In the heart of Bollywood’s current cinematic landscape, where genres ebb and flow with audience preferences, the horror-comedy genre has carved a niche for itself, capturing the curiosity and laughter of audiences. “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,” directed by Anees Bazmee, emerges as the latest installment in this signature trend, joining the ranks of Munjya and Stree 2. This less-trodden path of storytelling, when executed with skill and flair, seems to be resonating well with the viewers, providing both chills and chuckles.
The “Bhool Bhulaiyaa” franchise has successfully enraptured its audience since its inception. From the iconic original featuring Akshay Kumar and the versatile Vidya Balan to the sequel that brought Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani, and the enigmatic Tabu into double roles, this series has maintained a charm that appeals to many. The third installment continues this legacy, with the filmmakers managing to pull a casting coup by bringing together two of Bollywood’s most celebrated ladies, Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit. Their on-screen jugalbandi is bound to captivate audiences, adding a unique charm to the narrative.
Vidya Balan reprises her role as Manjulika, which she once perfected, and once again demonstrates why she is celebrated as one of Bollywood’s powerhouse performers. Her ability to embody the chilling yet intriguing persona is as compelling as ever, drawing audiences into her world of intrigue and suspense. Alongside her, the evergreen Madhuri Dixit makes her horror-comedy debut. The starring couple lights up the screen with their chemistry, ensuring fans are in for a memorable cinematic experience. The “Ami Je Tomar” sequence alone is expected to provoke applause and whistles in cinemas throughout the country.
As for Kartik Aaryan, he returns as Rooh Baba, effortlessly merging his boy-next-door persona with impeccable comic timing, a trait that has marked his rise in the industry. Although his on-screen partner Triptii Dimri, who is quickly becoming the ‘it’ girl of Bollywood, only has a limited presence in the movie, her burgeoning career is gaining momentum.
. Her participation, albeit brief, adds a pleasant spark to the film’s dynamic ensemble.
Without revealing too much about the storyline, it’s important to mention the expertly crafted, twist-filled climax that awaits audiences. The scriptwriters deserve a nod of recognition for weaving together a narrative that maintains suspense and surprises, delivering a powerful message layered within the humor and horror. Journeying to a haunted mansion in Raktaghat, West Bengal, Rooh Baba encounters two spectral figures both claiming to be Manjulika, setting the stage for a comedic yet thrilling adventure.
Supporting the central performances are seasoned actors Rajpal Yadav, Vijay Raaz, Sanjay Mishra, Ashwini Kalsekar as Panditayeen, and Rajesh Sharma, who all make substantial contributions to the film’s setup. Their performances are noted for providing the tapestry against which the main plot unfolds.
The film also shines with a toe-tapping soundtrack, its title track quickly becoming a staple in musical playlists. Catchy and vibrant, the music sets the perfect tone complements the movie’s blend of horror and humor.
As Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 gears up for release, it’s set to clash with Rohit Shetty’s “Singham Again” this Diwali. With both films vying for audiences, cinephiles can expect an exciting showdown at the box office, promising fireworks in more ways than one. It remains to be seen which film will surpass expectations and become this season’s blockbuster.
With a 3 out of 5-star rating, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” doesn’t merely rely on its star-studded cast but offers an intriguing mix of laughs, scares, and stellar performances, ensuring that for audiences, this cinematic venture will feel more like a rollercoaster ride than a phuski bomb. The filmmakers have rightly gambled on a genre showing renewed interest, potentially setting a precedent for horror comedies in Bollywood’s ever-evolving filmography.
