Anees Bazmee’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, starring Kartik Aaryan, hit theaters with a strong start, collecting over ₹150 crore despite mixed reviews. Here’s a breakdown of what makes the movie watchable—or skippable. Warning: Spoilers ahead!
Kartik Aaryan Shows His Acting Range
Kartik Aaryan channels his inner Akshay Kumar, who originally led the franchise, and his performance has its ups and downs. In the first two hours, Kartik’s style mimics Akshay’s signature humor and mannerisms, keeping the vibe familiar for Bhool Bhulaiyaa fans. However, in the final act, Kartik breaks free, showing genuine emotion that reminds us of his roles in Chandu Champion and Freddy. This touching climax proves that Kartik has acting chops beyond his usual comedic roles.
Vidya Balan Returns as the Iconic Manjulika
Vidya Balan’s portrayal of Manjulika in the original Bhool Bhulaiyaa left a lasting impression, and her return in this film feels like a homecoming. Despite moments of over-the-top direction, Vidya’s natural performance shines through, bringing both menace and vulnerability to her character. Her presence on-screen reminds viewers why she’s the soul of this franchise.
Musical Nostalgia: Sonu Nigam’s “Mere Dholna 3.0” Brings Back Memories
The song “Ami Je Tomar” from the first Bhool Bhulaiyaa film became an anthem thanks to Shreya Ghoshal’s haunting rendition. In this third installment, Sonu Nigam lends his voice to “Mere Dholna 3.0,” adding a fresh take on the classic. His powerful singing revitalizes the song, leaving audiences wishing for more Sonu Nigam in Bollywood soundtracks.
Triptii Dimri Deserves Better Roles
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 features Triptii Dimri, an actress known for her depth in performance-driven roles. She has gained recognition since her role in Animal, but in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, she’s given only a minor role. While she nails her brief moment in the spotlight, it’s disappointing to see her limited to a supporting role that doesn’t allow her full potential to shine.
Comedy That Falls Flat
While Bhool Bhulaiyaa is known for its unique blend of horror and comedy, the humor in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 feels forced. The first half of the movie has several scenes that don’t add to the plot and seem to exist just for the laughs, making the narrative feel more like a series of disconnected gags. Talented comedians like Rajpal Yadav and Vijay Raaz are underutilized, reduced to delivering punchlines rather than meaningful contributions to the story. This weakens the overall impact of the comedy in the film.
A Climax That Almost Saves the Film
After two hours of humor and scattered scares, the final 30 minutes of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 take on a new tone. The climax explores a sensitive theme with depth and simplicity, offering a memorable ending that feels disconnected from the first part of the movie but still powerful. It’s almost as if the last act belongs to a different, better movie.
Hindi Cinema’s Sequel Culture: A Marketing Strategy
Like many Bollywood sequels, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is more of a spiritual successor than a direct continuation. The film uses nostalgic elements from previous films, such as Vidya Balan’s character and the iconic song “Ami Je Tomar,” but fails to address story continuity. The lack of connection between Kartik’s character Roohan and the characters from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 leaves several unanswered questions, such as the fate of Kiara Advani’s character. This pattern of loosely connected sequels can feel like a marketing gimmick rather than genuine storytelling.
Key Takeaways from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
- Kartik Aaryan’s Versatile Performance: Shows growth in his acting range, particularly in the emotional climax.
- Vidya Balan’s Commanding Return: Her portrayal of Manjulika brings both nostalgia and renewed intensity.
- Sonu Nigam’s Vocal Brilliance: “Mere Dholna 3.0” brings life to the soundtrack, capturing the haunting vibe of the original.
- Missed Opportunity with Triptii Dimri: Talented actress given a minor role with limited screen time.
- Weak Comedy Execution: It lacks the organic humor that made the original a hit; it feels like filler content.
- Powerful Climax: Adds emotional weight and almost redeems the film’s slower first half.