🎬 Introduction
Released on November 1, 2024, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is the third installment in the popular Bollywood horror-comedy franchise. Directed by Anees Bazmee, the film stars Kartik Aaryan as Rooh Baba, alongside Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit. Set in the eerie locales of Kolkata, the movie attempts to blend supernatural elements with humor, aiming to captivate audiences during the Diwali festive season.
📜 Plot Overview
The story follows Rooh Baba, a self-proclaimed ghostbuster, who is summoned to a haunted mansion in Kolkata to confront the vengeful spirit of Manjulika. As Rooh Baba delves deeper into the mansion’s mysteries, he uncovers a web of family secrets, reincarnation, and unresolved conflicts. The narrative intertwines elements of horror, comedy, and drama, leading to a climactic revelation that challenges perceptions and expectations.
🎭 Cast and Performances
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Kartik Aaryan as Rooh Baba: Aaryan reprises his role from the previous installment, bringing his signature charm and wit to the character. Critics have noted his screen presence but also pointed out the repetitiveness of his performance.
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Vidya Balan as Manjulika: Balan returns to the franchise, delivering a performance that blends grace and intensity. However, some reviews suggest her character is underutilized, with her potential not fully realized.
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Madhuri Dixit as Anjulika: Dixit adds elegance and depth to the film, but similar to Balan, her role is seen as limited in scope.
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Triptii Dimri: Dimri’s character adds intrigue to the storyline, though her arc could have been developed further to enhance the narrative.
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Supporting Cast: Talented actors like Rajpal Yadav, Sanjay Mishra, and Ashwini Kalsekar provide comic relief, though some feel their talents are underused due to weak writing.
🎥 Direction and Cinematography
Anees Bazmee, known for his work in comedy films, attempts to balance horror and humor in this installment. While the film boasts high production values, some critics feel the direction falters in maintaining a consistent tone.
The cinematography by Manu Anand captures the gothic ambiance of the mansion, enhancing the eerie atmosphere. However, certain sequences are criticized for relying on clichéd jump scares rather than building genuine tension.
🎶 Music and Soundtrack
The film’s music, composed by Pritam, Tanishk Bagchi, Amaal Mallik, Sachet–Parampara, Lijo George–DJ Chetas, and Aditya Rikhari, features a mix of tracks that complement the film’s tone. The song “Ami Je Tomar,” featuring a dance-off between Balan and Dixit, has garnered attention for its choreography and performances.
However, some critics feel that certain musical choices, like the inclusion of “Sandese Aate Hain” from Border, are jarring and detract from the film’s atmosphere.
📈 Box Office Performance
Upon its release, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 achieved significant commercial success. The film grossed approximately ₹371–423.85 crore worldwide, making it the second highest-grossing Hindi film and sixth highest-grossing Indian film of 2024.
The film’s success can be attributed to its star-studded cast, festive release timing, and the established fanbase of the franchise.
📝 Critical Reception
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 received mixed to positive reviews from critics:
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Times of India: Praised the film’s twist and Kartik Aaryan’s performance, highlighting the strong presence of Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit.
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India Today: Commended the film for its brave climax and Kartik’s handling of the second half, though noted that the film’s logic was minimal.
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The Hindu: Criticized the film for underutilizing its talented cast and for a narrative that felt rushed and lacking in depth.
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Moneycontrol: Felt the film relied too heavily on jump scares and that the climax, while impactful, came too late to redeem the overall experience.
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Financial Express: Noted that Kartik Aaryan’s repetitive performance overshadowed even the veteran actresses, leading to a lack of freshness in the film.
🧠 Themes and Social Commentary
The film attempts to address themes of reincarnation, family secrets, and unresolved conflicts. In its climax, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 introduces a subplot involving a queer relationship. While some view this as a progressive step, others feel it is handled insensitively and serves as a hollow gesture rather than meaningful representation.
🏁 Conclusion
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 offers a blend of horror, comedy, and drama, aiming to entertain audiences during the festive season. While the film boasts a talented cast and high production values, it falls short in delivering a cohesive and engaging narrative. The underutilization of key characters and reliance on clichéd tropes detract from the film’s potential.
For fans of the franchise and those seeking a light-hearted Diwali entertainer, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 may provide some enjoyment. However, for viewers expecting a fresh and thrilling experience, the film may not fully satisfy.