Cast: Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Vidya Balan, Kartik Aaryan, Triptti Dimri, Sanjay Mishra, Rajpal Yadav, Ashwini Kalsikar, Vijay Raaz, Rajesh Sharma
Director: Anees Bazmee
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Movie Review: A Spirited Mix of Horror and Comedy
In Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Rooh Baba (Kartik Aaryan), a cunning con-man posing as a ghost-buster, is hired by Meera (Triptii Dimri) and her uncle (Rajesh Sharma) to debunk a legend surrounding a haunted palace. The myth revolves around the notorious spirit of Manjulika (Vidya Balan), who is said to be trapped behind a locked room in the haveli. If Rooh Baba can prove the haunting is a mere tale, they stand to make a fortune by selling the property to developers. However, what starts as a ghost-busting gig quickly turns into a twisted encounter with a far deeper and darker reality.
According to the royal priest (Manish Wadhwa), the myth has its roots in a tragic 200-year-old legend involving the royal family. Rooh Baba, whose real name is Ruhaan, is revealed to be the reincarnation of a former prince who was murdered by his own sister, Manjulika. In revenge, their father had Manjulika burned alive, but her vengeful spirit has lingered ever since. Meera, as it turns out, is connected to the present-day royal family, which has been living in fear of the spirit and in dire poverty due to the palace being cursed.
The plot thickens when Rooh Baba accidentally unleashes Manjulika’s spirit during Durgasthami, a sacred festival. But things get even more complicated when another sealed room is discovered, harboring the spirit of Anjulika (Madhuri Dixit Nene), Manjulika’s sister. Now, Ruhaan and the royal family must battle two malevolent forces instead of just one.
Script and Direction
Aakash Kaushik’s script is full of twists, humor, and the classic elements of horror-comedy that fans of the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise will appreciate. Although there are moments where the plot feels stretched—particularly with the slapstick trio of Sanjay Mishra, Ashwani Kalsekar, and Rajpal Yadav—the film maintains a steady pace of screwball comedy mixed with suspense. Anees Bazmee, both as director and co-writer, ensures that the movie stays true to its entertaining roots, blending spooky moments with laugh-out-loud scenes in a way that is effortlessly enjoyable.
The use of throwbacks like “Sandese Aate Hain” from Border, nods to Aaryan’s previous film Shehzada, and the Rolls-Royce subplot are hilarious touches that add to the film’s lightheartedness. The film’s message about family bonds is subtly woven into the chaos, leaving the audience with a feel-good aftertaste amid the scares and laughter.
Performance Highlights
Kartik Aaryan shines as Rooh Baba, commanding the screen with his effortless comic timing and charm. He carries the film, delivering in every mood and moment. Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan, both seasoned actresses, give powerful performances as the supernatural sisters, adding gravitas to their roles. Among the supporting cast, Vijay Raaz’s understated humor is a delight, while Arun Kushwah as Tillu and Kanchan Mullick as the royal bodyguard bring fun to their scenes. Although Triptii Dimri’s role is somewhat limited in range, she delivers with her expressions and holds her own.
Cinematography, Music, and Production
The grand sets, stunning VFX, and meticulous attention to detail elevate Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 into a visual treat. Anees Bazmee ensures that the scale and production values match the grandeur expected from his films. The cinematography by Manu Anand captures the eerie and the extravagant, while the late Rajat Poddar’s production design is exceptional, particularly in the intricate choreography and visuals for the iconic “Ami Je Tomar” dance sequence.
Pritam’s remixed version of “Hare Ram Hare Ram” falls short of its original charm, but the recreation of “Ami Je Tomar,” with vocals by Shreya Ghoshal, is a standout. Sandeep Shirodkar’s background score provides the right mix of suspense and light-heartedness, perfectly complementing the film’s tonal shifts.
Final Thoughts
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is a delightful, rollercoaster ride that blends horror, comedy, and drama in a way that will keep audiences entertained from start to finish. While the plot may have its share of predictable moments, Kartik Aaryan’s charismatic performance and Anees Bazmee’s sharp direction make it an engaging watch. With its spooky thrills, laugh-out-loud moments, and a splash of nostalgia, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 delivers a full platter of entertainment—paisa vasool all the way!
