bhool bhulaiyaa 3 review flickerwoods

Anees Bazmee returns with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, bringing a blend of horror and comedy that has defined the franchise. Set against the backdrop of Kolkata, the film follows the antics of the charmingly fraudulent exorcist Ruhaan, or "Rooh Baba" (Kartik Aaryan), and his misadventures in a haunted royal palace. With a story that combines absurdity with comic flair, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 leans into its quirks and doesn’t shy away from bending traditional horror tropes to deliver laughs and thrills.

The film opens with a flashback to colonial Bengal, where a dancer is dragged away from her performance and unjustly executed, creating the vengeful spirit of Manjulika. Fast-forward to the present, where Ruhaan plies his ghostbusting trade with his faint-hearted assistant Tillu (Arun Kushwah), duping gullible clients and cashing in on the city’s supernatural fears. However, when Meera (Triptii Dimri) and her uncle (Rajesh Sharma) enlist his help, Rooh Baba is drawn into a haunted palace that has been deserted for decades. Here, he finds the pauperized royal family, including a down-on-his-luck maharaja (Vijay Raaz), struggling to make ends meet and spooked by the specter of Manjulika.

As the palace’s mysterious past catches up with them, Rooh Baba tries to uncover the truth behind the haunting, only to find that the legend of Manjulika is more than just a tale. This time, Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit step in, each with roles that elevate the story’s intensity, transforming it from a light-hearted romp to a battle of the supernatural that pushes Rooh Baba to his limits.

Performances

Kartik Aaryan reprises his role as Rooh Baba with effortless comic timing and a sense of physical comedy that anchors the movie's first half. His character’s bravado, combined with his endearing fear of small creatures, makes for several laugh-out-loud moments. Triptii Dimri as Meera provides a grounded foil to Aaryan’s antics, bringing a soft charm to the narrative.

Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan are the film's undeniable highlights. Balan, returning to the franchise, holds her own with a captivating presence that intensifies every scene she’s in, especially when paired with Dixit. Their iconic dance-off, blending Kathak and Bharatanatyam, is a showstopper, with each actor’s expressions, movements, and palpable chemistry elevating the stakes in an otherwise chaotic narrative. This dynamic duo adds an extra layer of sophistication and nostalgia that fans of the franchise will appreciate.

Direction and Screenplay

Anees Bazmee’s direction maintains a delicate balance between horror and comedy, playing to the franchise's strength. Although the screenplay occasionally drifts into absurdity, Bazmee’s experience with crafting humorous narratives prevents the movie from losing focus. However, while the film starts strong, the shift towards a more serious tone in the latter half can feel jarring. The story’s detour into the palace’s history drags down the pacing, yet Bazmee makes sure the laughs keep coming, never letting the darkness overpower the film’s comedic core.

Music and Cinematography

The Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise wouldn’t be complete without the haunting melody of Aami Je Tomaar, which reappears to great effect, creating a chilling ambiance in key scenes. The soundtrack also brings in another Bengali classic, Aami Chini Go Chini Tomare Ogo Bideshini, which adds authenticity, though the movie’s heavy-handed approach to Bengali culture may feel exaggerated.

The cinematography captures the decaying grandeur of the palace, adding an eerie quality to the scenes with dim lighting and wide-angle shots that enhance the mystery of the haunted corridors. The vibrant colors of the costumes contrast with the dark, muted interiors, keeping the visual tone dynamic and engaging.

The ensemble cast deserves a special mention. Vijay Raaz as the impoverished maharaja is a delight, adding gravitas and humor to the role, while Sanjay Mishra, Rajesh Sharma, Rajpal Yadav, and Ashwini Kalsekar each bring their own flair to the story. Their roles are small but impactful, contributing to the humor without overwhelming the main storyline. Together, they support Aaryan’s Rooh Baba and round out the cast with a perfect mix of absurdity and wit.

Final Thoughts

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is not without flaws—its cultural overreach and occasional tonal inconsistency may detract from the experience for some. However, it ultimately succeeds in delivering a mix of horror and humor that stays true to the franchise. Kartik Aaryan’s charm, along with the powerhouse performances of Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan, make this a festive treat. The film doesn’t strive to be deep or profound, and perhaps that’s for the best, as it remains a lighthearted escape for audiences looking for entertainment and nostalgia this Diwali.