The latest installment in the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, returns with promises of chills, thrills, and a double dose of the iconic Manjulika. Helmed by director Anees Bazmee, this sequel brings back Vidya Balan—the original Manjulika—and introduces Madhuri Dixit in a similar role. Despite the star power of these seasoned actresses and Kartik Aaryan’s return as the charming Rooh Baba, the film falls short of expectations, offering twice the Manjulikas but, unfortunately, half the fun.

A Ghostly Duo, But a Missed Opportunity

Reprising her role as the vengeful spirit Manjulika, Vidya Balan is joined by Madhuri Dixit in what should have been a cinematic powerhouse. Their portrayal of two supernatural forces held captive by a tragic past could have brought rich, layered storytelling to the comedy-horror genre. Instead, the film’s script struggles to fully utilize their talents, making the dual presence of Balan and Dixit feel more like a missed opportunity than a horror-fueled spectacle.

Kartik Aaryan’s Rooh Baba Lacks His Usual Charm

Kartik Aaryan returns as Rooh Baba, the faux ghostbuster whose mix of charm and bravado made him a hit in the previous installment. However, in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Aaryan’s performance feels somewhat fatigued, with his character’s quirky antics and psychic façade lacking the freshness that fans loved. While he carries a fair share of comic relief, his character’s development seems to have hit a ceiling, making his antics feel repetitive.

The Story Travels 200 Years Back in Time

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 ambitiously travels 200 years into the past, adding a historic twist to Manjulika’s backstory. The film explores a royal family’s dark legacy, where a powerful heir’s betrayal ignites a supernatural curse. The origin story delves into a tragic tale of an enraged father who burns his dancing daughter alive, only for her spirit to rise from the ashes as the malevolent Manjulika. However, despite the intriguing premise, the screenplay doesn’t do justice to the complex history, leaving much of the tension unresolved.

Double the Haunt, Half the Thrills

With Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Bazmee tries to reinvent the franchise by bringing a ghostly tag team, but the movie often feels burdened by its own ambition. The eerie atmosphere and comedic elements that defined the previous films are notably subdued, resulting in a film that lacks the scare factor or light-hearted horror the franchise is known for. While the ghostly encounters and haunted palace settings create visual allure, the scares are tame, and the comedic timing falls short.

Verdict: A Visually Pleasing but Uninspired Sequel

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is undoubtedly a visual treat, with grand sets that recreate the haunting beauty of a bygone Bengal era. However, the film’s pacing, combined with a storyline that doesn’t fully utilize its powerful cast, leaves audiences yearning for the humor and horror that made the previous films memorable. Despite standout moments from Balan and Dixit, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 doesn’t reach the heights of its predecessors, delivering an experience that’s haunting in concept but not in execution.

For fans of the franchise, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 offers glimpses of nostalgia and an imaginative dive into ghostly lore, but it doesn’t quite capture the energy of the original. While Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit bring a unique gravitas to their roles, the screenplay’s lack of cohesion keeps Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 from realizing its potential as a high-stakes horror-comedy.

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