Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Movie Review: Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, and Madhuri Dixit Elevate Anees Bazmeeās Horror-Comedy
Kartik Aaryan returns as the quirky Rooh Baba in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, alongside Vidya Balan, reprising her iconic role as Manjulika, and Madhuri Dixit Nene, who brings a new dimension to the franchise. Directed by Anees Bazmee, the latest installment attempts to build on the success of its predecessors, blending horror, comedy, and nostalgia. While it offers some high points, it struggles to deliver the same magic consistently.
Plot Overview
The story begins with a flashback to 1824 in Rakht Ghat, West Bengal, a haunted site marred by betrayal, royal intrigue, and supernatural curses. Fast-forward to 2024, where Rooh Baba, now a thriving but mischievous con artist, finds himself entangled in the dark secrets of Rakht Ghat. As he uncovers his own connection to a royal bloodline, he teams up with Meera (played by Triptii Dimri), whose character is unfortunately underwritten, leaving much of her potential untapped.
The filmās narrative revolves around palace conspiracies, throne wars, and ghostly apparitions, though the plot often feels weighed down by predictable twists, outdated jokes, and an over-reliance on jump scares.
Standout Performances
Vidya Balan effortlessly slips back into the menacing yet enthralling role of Manjulika, delivering moments of spine-chilling intensity. Madhuri Dixit Nene, as the enigmatic royal matriarch, brings gravitas and charm to the screen. A dance-off between Balan and Dixit to the classic āMere Dholnaā is undoubtedly the filmās highlight, blending nostalgia with cinematic brilliance. Their chemistry and grace light up the screen in a way that overshadows many other parts of the movie.
Kartik Aaryan delivers a solid performance as Rooh Baba, especially shining during the climax, where his comic timing and heroic persona take center stage. However, his character often feels like a rehash of his Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 antics, offering little novelty for fans seeking something fresh.
The supporting cast, including Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav, and Sanjay Mishra, add moments of humor and eccentricity, though their roles feel underutilized.
Strengths
- Star Power: The trio of Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, and Madhuri Dixit carries the film with their charisma and screen presence.
- Nostalgia: Callbacks to the original Bhool Bhulaiyaa, including the iconic āAmi Je Tomarā tune, evoke fond memories for fans of the franchise.
- Visuals: The grandeur of Rakht Ghat and the period elements are well-executed, adding a rich aesthetic layer to the film.
Weaknesses
- Weak Writing: The script relies too heavily on predictable tropes, making the twists feel formulaic.
- Underdeveloped Characters: Triptii Dimriās Meera, despite her promising introduction, is relegated to a largely passive role.
- Overused Comedy: Many jokes feel recycled from previous installments, leaving the humor inconsistent.
Unique Additions
One of the more interesting additions is the exploration of Rooh Babaās royal ancestry, which ties his character to the haunted legacy of Rakht Ghat. This subplot adds a layer of intrigue, though itās not fully realized. Additionally, Madhuri Dixitās character brings a nuanced perspective to the film, serving as both a guiding figure and a mysterious force with her own agenda.
Another standout is the filmās soundtrack. Apart from the nostalgic āMere Dholnaā reprise, new tracks like āRakht Ki Kahaniā and āManjulikaās Returnā perfectly blend haunting melodies with contemporary beats, amplifying the filmās eerie atmosphere.
Final Verdict
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is an uneven ride, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by a lack of innovation. While it leans heavily on the star power of Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit, and Kartik Aaryan, it doesnāt quite reach the heights of its predecessors. Fans of the franchise will enjoy the nostalgic callbacks and powerhouse performances, but those seeking a fresh take may find themselves underwhelmed.
With a stronger script and better-developed characters, the film could have been a genre-defining sequel. For now, it remains an entertaining but flawed addition to the Bhool Bhulaiyaa universe.
Rating: 3/5