Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Review: A Mixed Bag of Horror, Comedy, and Star Power

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Review

The latest installment in the popular Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise has arrived in theaters, bringing back the familiar blend of horror and comedy that fans have come to expect. Let’s dive deep into what this third chapter has to offer.

Director: Anees Bazmee
Cast: Kartik Aaryan, Triptii Dimri, Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit
Rating: 2.5/5

Plot Overview

The story follows Ruhaan, also known as Rooh Baba (played by Kartik Aaryan), a fraudulent ghostbuster who makes his living by conning people in Kolkata. His life takes an interesting turn when he’s approached by Princess Meera (Triptii Dimri) and her uncle to perform an exorcism at their ancestral palace. The royal family, now facing financial difficulties, desperately wants to sell their property but can’t due to rumors of it being haunted by the ghost of Manjulika.

Upon arriving at the palace, Ruhaan discovers a peculiar connection to the place – his striking resemblance to a deceased prince in an old portrait leads everyone to believe he’s a reincarnation. As the story unfolds, two mysterious women enter the picture: Mallika (Vidya Balan), who arrives as a curator to restore the palace, and Mandira (Madhuri Dixit), a potential buyer. Both women exhibit strange behaviors and seem to have hidden agendas regarding the palace and its throne.

Performance Analysis

Kartik Aaryan shoulders the first half of the film as Rooh Baba, though his performance often seems to mirror Akshay Kumar’s style from the original film. While he shows decent comic timing as the con artist, his character appears to sleepwalk through much of the film until the climactic sequences.

The film truly comes alive with the presence of Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit. Their performances, particularly in the latter half of the film, showcase why they are considered among Bollywood’s finest actresses. The dance sequence featuring both actresses has been particularly well-received, demonstrating their enduring grace and screen presence.

Direction and Screenplay

Director Anees Bazmee attempts to blend multiple genres – horror, comedy, mystery, and romance. The film’s pacing, however, has been a point of criticism. The first two hours meander through various subplots and comedy sequences before finally picking up pace in the last 30 minutes.

The film maintains the franchise’s signature elements: a sprawling haveli, locked rooms, atmospheric corridors, and supernatural elements. However, the cinematography by Manu Anand has been criticized for being unimaginative in capturing both the spectacle and scares.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Positive Aspects

  1. The climactic sequence is particularly strong, offering a surprising twist that elevates the overall experience.
  2. The comedy elements, while not consistently landing, provide some genuine entertainment through performances by supporting actors like Vijay Raaz, Sanjay Mishra, and Rajpal Yadav.
  3. The film successfully maintains suspense about Manjulika’s true identity until the end.

Areas of Concern

  1. The first two hours of the film suffer from pacing issues and inconsistent writing.
  2. The romantic subplot between Ruhaan and Meera feels forced and unnecessary, with songs that only serve to extend the runtime.
  3. The horror elements often rely on basic jump scares rather than building genuine tension.

Box Office Performance

The film has shown strong initial performance at the box office, particularly competing well against Singham 3. Early reports indicate positive word-of-mouth, especially in non-traditional markets, suggesting potential for sustained success.

Social Commentary

Interestingly, the film attempts to incorporate social messages about inclusivity and acceptance, adding an unexpected layer of depth to what is primarily marketed as entertainment. While these themes aren’t deeply explored, they provide an emotional core to the otherwise light-hearted narrative.

Musical Elements

The soundtrack receives mixed reactions, with the iconic “Ami Je Tomar” standing out as a highlight. Most other songs, however, have been criticized as unnecessary additions that affect the film’s pacing.

Comparison with Previous Installments

While Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 maintains the franchise’s basic framework, it differs significantly from its predecessors. Some viewers consider it an improvement over the second installment, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the original 2007 film starring Akshay Kumar.

Production Values

The film maintains decent production standards, particularly in its set design and costume departments. However, the visual effects and some technical aspects could have been better executed to enhance the horror elements.

Final Verdict

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 emerges as a mixed bag that might satisfy audiences looking for light entertainment. While it struggles with pacing issues and inconsistent writing in its first two hours, the film redeems itself somewhat with a strong climax and memorable performances by its veteran cast.

The film works best when viewed as a family entertainer rather than a serious horror or comedy film. Its strength lies in its ability to blend different genres, even if the execution isn’t always perfect.

For viewers considering whether to watch it in theaters, the film offers enough entertainment value, particularly during the festive season. However, expectations should be moderated, especially for those familiar with the original film.

Recommendations

This film is recommended for:

  • Fans of the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise
  • Audiences seeking light-hearted entertainment
  • Those who enjoy Bollywood’s blend of horror and comedy
  • Fans of Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, or Madhuri Dixit

The film might not appeal to:

  • Horror genre purists
  • Those seeking complex narratives
  • Viewers expecting the same impact as the original film

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 serves its purpose as a festive season entertainer, despite its flaws. While it may not be groundbreaking cinema, it offers enough entertainment value to justify a theater visit, particularly for fans of the franchise or those seeking a mix of laughs and light scares.

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