bollywood horror comedies. The first film cast Akshay Kumar as Dr. Aditya “Adi” Shrivastav, a psychiatrist who delves into a mysterious past and unearthly occurrences. His portrayal received widespread acclaim and established the movie as a cult classic, drawing inspiration from the original Malayalam film it was based on.
Now, Anees Bazmee, the dynamic filmmaker behind the project, has spoken candidly about the future of Akshay Kumar in the upcoming third installment. In an interview with Zoom, Bazmee expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Kumar once again but confirmed that the star is not currently part of the upcoming project. Despite this, Bazmee maintains hope for a future pairing, suggesting that while the beloved actor may not feature in ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’, there is always the possibility of a reunion in subsequent endeavors.
Meanwhile, Vidya Balan’s involvement with the film has been warmly acknowledged by Bazmee. He fondly recalled an earlier occasion when Balan swiftly agreed to a brief role in his film ‘Thank You’, an act of generosity he has never forgotten. It is this enduring relationship that has paved the way for her return to the spooky corridors of ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’.
As excitement soars, Kartik Aaryan fueled further enthusiasm by sharing a sneak peek of his and Vidya Balan’s return to the haunted mansion saga. Utilizing his Instagram platform, Aaryan mashed up a moment from the original film with his dance from ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’, hailing the comeback of the original Manjulika for the third horror-comedy chapter. He also revealed a festive release, pegging the premiere for this Diwali season with a promise of a “crackling” cinematic experience.
The iconic characters of Manjulika and Rooh Baba have left indelible marks on the franchise’s fanbase. With both being cherished for different reasons, their combination in ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ suggests an electrifyingly nostalgic reunion, bound to be laced with fresh twists and scares.
For those unacquainted, the franchise began with ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ in 2007, featuring a star-studded cast including Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan in dual roles, Shiney Ahuja, Ameesha Patel, Paresh Rawal, Manoj Joshi, and Rajpal Yadav. The first sequel, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’, directed by Bazmee as well, hit the screens on May 20, 2022, and now, with much anticipation, the third chapter aims to build upon the legacy.
As the curtains rise on what promises to be another thrilling installment of ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’, we await the definitive start date of filming, which Bazmee notes will begin in March, though an exact date is yet to be decided. The journey into the mystical and comedic maze of ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ is set to begin soon, promising a confluence of returning legends and new adventures.
