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| Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Movie Review (Photo Credit – Facebook) |
The third installment of Bhool Bhulaiyaa, directed by Anees Bazmee, arrives in theatres this Deepavali with the promise of a horror comedy packed with thrills and laughter. However, despite a strong lineup that includes Madhuri Dixit, Vidya Balan, and Kartik Aaryan, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 struggles to live up to the charm and quality of its predecessors.
A Familiar Formula, Stretched Thin
In the wake of the highly successful Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Bazmee seems to have tried replicating the winning formula that propelled the sequel, though this time with diminishing returns. The film runs for a substantial 158 minutes, yet its length feels more like a burden than an asset. Much of the humor feels repetitive, and the plot often veers into the predictable. In comparison, recent horror-comedy releases like Stree 2 demonstrated a smoother blend of scares and laughs, leaving Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 looking dated in its approach.
Talented Cast, Underwhelming Use
Kartik Aaryan, reprising his role as the mischievous and endearing Ruhaan, brings his trademark charm and comedic timing to the screen. His performance shines as he navigates a maze of supernatural encounters and comical situations, delivering a believable and enjoyable ghostbuster character. Yet, the screenplay and direction fail to fully utilize seasoned actors Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan. Both stars exhibit great potential for adding a darker, more complex layer to the story, but their roles remain superficial, leaving audiences wanting more.
Madhuri and Vidya, especially, are relegated to occasional scenes that showcase only a fraction of their talents. Madhuri’s portrayal of a flawed and troubled character could have added depth to the storyline, but her role remains restricted, without the narrative focus needed to make an impact. Vidya, who was integral to the first Bhool Bhulaiyaa movie, seems underwhelming here, as the plot is too focused on Kartik’s character.
The Plot and its Pitfalls
The story follows Ruhaan as he again confronts the vengeful spirit of Manjulika. He is thrust into a tale steeped in the past, touching on themes of family pride, patriarchy, and unfulfilled dreams. Yet, rather than deepening these themes, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 uses them as mere backdrops for surface-level jokes and predictable twists. The comedic moments—often reinforced by supporting actors like Vijay Raaz and Sanjay Mishra—lose their spark amid overly long setups and underdeveloped punchlines.
A Missed Opportunity for Progressive Themes
One of the film’s notable failings is its half-hearted attempt to be progressive. While the film briefly engages with themes of inclusion and social criticism, it ultimately succumbs to traditional stereotypes and clichés, weakening its narrative. Moments that attempt to critique cultural stereotypes are jarringly followed by scenes that reinforce them, creating a conflicting message that feels forced and out of place.
Final Thoughts
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is ultimately a disappointing entry in the franchise, despite its strong cast and festive timing. With its underutilization of star talent and a plot stretched thin, the movie leaves viewers reminiscing about the charm of its predecessors. The franchise’s trademark mix of horror and comedy might still draw audiences, but the lack of substance and missed opportunities for creativity are hard to ignore. For now, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 may still provide some light entertainment, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting mark on Bollywood’s horror-comedy genre.