In a year where horror comedies have reigned supreme and brought in big bucks, releasing another horror comedy might seem like overkill—unless, of course, it’s a mega-franchise like Bhool Bhulaiyaa with a proven track record. While Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has sparked endless conversations, the ultimate question remains: does it scare you, make you laugh, and entertain you? For most of the film, the answer is yes.
The third instalment ambitiously explores a timeline spanning 200 years, presenting a fable about Manjulika, a king, and other significant characters—all without direct ties to the first film and set in the fictional place of Rakhtghat, Bengal. Interestingly, despite having no direct link to the prior instalments, there’s an eerie resemblance in the way Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 unfolds. The biggest change, however, is the presence of Rooh Baba, played by Kartik Aaryan. Unlike the goofy but sincere doctor played by Akshay Kumar in the original, Rooh Baba is a fraud, only half-heartedly trying to unearth the mystery of Manjulika. With a mix of new characters and the return of Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit, the plot becomes more complex but never so convoluted as to throw you off.
The film’s one notable drawback is its length—an often-voiced critique but applicable here. Some stretches feel padded with filler scenes that neither land humorously nor contribute much to the storyline. This would be easier to overlook if those moments truly delivered laughs, but many of them fall flat.
What compensates for these gaps, however, is the tension and drama that keep you guessing about the real identity of Manjulika, wondering how Rooh Baba will tackle the looming threat, and anticipating each twist. Unlike many recent films that struggle to land a satisfying final twist, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 delivers effectively. The climactic reveal is genuinely surprising—a notable achievement in an era where so many twists have become predictable. When a film ends on a strong note, earlier shortcomings tend to be forgiven, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 exemplifies this well.
On the technical side, director Anees Bazmee has tapped into the audience’s expectations skillfully, translating his understanding into a film that meets those demands. His direction, combined with impressive production design and VFX work, deserves acknowledgement. Completing a film of this scale in less than a year and a half without sacrificing quality is an accomplishment in itself.
The trio of Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, and Madhuri Dixit anchor the film with a mix of talent, charisma, and distinct screen presence. Dixit shines with her unparalleled charm, while Balan, an acting powerhouse, captures the limelight in a masterful dance number alongside Dixit. Aaryan not only holds his ground but adds depth to his character, proving he is making wise career choices and executing them well.
One disappointing aspect, however, is Triptii Dimri’s role. Following her success in Animal, she seems to be struggling to capitalize on her fame here—not entirely due to her own choices but because the script underutilizes her, leaving her limited room to make an impact.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 fulfils the primary goal of a star-studded, large-scale film: to engage and entertain. In a project that relies on escapism and suspension of disbelief, the film succeeds in drawing viewers in, letting them forget the outside world, and immersing them in its universe—an achievement in effective storytelling for any major film release.