Akshay Kumar’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) will always remain the gold standard of the popular franchise now led by Kartik Aaryan. While Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 was also a massive success, one thing the makers of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 have done right is retaining Aaryan as Rooh Baba. Now, sure, it is extremely difficult to top Kumar’s timing and natural penchant for comedic roles, but Aaryan does deliver in a unique way. This is also true for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.
In Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, the movie is obviously trying to make the audience laugh. And, for those who enjoyed Stree 2, this third installment would be a treat as it is loaded with jokes after every few dialogues. Even the way the movie looks is extremely similar to Stree 2. The color scheme in wide shots, especially. In fact, very few moments in the movie feel serious or scary. For instance, even when something obviously serious is going down, it’s interrupted by several back-to-back jokes.
One thing that Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 definitely does well is the pacing. There aren’t many dull spots in the movie, except once when a totally unnecessary song pops when it really doesn’t have to. But, apart from that the lore behind everything that’s happening is explained throughout the movie. The audience is kept in the dark about what’s really going on while they believe they do understand what’s going on. Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit are great additions to the cast and, much like in the last movie, they don’t let the absence of Tabu be felt. Given the genre, their performances are top-notch. Both Balan and Dixit adapt effectively to their roles, each balancing the act of creepiness and humor almost perfectly. Triptii Dimri, too, delivers a well-executed performance though the two other female actors have a lot more to work with in terms of their character.
The story can get a bit convoluted at times, but the execution of the screenplay salvages it from getting too confusing. At times, out of nowhere, the audience are presented new information about what had transpired in the past without any context that that could have even been a possibility. The main question in the movie is: Is Manjulika real? And if she is, who is Manjulika? Mallika? Or Mandira? This forms the crux of the movie, leading to a climax that’s both loaded with humor, revelation, and some lessons.
Despite all this, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 tries to do what Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) did; root the film in a strong thematic message, but it doesn’t deliver it as well as the OG movie did. But, fortunately, it isn’t bad and does serve its own purpose despite being historically inaccurate. Kartik Aaryan, who has always been popular for his comedic timing, has gotten better with time at it, and it shows.
In conclusion, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is a fun movie to watch with the family that won’t scare you, but will make you laugh.
See Also: Kartik Aaryan Says Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Doesn’t Need Gimmicks Or Cameos: ‘Humaari Film Me Bahut Confidence Hai’
