In the vibrant and festive atmosphere of Deepavali, director Anees Bazmee invites moviegoers to experience a blend of horror and laughter with “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.” Promising the sparkle of comic twists along with spooky interludes, the film aims to captivate audiences ready to indulge in some popcorn entertainment. However, Bazmee’s attempt to fuse progressive elements into his cinematic canvas has resulted in a less-than-satisfying creation where traditional comedic elements simmer rather than boil over into hilarity. This shortcoming is compounded by the underutilization of two powerhouse actresses, Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan, whose potential remains largely unexplored in this installment.
The third chapter in the popular “Bhool Bhulaiyaa” series appears to be hurriedly stitched together in an effort to ride the coattails of the second installment’s success. Released just after the pandemic, the second movie quenched a thirsty entertainment landscape. Its successor, however, follows the release of the sharper “Stree 2,” a film that sustains its comedic cadence through to the final credits. In stark contrast, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” stretches its 158-minute runtime beyond its natural limits, failing to organically integrate subversive elements—a hallmark of successful horror comedies—with its overarching narrative.
At times bordering on insensitivity, the movie initially resorts to cultural stereotypes for cheap laughs, particularly targeting the Bengali community and their traditions. Yet, in a move that feels inconsistent, it attempts an inclusive message as it reaches its climax, creating an experience that feels more like a disjointed effort than a cohesive narrative vision. This inconsistency saps the film of authenticity and turns it into what many may perceive as an insincere charade.
Adding to this complex maze is a nod to Bollywood horror history, as Bazmee weaves in the spirit of the Ramsay Brothers and sprinkles in motifs from the iconic “Zee Horror Show.” While these references spark interest, they are mere distractions rather than solid plot points that could have elevated the film. The screenplay, penned by Aakash Kaushik, seems to target a juvenile audience at heart, only hinting at deeper messages just before the curtain falls.
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In the center of this formidable labyrinth is Kartik Aaryan, reprising his role as Ruhaan, the charming ghostbuster. Channeling the comedic energy of Akshay Kumar, Aaryan’s portrayal brings humor through his natural flair for family-centric comedy. Ruhaan is hired once more to tame the spirit of the vengeful Manjulika, enmeshing himself in a web of familial intrigue filled with echoes of patriarchy and unredeemed desires. Manjulika’s story, featuring a sibling rivalry tangled with Ruhaan and linked to a sister Anjulika, lends itself to comedy interwoven with suspense. Yet, the narrative falters, struggling amidst extended scenes that might have benefitted from tighter editing. Elements such as these are where supporting actors Vijay Raaz and Sanjay Mishra show their mettle, stepping into the breach with performances that, unfortunately, often feel compromised by weak gag setups.
Though star-studded, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” offers only the faintest glimmers of what actress Tabu achieved in the previous installment. With Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan taking over spectral duties, they imbue the spooky scenes with their sophisticated presence. However, the central focus on Aaryan leaves little room for their characters to unfold into the multi-dimensional figures they have portrayed so skillfully in the past.
Triptii Dimri supports the hero with a role built more for showcasing glamour in the promotional material than for depth of character. The narrative seems to use her varied wardrobe choices as a shortcut for character development—an approach that does little to further the plot or lend depth to her performance.
In an industry that boasts immense talent and star power, it ultimately boils down to the writing—and in the case of “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,” that is where the shortfalls are most apparent. Currently playing in theatres, the film shows that even with a wealth of resources, the script is where Bollywood must invest if it hopes to retain its luster and craft movies that are as sharp and engaging as their predecessors.
