Review: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is a festive rollercoaster of haunts, hilarity and Kartik Aaryan's acting chops

The Diwali box-office war has begun and we have the biggest franchises of the India cinema heads on with each other- Singham and Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Talking about the latter, it has kept up the spirits high with the previous two films only raising the bag high for 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3'. Well, the stakes are already high when you have Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit lighting up your day with their dance face off, but to add it up all, does the film really stay up to the hype and makes for a decent watch? Well- Here's my review for the film. 

The Ghostbuster Returns

The story of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 centers around Rooh Baba, Kartik Aaryan's conman-turned-ghostbuster, who finds himself entangled in a fresh mystery revolving around the infamous Manjulika. This time, the mansion he enters is steeped in history and haunted by not one but two vengeful spirits, each claiming the identity of Manjulika. This haunting mystery takes place in the ancient palace of Rakhtghat, ruled by Raja Saab, whose family is desperately seeking a way to lift the curse and restore their home to its former glory. Rooh Baba's task to "cleanse" the palace uncovers layers of secrets spanning centuries, setting the stage for a tale filled with mischief, horror, and a surprising climax that no one will see coming.

The Bazmee Factor

Known for his expertise in blending horror with comedy, Anees Bazmee adds his signature touch to Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. His experience with ensemble comedies like Welcome and No Entry shines through, especially as he balances the film's spooky elements with well-timed humor. The shift from the original film's intense, psychological thrills to a more playful horror-comedy style aligns with Bazmee's approach, creating a lighter atmosphere without losing the franchise's supernatural appeal. Bazmee keeps the pacing brisk, especially in the second half, where the laughs and thrills intensify, building anticipation toward a climax that manages to be both unexpected and impactful.

Plot and Logic: A Rollercoaster Ride

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 doesn't pretend to adhere strictly to logic. The story is woven with creative liberties, particularly in its handling of Manjulika's backstory, but these liberties work to build an engaging, high-stakes plotline that doesn't demand rigorous explanation. The historical depth, spanning 200 years and touching on folklore, lends a sense of gravitas to the ghostly happenings at Rakhtghat without overwhelming the viewer. The mystery unfolds gradually, and by the second half, the twists and surprises are delivered effectively, capturing the audience's attention and making up for any narrative stretches in the first half.

Humor Meets Horror

The familiar faces of Rajpal Yadav, Sanjay Mishra, and Ashwini Kalsekar return to provide comic relief, though their dialogue occasionally falls flat in the early half. However, as the story progresses, the humor becomes sharper and more impactful, keeping audiences engaged with a mix of suspense and laughter. The balance of horror and comedy works surprisingly well, with Rooh Baba's accidental encounters and mishaps taking center stage and providing a refreshing contrast to the darker elements of the plot.

A Show-Stopping Climax with a Social Message

What sets Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 apart from its predecessors is its climactic twist. The film's conclusion not only brings a satisfying resolution to the haunted story but also conveys a subtle, thought-provoking message. Bazmee's direction ensures the reveal is both dramatic and socially relevant, highlighting themes that resonate with modern audiences. It's a rare achievement in horror-comedy to maintain suspense till the end, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 pulls it off with flair. This climax leaves audiences with a powerful takeaway, elevating the film beyond pure entertainment.

Star Performances: Kartik, Vidya, and Madhuri Steal the Show

Kartik Aaryan anchors the film as Rooh Baba, blending humor with moments of genuine suspense. His character's dual role as both a comic relief and reluctant hero allows him to showcase his versatility. Kartik brings a natural ease to Rooh Baba, maneuvering through humorous mishaps and spooky scenes with equal charm. His witty self-references, including nods to his other roles, offer a tongue-in-cheek twist that fans will appreciate.

Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit add cherry to the cake. Vidya's return as Manjulika, the iconic chudail, is electrifying, with her Bengali accent and piercing expressions lending intensity to her scenes. Meanwhile, Madhuri shines as the graceful Princess Anjulika, bringing elegance to the supernatural storyline. The highlight is undoubtedly their dance-off to Ami Je Tomar, where Madhuri's Kathak meets Vidya's fusion of Bharatnatyam and Odissi. This sequence, while perhaps abrupt in placement, captivates with its visual appeal and emotional intensity, showcasing both actresses' screen presence and talent.

Triptii Dimri, who plays Meera, doesn't get as much screen time as fans might hope, but she brings a fresh dynamic to the story. Her chemistry with Kartik adds a hint of romance, though her character's arc could have benefited from further development.

Technical Aspects and Music

The VFX work, especially in the climactic scenes, is commendable, adding depth to the ghostly appearances without overwhelming the viewer.

The film's soundtrack, featuring a remix of Ami Je Tomar, provides a nostalgic pull, while the background score accentuates the eerie atmosphere of the haunted palace. Although the song placements occasionally disrupt the flow, the music overall complements the festive feel of the film.

The Verdict

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 checks all the boxes for a festival release, blending comedy and horror in a way that caters to a broad audience. Despite occasional pacing issues and a few predictable jokes, the film keeps viewers invested with its humor, suspense, and thrilling climax. The performances of Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, and Madhuri Dixit bring a unique spark, while the film's themes and unexpected twists elevate it from standard horror-comedy fare.

Rating

***1/2 (3.5/5) stars