In the realm of Indian cinema, few franchises have managed to capture the audience’s imagination quite like the Bhool Bhulaiyaa series. Directed by Anees Bazmee, the latest installment, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, makes an ambitious return with a fusion of horror, comedy, and drama. Featuring a stellar cast of Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, and Madhuri Dixit, along with the addition of Triptii Dimri, the film promises an experience laden with spooky thrills and uproarious laughter.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 opens in an eerie atmosphere, immediately immersing viewers into a world where jump scares initially reign supreme. As with many horror comedies, the trick lies in maintaining the balance between humor and fright. In the early scenes, this balance is convincingly struck, with unpredictable moments that catch the audience off-guard. However, as the narrative unfolds, the novelty of these fleeting scares starts to decline. Despite the attempt to keep the fear factor alive, the comedic elements gradually begin to overshadow the horror, making for a viewing experience that is more mirthful than menacing.
The film follows the exploits of Ruhan Randhawa, also known as Rooh Baba, played by the charismatic Kartik Aaryan, who exploits people’s superstitions to forge a career as a fraudulent ghostbuster. His mundane business is jolted into a thrilling escapade upon meeting Meera, portrayed by Triptii Dimri, who is intent on selling her family’s ancestral haveli, haunted by the dreaded spirit of Manjulika. As the story goes, almost two centuries prior, Princess Manjulika was incinerated by her father after she killed her brother, Prince Debendra Nath, vying for the royal throne.
The plot thickens as Rooh Baba is unwittingly sucked into the supernatural chaos at the haunted haveli, in the company of Mallika, a restoration artist with her own mysterious agendas, intriguingly played by Vidya Balan. Audiences are left to piece together Mallika’s enigmatic strategies as the film introduces yet another layer of mystery with Madhuri Dixit’s character, Rani Sahiba, a determined buyer of the cursed estate. As Rani Sahiba’s intentions unravel, it is revealed that both she and Mallika share a history of familial ties with the deceased prince.
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As Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 navigates through its convoluted narrative, the film sometimes struggles to maintain coherence and direction. There are moments where it appears that the filmmakers are themselves lost in the labyrinth of their plot, groping towards a conclusion. This uncertainty translates to the audience, resulting in certain sections of the film feeling sluggish and testing patience. However, it is in these moments that Madhuri Dixit’s performance shines brightest, compelling viewers to stay engaged. Her enchanting presence and theatrical prowess fit seamlessly into Manjulika’s supernatural world, offering a diverting escape even as the storyline meanders.
Anees Bazmee, celebrated for his prowess in crafting engaging comedies, delivers a film that capitalizes on humor to camouflage the scarcity of genuine horror. While not every comedic beat lands, many do, leaving audiences chuckling and amused. Yet, the onslaught of humor verges on exhausting, and it is here that Dixit’s contribution becomes invaluable: her magical charm serves as a refreshment amidst a sea of repetitive jokes.
The final act of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 holds a twist that might catch audiences off guard, imbuing the narrative with a depth that transcends its earlier meanderings. Without divulging spoilers, it can be said that the resolution addresses the enigma of Manjulika with an emotionally resonant climax, reuniting all key players under one roof. The simplicity of Bazmee’s approach, however, is evident, with execution lacking the finesse that a story of this nature demands. Despite this, Kartik Aaryan’s depiction in this film underlines his growth in ambition as a leading man in Bollywood.
Ultimately, the film evokes a sense of nostalgia for devoted fans of the franchise, while also inviting new viewers into its whimsical universe. With Madhuri Dixit casting an irresistible spell throughout the tale, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, for all its shortcomings, proves to be a charming addition to the cinematic landscape, challenging the dominance of contemporaries with its unique blend of haunted folklore and comedic relief.
