Rating: 2.5/5
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, the latest installment in the Hindi horror-comedy franchise, attempts to revive the magic of its predecessors but ultimately falls short. While the film boasts moments of unpredictability and nostalgia, it struggles to maintain coherence and deliver a compelling narrative.
Plot and Characters: The story follows Kartik Aaryan reprising his role as Ruhaan (a.k.a. Rooh Baba), a con artist posing as a ghostbuster. Summoned to a castle in West Bengal, Ruhaan finds himself entangled in a tale of reincarnation, family secrets, and the haunting presence of Manjulika. The plot thickens with the introduction of Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit, who add star power and intrigue but are undermined by a disjointed screenplay.
Vidya Balan returns, not as Avni but as Mallika, a restoration expert with a mysterious connection to Manjulika. Her performance, while commendable, is tailored to the film’s overall exaggerated tone. Madhuri Dixit, as Mandira, a potential buyer for the mansion, brings elegance and a sense of novelty to the franchise. However, their characters’ interactions often feel random and poorly integrated into the story.
Nostalgia and Atmosphere: Director Anees Bazmee retains the franchise’s iconic elements: the eerie palatial mansion, the atmospheric title track, and the haunting “Ami Je Tomar” song. These nostalgic callbacks are a treat for fans of the series, evoking memories of the 2007 classic. The film’s visuals, with long empty corridors and spooky sounds, successfully create a chilling ambiance, albeit with an overuse of CGI crows.
Performances and Chemistry: Kartik Aaryan carries the film with his energetic performance, balancing charm, humor, and vulnerability. His willingness to parody the hyper-masculine Bollywood hero trope is refreshing, although the flat writing often lets him down. Triptii Dimri, as Ruhaan’s love interest, adds glamour but has limited scope beyond the romantic subplots.
The highlight of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is the dance-off between Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit. Choreographed by Chinni Prakash, the sequence showcases their talent and charisma, though it lacks the iconic status of Dixit’s past performances. Their face-off, filled with tension and dramatic flair, is one of the film’s memorable moments.
Humor and Horror: The film’s attempt to blend horror and comedy yields mixed results. While there are humorous moments, particularly involving Rajpal Yadav and Sanjay Mishra, the jokes are inconsistent and sometimes fall flat. The scares, too, are a mix of effective jump scares and predictable tropes. The climax, however, stands out for its audacity and unpredictability, providing a fittingly dramatic end to the chaotic narrative.
Conclusion: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is a festival entertainer that delivers sporadic thrills and laughs but fails to recapture the brilliance of the original. The film’s strengths lie in its nostalgic elements, star-studded cast, and Kartik Aaryan’s engaging performance. However, the lack of a coherent plot and inconsistent writing make it a middling addition to the franchise. For fans of the series, it’s worth a watch for the moments of nostalgia and the dynamic performances of Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit. For others, it may be a hit-or-miss experience.
In conclusion, while Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 brings back the beloved elements of the franchise and introduces new twists, it ultimately suggests that perhaps it’s time to let Manjulika rest. The film entertains in parts but struggles to justify its place as a worthy sequel in the horror-comedy genre.
