Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Review
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 arrives with high expectations, bringing back the fan-favorite horror-comedy series that combines thrills, laughs, and a touch of mystery. Directed by Anees Bazmee, the film dives headfirst into the realm of spooky humor, echoing its predecessors’ quirky charm. With Kartik Aaryan reprising his role as the eccentric “ghostbuster” Ruhaan, and the return of Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit, the film packs a punch with its star-studded cast.
The Legacy of Bhool Bhulaiyaa
Since its inception, the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise has carved a unique space in Bollywood. It blends horror with comedy, creating a genre that caters to both thrill-seekers and comedy lovers. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 builds on this legacy by continuing the story of Manjulika, the notorious ghost with a mysterious past. The series has managed to keep audiences engaged with its consistent element of surprise, drawing laughs from scares and humor from the eerie.
Plot Overview
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 opens with a flashback to a centuries-old palace in Bengal. Here, a dancer transforms into a ghostly figure after a tragic incident, establishing the legend of Manjulika. Flashing forward to present-day Kolkata, we meet Ruhaan, known locally as “Rooh Baba,” a self-proclaimed ghostbuster. Despite his reputation, Ruhaan is nothing more than a clever fraud who pretends to speak to ghosts with his sidekick, Tillu, played hilariously by Arun Kushwah. Rooh Baba, despite his bravado, has one fear: rodents.
Ruhaan’s life takes a dramatic turn when he’s invited to an abandoned palace by Meera (Triptii Dimri) and her uncle (Rajesh Sharma), hoping he can help them rid the estate of a supposed haunting. The family of pauperized royals, led by Vijay Raaz as the maharaja, lives in near poverty, unable to sell the property due to its haunted reputation. As Ruhaan attempts to win over Meera and her family, he unwittingly becomes embroiled in a true ghostly conflict that challenges his phony bravado.
Characters and Performances
Kartik Aaryan as Rooh Baba
Kartik Aaryan reprises his role with a lively, over-the-top approach that matches the film’s tone. His Rooh Baba is both endearing and ridiculous, navigating his ghostbusting “profession” with a blend of bravado and cluelessness. Kartik’s comedic timing shines through in the slapstick and dialogue, making Rooh Baba a memorable character once again.
Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit
Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit, each legends in their own right, elevate the film with their presence. Vidya, returning to the Bhool Bhulaiyaa universe after 17 years, plays a heritage restoration expert whose knowledge and sharp intellect make her a formidable presence in the ghostly palace. Madhuri’s entry in the pre-interval scene adds a jolt of star power, especially in a dance-off sequence between her and Vidya. The performance between the two, with Madhuri’s classical Kathak set against Vidya’s Bharatanatyam, is one of the film’s highlights, showcasing both their skill and on-screen rivalry.
Supporting Cast
The film boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Vijay Raaz as the weary maharaja, Sanjay Mishra, Rajesh Sharma, and Rajpal Yadav. Each actor brings humor and depth to their roles, especially Vijay Raaz, whose deadpan expressions and timing add to the film’s comedic rhythm.
The Humor: Language and Cultural Elements
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 leans heavily on linguistic humor, playing with dialects, accents, and frequent mispronunciations of “Manjulika.” Characters fumble with Bengali, blending dialects and inflections in ways that generate laughs but may not sit well with purists. For general audiences, though, these playful language mix-ups enhance the light-hearted tone. The repeated mangling of “Manjulika” becomes a running gag, adding a familiar yet fresh humor.
The film also nods to Bengali culture with its use of “Aami je tomaar,” the haunting melody that has become a musical symbol of the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise. Additionally, Tagore’s “Aami chini go chini tomare ogo bideshini” makes an appearance, further tying the film to its cultural roots, though no direct reference to the song’s origin is given.
The Storytelling Style
Bazmee’s direction in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is fast-paced and filled with over-the-top elements. The film doesn’t aim for the eerie atmosphere of traditional horror. Instead, it plays with absurdity, focusing on comedic tension and spontaneous humor. This direction keeps the plot breezy in the first half, as Rooh Baba’s comedic exploits dominate the screen. The dialogue-driven humor, combined with physical comedy, carries the narrative along smoothly.
Cinematic Elements: Comedy vs. Horror
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’s horror is tame by genre standards, with scares subdued to make room for comedy. The ghosts are never entirely terrifying, and Bazmee uses classic jump-scare tactics, mostly for comedic effect. Ruhaan’s fumbling reactions to strange occurrences provide more laughs than chills, diffusing tension and keeping the tone light.
While the first half leans into comedy, the second half grows more dramatic, as the characters confront the supernatural with increasing urgency. The shift in tone aims to introduce suspense but struggles to match the energy of the opening scenes, making some moments feel stretched.
The Dance-Off: A Memorable Highlight
The dance-off between Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit is a pivotal scene, blending skill, style, and cultural influence. The choreography draws on both Kathak and Bharatanatyam, contrasting two iconic Indian dance styles. The sequence, shot with intricate close-ups and dramatic lighting, highlights the actors’ skill and brings a fierce intensity to the screen. Their expressions, grace, and physical precision make the scene a standout.
The Supporting Cast’s Contribution
Vijay Raaz as the financially strapped maharaja steals several scenes with his dry wit and expressions. Sanjay Mishra, playing a hapless attendant, delivers his lines with comedic flair. Rajpal Yadav and Ashwini Kalsekar, adding their own quirky personalities, support the main cast, bringing their unique energy to the chaotic atmosphere.
Kartik Aaryan’s Star Power
Kartik Aaryan’s role as Rooh Baba seems tailor-made for his comedic style. He slips into the eccentric, slightly delusional ghostbuster role with ease, blending confidence with exaggerated clumsiness. His chemistry with the supporting cast, especially with sidekick Tillu (Arun Kushwah), adds to the film’s appeal, creating moments that resonate with fans.
Anees Bazmee’s Direction and Script
Anees Bazmee’s direction keeps the film moving at a brisk pace, at least in the first half. Bazmee, known for his knack for comedy, uses exaggerated scenarios to drive humor, making even the smallest quirks laugh-worthy. However, the script’s shift from humor to supernatural suspense in the second half slightly dampens the pacing, as the story becomes more formulaic and less spontaneous.
The writing by Aakash Kaushik incorporates running jokes, physical comedy, and references to Bengali culture to build Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’s comedic foundation. While some jokes may feel repetitive, the overall humor hits the mark, keeping audiences engaged and entertained.
The Film’s Limitations
Though Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 delivers laughs, it has a few limitations. The inconsistent use of Bengali might irk native speakers, and some may find the humor occasionally repetitive. The film’s second half slows as it delves deeper into supernatural elements, slightly losing the breezy tone of the first half. Additionally, the lack of real horror may disappoint audiences looking for a spine-chilling experience.
Visuals, Music, and Atmosphere
Visually, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 maintains a bright, colorful palette. The haunted palace, though filled with cobwebs and dim lighting, is far from ominous. The cinematography highlights comedic expressions and uses close-ups to emphasize physical reactions, enhancing the humor. Music remains a key element, with “Aami je tomaar” playing at critical moments, adding a touch of nostalgia.
The Takeaway
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it knows its audience well. The blend of humor, cultural references, and eccentric characters makes it an entertaining watch, especially for fans of horror-comedy. Kartik Aaryan’s return as Rooh Baba is packed with wit, while Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit’s performances elevate the narrative, adding gravitas to the film.
Conclusion
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 thrives on its quirky charm, delivering laughs, nostalgic tunes, and star performances. The film captures the spirit of the franchise, focusing on humor rather than pure horror. While the story has its flaws and some jokes may feel overused, it successfully entertains with its absurdity and comedic energy.
For audiences seeking a lighthearted take on the supernatural, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is worth a watch. Its stars, cultural humor, and witty dialogue make it a welcome addition to Bollywood’s growing roster of horror-comedies. This Diwali, the film serves up a dose of laughter with a hint of the supernatural, staying true to the Bhool Bhulaiyaa legacy.
