The Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise has carved a unique niche in Indian cinema, blending horror with comedy and wrapping it all in a tapestry of family secrets, reincarnation, and palace intrigue. With Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, director Anees Bazmee returns to the haunted corridors and shadowy secrets that made the first two films cult favorites. This time, the stakes are higher, the cast is starrier, and the labyrinth is more twisted than ever.

Starring Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit, and Triptii Dimri, the film promises a heady mix of nostalgia and novelty. Set in Kolkata and shot across Mumbai, Orchha, and Leh, the movie is a visual feast, but does it deliver the chills and chuckles fans expect? Let’s unravel this maze.

Plot: Ghosts of the Past and Present

The story opens in 1824, with a haunting prologue: a royal kathak dancer is burned alive by a king for bringing shame to the family. She returns as a vengeful spirit, killing her tormentors and setting the stage for a curse that will haunt the royal family for centuries.

Fast forward to 2024. Ruhaan, aka Rooh Baba (Kartik Aaryan), is now a full-fledged conman, famous for his ghostbusting antics but really just a clever fraud. He’s approached by Meera (Triptii Dimri), a princess from the now-impoverished Raktghat royal family, and her uncle. Their ancestral palace is haunted by the infamous Manjulika, and they need Ruhaan to perform a fake exorcism so they can finally sell the property.

Ruhaan agrees, lured by the promise of a hefty fee. But upon arrival, he discovers a portrait of himself as Debendranath, the prince from 1824, leading everyone to believe he is the reincarnated savior destined to free the palace from its ghostly curse.

As the palace restoration begins, Mallika (Vidya Balan), the team leader, starts showing signs of possession. Meanwhile, the trio of mischievous priests- Bade Pandit (Sanjay Mishra), Panditayaan (Ashwini Kalsekar), and Chhote Pandit (Rajpal Yadav)-are already living in Manjulika’s room, running their con.

Things spiral when a wall is broken, revealing a hidden passage sealed with the Bhairava Kavach. The royal priest warns that only a reborn family member can open it safely. As Durgashtami approaches, secrets unravel: the king had two daughters, Manjulika and Anjulika, whose mutual hatred led to the original tragedy.

The climax is a rollercoaster of possessions, mistaken identities, and ghostly vengeance, culminating in a showdown that brings peace to the restless spirits and a surprising twist involving undercover cop ACP Rathore (Madhuri Dixit).

Performances: Stars in the Spotlight

Kartik Aaryan as Ruhaan/Rooh Baba

Kartik Aaryan cements his place as the franchise’s new face. He brings a blend of swagger and vulnerability to Ruhaan, making him both a lovable rogue and a reluctant hero. His comic timing is sharp, and he handles the film’s emotional beats with surprising depth.

Vidya Balan as Mallika/Manjulika

Vidya Balan’s return is a highlight. She effortlessly switches between the composed Mallika and the terrifying Manjulika, delivering a performance that is both chilling and sympathetic. Her possession scenes are among the film’s most memorable, reminding audiences why she became an icon in the original.

Madhuri Dixit as Mandira/ACP Rathore

Madhuri Dixit brings gravitas and mystery to the role of Mandira, the enigmatic buyer with a hidden agenda. Her eventual reveal as ACP Rathore is both shocking and satisfying, adding a new layer to the film’s narrative.

Triptii Dimri as Meera

Triptii Dimri is earnest as Meera, the desperate princess trying to save her family. Her chemistry with Kartik Aaryan adds a sweet, romantic undertone to the otherwise spooky proceedings.

Supporting Cast

Sanjay Mishra, Ashwini Kalsekar, and Rajpal Yadav provide comic relief as the bumbling priest trio, while Vijay Raaz as Raja Saab and Manish Wadhwa as the royal priest add gravitas.

Direction and Writing: Anees Bazmee’s Balancing Act

Anees Bazmee juggles horror and comedy with a deft hand. The script, penned by Aakash Kaushik, is packed with twists, red herrings, and callbacks to the earlier films. The pacing is brisk, though the film’s 158-minute runtime occasionally feels stretched, especially in the buildup to the climax.

The screenplay cleverly weaves together past and present, using flashbacks to deepen the central mystery. The dialogue sparkles with wit, and the scares are well-timed, relying on atmosphere rather than cheap jump scares.

Cinematography and Visuals: A Feast for the Eyes

Manu Anand’s cinematography captures the grandeur and decay of the palace, using shadows, candlelight, and sweeping shots to create a sense of unease. The production design is lush, with intricate sets that evoke both opulence and dread.

The visual effects are effective, especially in the possession scenes and the ghostly apparitions. The Bhairava Kavach sequence is a standout, blending practical effects with CGI to heighten the suspense.

Music and Soundtrack: Eerie and Evocative

The music, though not as iconic as the original’s “Ami Je Tomar,” sets the mood with haunting melodies and pulsating beats. The background score amplifies the tension, while the songs provide welcome relief and help flesh out the characters’ emotions.

Themes: Family, Betrayal, and Redemption

At its core, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is about the weight of family legacy and the dangers of unresolved grudges. The story explores how secrets and betrayals from the past can haunt future generations, both literally and metaphorically.

The film also touches on themes of identity, reincarnation, and the quest for redemption. The rivalry between Manjulika and Anjulika, and the tragic consequences of their hatred, serve as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of jealousy.

Comedy and Horror: A Delicate Balance

The film’s greatest strength is its ability to blend humor with horror. The comic set pieces, especially those involving the priest trio and Ruhaan’s bumbling attempts at ghostbusting, provide much-needed levity. At the same time, the horror elements are genuinely unsettling, with possession scenes and ghostly attacks that keep viewers on edge.

This balance ensures that the film never becomes too dark or too frivolous, appealing to a wide audience.

Pacing and Editing: Room for Tighter Cuts

While the film maintains a lively pace for most of its runtime, the second half could have benefited from tighter editing. Some subplots, particularly those involving the restoration team and the royal family’s financial woes, feel underdeveloped. However, the climactic revelations and emotional payoffs make up for these minor shortcomings.

Twists, Turns, and Red Herrings

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is packed with twists. The revelation of two royal sisters, the real identity of Mandira, and the true story behind Manjulika’s vengeance all keep viewers guessing. The film delights in misdirection, using red herrings and false leads to build suspense.

The final act, where Mallika, Mandira, and Debendranath’s spirit find closure, is both cathartic and poignant, bringing the story full circle.

Audience Experience: Laughter, Gasps, and Applause

The film is a crowd-pleaser, delivering scares and laughs in equal measure. Audiences will find themselves jumping at the ghostly apparitions one moment and laughing at Ruhaan’s antics the next. The nostalgia factor, with Vidya Balan’s return and callbacks to the original, adds an extra layer of enjoyment for longtime fans.

Box Office and Cultural Impact

Released during Diwali 2024, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 became one of the year’s biggest blockbusters, grossing over ₹371–423.85 crore worldwide. Its success cements the franchise as a mainstay of Bollywood’s horror-comedy genre and proves that audiences still crave stories that mix scares with smiles.

Critique: Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Strong performances from an ensemble cast, especially Kartik Aaryan and Vidya Balan

• Effective blend of horror and comedy

• Inventive plot twists and engaging mystery

• High production values and atmospheric visuals

• Nostalgic callbacks for fans of the franchise

Weaknesses

• Overlong runtime with some pacing issues in the second half

• Underdeveloped subplots and supporting characters

• Some scares rely on formula rather than innovation

Conclusion: A Worthy Addition to the Franchise

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 delivers exactly what fans expect: a labyrinthine plot, memorable performances, and a satisfying blend of chills and chuckles. While it may not reach the iconic heights of the original, it stands as a worthy successor, expanding the franchise’s mythology and leaving the door open for future hauntings.

If you’re looking for a Diwali entertainer that will make you laugh, gasp, and maybe even sleep with the lights on, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is the ticket. Step into the haveli- just don’t forget to check behind the doors.