Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Review: Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit Lead with Poise in a Spirited Horror-Comedy
In Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, director Anees Bazmee brings back the quirky charm and thrill that has made this franchise popular. The film stars Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, and Madhuri Dixit, with Aaryan reprising his role in a way that promises a box-office impact similar to Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.
Horror-comedies attract a dedicated fanbase by blending eerie moments with humor, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 captures this blend, especially with its chaotic and comedic energy. Although it might not terrify audiences like traditional horror, its lively antics keep it entertaining and well-suited for a festive Diwali release.
As with the earlier films, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 repeatedly mispronounces “Manjulika,” the mysterious phantom figure, each time in a new way that keeps the audience guessing. The film’s Bengali influence extends to its soundtrack, with characters even humming Tagore’s Aami chini go chini tomare ogo bideshini, adding a cultural layer to the narrative.
While Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 may not be flawless, it stands out among recent big-screen releases, delivering harmless fun instead of violent, hyper-masculine action scenes. The film opens with a historical flashback to a dancer in a royal court, whose transformation into an angry ghost sets the stage. From there, Bazmee and writer Aakash Kaushik plunge into the misadventures of Ruhaan, known as “Rooh Baba” (Kartik Aaryan), a self-proclaimed ghostbuster who, alongside his fearful sidekick Tillu (Arun Kushwah), scams people in modern-day Kolkata. Things spiral when Ruhaan is invited to a haunted palace by Meera (Triptii Dimri) and her uncle (Rajesh Sharma) and finds himself entangled in a situation far beyond his control.
The royal family, led by a maharaja (Vijay Raaz), lives in poverty on the palace grounds, with their hauntingly rundown estate unable to sell due to rumors of ghosts. In the first half, the comedic, lighthearted tone keeps audiences engaged as Rooh Baba attempts to charm Meera and her family, but the film shifts when the living characters face off against the spectral beings lurking in the palace.
Vidya Balan, returning to the franchise after 17 years, and Madhuri Dixit, who joins in a scene-stealing role, bring depth and energy to the film. Their dance duel, with Dixit performing in Kathak style and Balan in Bharatanatyam, is a standout moment that showcases their talent. Their presence elevates the film, especially as they infuse their scenes with a mix of elegance and intensity.
The film is bolstered by a talented supporting cast, including Vijay Raaz, Sanjay Mishra, Rajesh Sharma, Rajpal Yadav, and Ashwini Kalsekar, all of whom bring humor and character to the story. Kartik Aaryan, meanwhile, demonstrates his comfort in the eccentric world of Bhool Bhulaiyaa, delivering a performance that fans of the series will likely enjoy.
Cast:
- Vidya Balan
- Madhuri Dixit
- Kartik Aaryan
Director:
- Anees Bazmee