In an atmosphere flushed with excitement and nostalgia, the entertainment industry is abuzz with the announcement that the much-anticipated “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” is set to debut on Diwali 2024. The revelation was made by none other than Kartik Aaryan, who took to social media to announce the return of Vidya Balan as the original ‘Manjulika’, reprising her role in the third installment of the popular horror-comedy series. This union of Kartik and Vidya heralds a new chapter for the franchise, one brimming with thrills, laughs, and the mystique of the supernatural.
The momentum picked up when Aaryan, amidst preparations for his upcoming sports drama “Chandu Champion”, shared a compelling Instagram video. It featured a scene with Vidya Balan from the original “Bhool Bhulaiyaa”, spliced with footage of Aaryan himself dancing as Rooh Baba from the franchise’s second outing. He captioned the post, highlighting the excitement of ‘OG Manjulika’ coming back, and heralding a Diwali that is set to be electric with anticipation.
The fanfare was instantaneous, as waves of comments poured in from moviegoers expressing their enthusiasm. Among the myriad of reactions, one fan predicted the event to be “legendary”, while others are already building excitement around Aaryan’s character, Rooh Baba, teaming up with the iconic Manjulika. One comment that caught the eye encapsulated the fans’ delight: “Kartik x Vidya mam ka Mere Dholna”, hinting at the potential return of one of the most memorable moments from the original film.
It’s clear that the return of Vidya Balan to the franchise is generating as much excitement as the film itself, suggesting that Balan’s Manjulika character has indeed left an enduring mark on the audience’s psyche. Kartik Aaryan, too, continues to charm viewers with his portrayal of Rooh Baba – a role that has won him significant acclaim.
This upcoming pairing promises to blend nostalgia with a contemporary twist, as audiences will witness the collaboration of these two praised characters in “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3”. With a legacy that goes back to the 2007 original film – which starred distinguished actors like Akshay Kumar, Shiney Ahuja, and Ameesha Patel alongside Vidya Balan – the blend of past and present in the third film aims to capture the magic of both predecessors.
The second chapter of the series, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2”, directed by Anees Bazmee and released on May 20, 2022, played a significant role in rejuvenating the box office post-pandemic alongside its lead star Kartik Aaryan. Paired with Tabu and Kiara Advani, the sequel was met with widespread love from the audience, setting a high bar for the follow-up feature.
“Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” does not only hold promise in reuniting memorable characters but also represents a potential revival for the genre of horror-comedy in Indian cinema, offering a potent mixture of intrigue, humor and the supernatural. As this anticipated project aligns its release with the festive period of Diwali, there is little doubt that both multiplexes and single-screen cinemas will witness a dash for tickets, as families and film buffs alike will seek to join Rooh Baba and Manjulika in their eerie, yet entertaining revelry.
With expectations reaching sky-high, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” stands at the cusp of what could be another milestone for Bollywood, highlighting the enduring appeal of stories that weave humor and horror into a single, delightful cinematic experience. Diwali 2024 is undeniably marked on calendars, not only as a festival of lights but also as the spotlight shines on the return of ‘OG Manjulika’ to the silver screen.
