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The Diwali season brought two eagerly anticipated Bollywood films to the silver screen: Rohit Shetty's action-packed cop drama 'Singham Again' and Anees Bazmee's horror-comedy 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.' Both films are sequels, marking the third installments in their respective franchises, leading to a question on everyone's mind: Can these films be enjoyed without having watched the previous two parts? Let's delve into each film's connection to its predecessors and assess their standalone viewing potential.
Starting with 'Singham Again,' the first film in the franchise, released in 2011, introduced Ajay Devgn as Bajirao Singham, a righteous police officer. This character reprises his role in the threequel, alongside Kareena Kapoor, who was introduced as his love interest Avani in the sequel 'Singham Returns' (2014). While some aspects of the previous films might add context, 'Singham Again' is designed to be accessible for newcomers. The film incorporates elements from the previous two movies, referencing past events and characters to provide depth for those familiar with the franchise. However, it seamlessly blends these elements into the narrative, allowing new viewers to grasp the story without feeling lost. The movie also features Akshay Kumar, introduced in the film 'Sooryavanshi', as a key character, who reprises his role in the threequel. This interconnectedness, while enriching for those who've seen the earlier films, doesn't hinder the enjoyment of 'Singham Again' for first-time viewers.
Moving on to 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,' the first film in the franchise, released in 2007, was a psychological horror directed by Priyadarshan. This film featured Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan, with the latter reprising her role as Manjulika in the threequel. However, the Manjulika of 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' presents a completely new identity and persona, evolving with the times. The only tangible connection to the original 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' is the character of Manjulika itself, but even her portrayal is distinct and fresh in the threequel. As for the second installment, 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2', released in 2022, it's solely connected to the threequel through the character of Ruhaan, aka Rooh Baba, played by Kartik Aaryan. He continues his role in the threequel but faces a completely new mission at a new location, with a different love interest. Thus, 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' stands alone, allowing viewers unfamiliar with the previous two films to immerse themselves in the story without any knowledge gaps.
In conclusion, both 'Singham Again' and 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' have successfully woven elements from their respective franchises to appeal to fans. However, both films have also crafted narratives that are enjoyable for those new to the series. The characters, storylines, and settings are compelling enough to stand on their own, providing an entertaining experience without requiring prior knowledge of the earlier installments. This demonstrates a clever approach to storytelling, captivating both existing and new audiences, ensuring the franchise's longevity while welcoming a wider viewership.
Source: Singham Again, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3: Can You Enjoy Both Films Without Watching First Two Parts?