Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, the latest instalment in the successful Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise, delivers a mixed bag of laughs, scares, and confusion. Directed by Anees Bazmee, this film brings back the iconic haunted palace, along with a blend of supernatural elements and witty humor that made the first two films so popular. However, while the movie entertains at times, it struggles to capture the magic and balance that made its predecessors so memorable.
Plot and Storyline The storyline follows the familiar template of the earlier films—a spooky mansion, an ancient curse, and characters caught up in eerie circumstances. In Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, the plot centres around a newly haunted location, where a family finds themselves in the middle of supernatural chaos. The suspense builds as characters navigate the spooky happenings, but the narrative feels formulaic and at times, convoluted. While the initial moments are intriguing, the storyline eventually loses steam, relying on predictable tropes and unnecessary subplots.
Performances Kartik Aaryan reprises his role as the quirky and unpredictable psychiatrist, and his comic timing continues to be one of the film’s highlights. Aaryan brings a mix of charm and wit to the character, making the humorous portions of the film enjoyable. Kiara Advani, playing the leading lady, does well in her role, but her character feels less impactful compared to her previous appearance. Tabu, a standout from the first film, returns with an engaging performance, but her character’s potential is not fully explored.
Direction and Humor Anees Bazmee’s direction brings his signature blend of comedy and horror, but the mix often feels forced. While there are some genuinely funny moments and a few tense, eerie scenes, the film struggles to maintain a consistent tone. The humor sometimes undermines the spooky atmosphere, and the scares feel predictable, lacking the edge that the first film managed to deliver. The screenplay leans heavily on slapstick and exaggerated gags, which may appeal to some but risks alienating those expecting a more sophisticated narrative.
Cinematography and Visuals Visually, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 maintains the franchise’s focus on creating a spooky, atmospheric setting. The sets are grand, with well-lit dark hallways, eerie courtyards, and ancient temples that set the mood for supernatural suspense. The use of special effects and CGI enhances the horror elements, though they don’t always manage to create lasting tension. The cinematography by Maneesh Chandra Bhatt does an adequate job of capturing the film’s eerie essence, though the visuals are often overshadowed by the over-the-top humor.
Music and Songs The music in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 offers a mix of catchy tunes and atmospheric tracks, with the iconic “Ami Je Tomar” making a return. The songs add to the fun and lighthearted moments of the film but don’t contribute much to the tension or suspense. While the songs are pleasant, they don’t quite capture the charm of the unforgettable music from the earlier films.
Themes and Impact Like its predecessors, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 explores themes of mystery, the supernatural, and the power of the unknown. However, the film fails to dive deeply into these themes, instead focusing on comedic antics and slapstick humor. The result is a film that, while enjoyable in parts, doesn’t offer the same emotional resonance or chilling thrills that made the earlier installments stand out. The film’s handling of horror is lighthearted at best and lacks the psychological tension that would elevate the genre.
Rating: 2.5/5
Final Verdict Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is a fun ride for fans of the franchise who enjoy lighthearted horror-comedies, but it doesn’t quite live up to the high standards set by the first two films. Kartik Aaryan and Tabu offer solid performances, but the film’s predictable plot, uneven tone, and reliance on comedy over suspense may leave many wanting more. While it has its moments of humor and horror, it doesn’t recapture the magic of the original.
Also Read: Best OTT Releases: Top Picks on JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar
