The Shortcomings of a Drab Horror Comedy
In Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, director Anees Bazmee brings his usual festive promise—popcorn-worthy entertainment peppered with comic twists. But while the first two movies captured audiences, this latest installment feels underwhelming. By trying to blend progressive ideas with traditional comedy, Bazmee ends up underutilizing powerhouse actors like Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan, failing to light up the screen as intended.
A Rush to Cash In
With the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, released when post-pandemic audiences were eager for cinematic escapism, expectations were high for the third. But with the recent release of the well-crafted Stree 2, the horror-comedy genre has raised the bar, making this film’s formulaic approach feel stale in comparison.
At a lengthy 158 minutes, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 stretches its potential too thin, with scenes that meander instead of progressing the story. Rather than organically blending humor with horror, the film stumbles into a maze of clichés, using Bengali stereotypes for cheap laughs and then trying to preach inclusivity in the climax—an attempt that feels insincere and hypocritical.
A Few Highlights…But Not Enough
There are glimpses of cleverness in the way Bazmee humorously notes that poverty is scarier than ghosts—a nod to the hardships of real life. The film pays tribute to the iconic Ramsay Brothers, who pioneered Bollywood horror, by casting familiar faces from their films and even using the eerie theme from Zee Horror Show. However, these nostalgic touches aren’t enough to patch up the thin storyline.
Kartik Aaryan: The Franchise’s Lifeline
Once again, Kartik Aaryan shoulders the film’s comedy as Ruhaan, a charming con artist tasked with controlling the spirit of Manjulika. Channeling Akshay Kumar’s comedic legacy, Kartik injects his natural flair into the role. The storyline introduces a backstory of family intrigue, where patriarchy, pride, and unfulfilled desires haunt the palatial estate. But while Kartik brings energy to the role, even his comedic timing can’t mask the script’s sluggish pace and need for tighter editing.
Missed Opportunities with Madhuri and Vidya
While Madhuri and Vidya add allure to the horror portions, they’re ultimately sidelined by a script that’s too focused on Kartik’s character. Madhuri, cast in a rare grey-shaded role, shows flashes of brilliance in portraying a deeply flawed, conceited character. It’s a side we rarely see of her, but sadly, the film doesn’t give her enough room to explore it. Meanwhile, Vidya’s return as Manjulika—a role she once made iconic in the original Bhool Bhulaiyaa—feels more like a cameo than a comeback, as if the franchise has lost its momentum and direction.
Wasted Talent, Weak Writing
Triptii Dimri, though charming, is given little more to do than look glamorous in eye-catching outfits for the promotional material. Her character lacks depth, making it clear that style has been prioritized over substance.
In the end, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 serves as a reminder that no amount of star power can save a film from weak writing. While it may appeal to fans of the franchise, it fails to deliver the memorable experience that audiences have come to expect from a Diwali blockbuster.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is now playing in theatres.
Here’s a breakdown of the rating for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3:
• Acting: ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5
(Kartik Aaryan shines, but Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan are underutilized.)
• Storyline: ⭐⭐ 2/5
(Stretched plot with missed potential in horror-comedy elements.)
• Direction: ⭐⭐ 2/5
(Anees Bazmee struggles to balance stereotypes with progressive ideas.)
• Comedy & Horror Blend: ⭐⭐ 2/5
(The humor and horror don’t blend as naturally as expected.)
• Nostalgia & Music: ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5
(Some nostalgic moments and the Ramsay Brothers tribute are nice touches.)
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐🌟 2.5/5