Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, directed by Anees Bazmee, was released on November 1, 2024, and unfortunately, it’s a disastrous attempt to add another chapter to the beloved Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise. From an aimless plot to forced performances, this third installment tarnishes the reputation of its iconic predecessors, offering a hollow cinematic experience that will leave fans more frustrated than entertained.
No Story, No Plot: A Forced Sequel with No Direction
At its core, a successful horror-comedy should have a solid narrative, a central mystery, and characters that captivate. Unfortunately, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 lacks all of these essentials. It stumbles through a series of disconnected scenes, with plot twists that feel more like desperate attempts to inject suspense rather than meaningful developments. The film’s direction is so weak that it leaves viewers wondering if there was any genuine purpose behind its creation. Anees Bazmee has, regrettably, reduced the legacy of a beloved classic to a patchwork of uninspired scenes that fail to coalesce into an engaging story.
Kartik Aaryan as Rooh Baba: An Overacted, Unconvincing Role
Kartik Aaryan’s portrayal of Rooh Baba feels forced and exaggerated, transforming what should have been a layered and witty character into a shallow caricature. Every expression, every line feels painfully overacted, as if Aaryan himself is unsure why he’s in this role. Far from the charismatic performance he delivered in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, his presence here is almost painful to watch, leaving fans disappointed in what could have been a signature role in the horror-comedy genre.
Vidya Balan’s Return as Manjulika: Nostalgia Gone Wrong
In a bid to stir nostalgia, Bazmee brings back Vidya Balan as the original Manjulika, but this return feels more like a marketing gimmick than a narrative necessity. Gone is the intense, unforgettable presence Balan brought to the first film; instead, she’s reduced to a superficial figure, lacking the impact she once commanded. Compared to Tabu’s remarkable performance in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Balan’s character here is dull and disappointing, leaving viewers wondering why she returned for such an underwhelming role.
Madhuri Dixit as Mandira: Wasted Potential in a Role with No Substance
Bollywood icon Madhuri Dixit joins the cast as Mandira, but her role is nothing more than a forced addition. Her character lacks depth and purpose, making her a mere shadow in the film’s cluttered storyline. Watching an actress of Madhuri’s caliber relegated to such a pointless role is disappointing and leaves fans frustrated at the missed opportunity to leverage her talent.
Trupti Dimri: A Performance That Barely Registers
Trupti Dimri, though a talented actress, is virtually invisible in this weakly written script. Her role adds nothing to the story, and her performance is so insignificant that one could almost forget she’s part of the cast. Her character feels like filler, barely contributing to the film’s progression, and she struggles to make any impact amidst the muddled storyline.
An Unnecessary Insult to Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan
One of the most jarring and unnecessary elements in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is a scene that mocks Shah Rukh Khan’s recent hit film, Jawan. Rather than serving as an homage or an engaging subplot, this scene feels forced and disrespectful, leaving audiences questioning its inclusion. It appears out of place and out of touch, adding absolutely nothing to the story. Anees Bazmee’s choice to ridicule such an iconic character suggests poor judgment, and one can’t help but wonder if this was included to satisfy Kartik Aaryan’s personal interests rather than any artistic necessity.
The Final Half-Hour: A Brief Spark Amidst Mediocrity
The only saving grace in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is its final half-hour. Bazmee manages to inject a few twists that provide some level of engagement, but it’s too little, too late. While this part of the film introduces some suspense and curiosity, it hardly compensates for the lackluster experience of the preceding two hours. The film’s ending raises the question of “Who is the real Manjulika?” but this twist feels forced, as if the film was built solely to reach this point.
Conclusion: A Disheartening Disappointment
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is a classic case of a sequel that fails to live up to its legacy. Riding on the success of the previous two films, Bazmee tries to capitalize on nostalgia without delivering anything memorable. Despite the franchise’s potential for horror-comedy excellence, this film is a letdown that will likely fade into obscurity. It may perform decently at the box office due to franchise loyalty, but its lack of story, weak performances, and offensive tributes make it a painful watch for dedicated fans of the original films.
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