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Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, the latest installment in the popular horror-comedy franchise, sees the return of Rooh Baba and the Manjulika sisters, this time in a new setting and with a fresh set of demons to conquer. Directed by Anees Bazmi, the film offers a marked improvement over its predecessor, with a captivating second half that redeems the somewhat sluggish first half.
The film's standout performance comes from Vidya Balan, who reprises her iconic role as Manjulika. Her performance is nothing short of mesmerizing, effortlessly captivating viewers with her hypnotic presence. Balan's talent shines through, making it difficult to focus on anything else, even Madhuri Dixit, who shares the screen with her in a dazzling dance sequence.
While the film centers around Rooh Baba, played by Kartik Aaryan, it is Balan's performance that truly anchors the film. Aaryan, however, delivers his career's best performance, showcasing both comedic and dramatic prowess. His performance is effortless and fluid, a stark contrast to his earlier, more accentuated roles.
The humor in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 relies heavily on the comedic talents of Sanjay Mishra, Ashwini Kalsekar, and Rajpal Yadav, whose performances improve as the film progresses. Aaryan, clearly inspired by Akshay Kumar's legacy in the franchise, delivers a strong performance, particularly in the dramatic climax.
Despite its strengths, the film suffers from a few glaring gaps in the narrative. The connections between Meera (Triptii Dimri) and her uncle to Ruhan (Aaryan) are not fully explained, and Dimri's character arc in the story from 200 years ago is only hinted at. This, unfortunately, reflects a trend in Bollywood where talented actresses like Dimri are relegated to secondary roles in populist films.
Similarly, Bollywood's tendency to limit Madhuri Dixit's roles to dancing is frustrating, particularly given her remarkable acting talent. Despite the shortcomings, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 boasts a strong script by Prakash Kaushik, filled with topical humor, self-referential jokes, and clever references to other films.
Beyond the humor, the film explores themes of gender, societal norms, myth-making, and the superficiality of status in the modern world. The film's lavish production design and visual spectacle make a strong case for the complexity of history, reminding viewers that it's rarely as simple as good versus evil.
Source: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Review: Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan are spectacular in this Diwali extravaganza