Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 -Movie review

Story: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 continues the fun and spooky adventures of the franchise, featuring a quirky hero who faces a haunted mansion with a mysterious past. This old house, which needs fixing up and selling, is haunted by the frightening spirit of Manjulika, who makes it impossible for anyone to enter. The royal family, desperate for money, turns to Rooh Baba, a charming con artist. Excited by the chance to earn some cash, Rooh Baba jumps in, only to find himself caught in a whirlwind of chaos as he encounters two dark forces, both claiming to be Manjulika.

Hot on the heels of the success of Stree 2, this new horror-comedy is directed by Anees Bazmee, who takes over the reins from Priyadarshan, who directed the original Bhool Bhulaiyaa in 2007 with Akshay Kumar. In this latest installment, the focus shifts more towards comedy while still keeping some spooky elements. Bazmee is known for his ability to create fun ensemble comedies, having done it in films like Welcome and No Entry, so this change from Priyadarshan’s darker themes makes sense. A particularly funny scene with a superstar is one of the film’s standout moments and will have you laughing out loud.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 keeps your attention throughout. While there are times when the jokes don’t quite hit the mark, the overall experience remains enjoyable. The story takes a while to get going, but the wait pays off with a surprising twist at the end that you definitely won’t see coming. This clever twist adds a fresh and smart touch to a film meant for mass entertainment. Additionally, the art direction is impressive, with production quality that surpasses the earlier films in the series.

Kartik Aaryan returns as Ruhaan/Rooh Baba, and he shines in this role. He commands the screen and brings a lot of energy to the film. Although Kartik is the main star, the female characters are crucial to the film’s charm. In the past, Tabu has been a standout, and now Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit also take center stage, adding their star power to the mix.

This film marks Vidya Balan’s return to the series, and she brings back her captivating portrayal of Manjulika from 2007. With her expressive eyes and strong performance, she conveys a lot without saying much. She shares the spotlight with Madhuri Dixit, whose dazzling smile and graceful dance moves make her a joy to watch. Their chemistry is electric, showcasing the contrasting styles of fire and ice.

One of the most exciting moments in the film is their dance-off in the song “Ami Je Tomar.” This scene features both actresses performing different classical dance styles—Madhuri’s Kathak and Vidya’s combination of Bharatnatyam and Odissi. It’s a visually stunning performance, although the placement of the song in the movie feels a bit sudden. Still, the beautiful visuals and incredible performances make this moment worth the wait.

Supporting characters also play a vital role in the film. Talented actors like Rajpal Yadav, Sanjay Mishra, and Ashwini Kalsekar bring humor to the story, but they deserve better dialogue to showcase their skills. Additionally, Triptii Dimri’s character could have been more developed; giving her a stronger storyline would have added depth to the film.

Overall, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 blends comedy and horror, creating a fun and entertaining experience for viewers. The movie is filled with laughs and surprises, all while respecting the legacy of the previous films. With a charismatic cast, clever writing, and impressive visuals, it stands out as a great addition to the franchise.

Even though some parts, like pacing and character development, could improve, the film still manages to keep you entertained with its engaging performances and humorous moments. The chemistry between the lead actors, along with the smart storytelling and direction, results in a film that is both enjoyable and memorable. In summary, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 offers a delightful mix of comedy, horror, and nostalgia, promising audiences an exciting ride filled with laughter and unexpected twists. It’s a perfect continuation of the franchise, ensuring that viewers will have a great time from start to finish.

Plus Points:

1. Engaging Storyline: The film maintains an interesting plot that blends horror and comedy, keeping viewers entertained throughout.
2. Strong Performances: Kartik Aaryan shines in his role as Ruhaan/Rooh Baba, bringing charm and energy to the character. The supporting performances from Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit are also standout moments, adding depth and star power to the film.
3. Unexpected Twists: The plot includes surprising twists, especially in the climax, that keep the audience guessing and make for a rewarding viewing experience.
4. Impressive Dance Sequences: The dance-off between Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit is visually stunning and highlights their exceptional talent, adding a memorable element to the film.
5. High Production Values: The art direction and overall production quality are elevated compared to previous installments, creating a visually appealing experience.
6. Humor Elements: The film successfully incorporates humor, with many comedic moments and one-liners that entertain the audience.
7. Director’s Expertise: Anees Bazmee’s experience in creating ensemble comedies shines through, making the film light-hearted and fun while still retaining spooky elements.

Minus Points:

1. Pacing Issues: Some parts of the film may feel slow, especially in the build-up to the main plot, which might test the audience’s patience.
2. Inconsistent Humor: While many jokes land well, there are moments where the comedy doesn’t hit the mark, leading to some scenes feeling flat.
3. Character Development: Certain characters, like Triptii Dimri’s, could have benefited from more depth and development to make them more relatable and impactful.
4. Song Placement: The placement of some songs, particularly the dance sequences, feels abrupt and could disrupt the flow of the narrative.
5. Underutilized Supporting Cast: While there are talented supporting actors like Rajpal Yadav and Sanjay Mishra, their characters don’t get enough screen time or strong lines to showcase their abilities fully.
6. Less Psychological Depth: Fans of the original might miss the psychological tension and depth that Priyadarshan brought to the first film, as this installment leans more towards light-hearted comedy.