The Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise has long been synonymous with its unique blend of horror and comedy, setting a benchmark in Bollywood with its quirky storytelling and memorable characters. Directed by Anees Bazmee, the third installment enters a cinematic landscape where expectations are high. Riding on the success of its predecessor, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 had the daunting task of recreating the magic that once captivated audiences. Unfortunately, while the film offers a few moments of laughter and nostalgia, it falls short of delivering a cohesive and satisfying experience.
This installment attempts to cater to both traditional fans of the franchise and a modern audience seeking fresh, progressive narratives. However, the juggling act between sticking to classic tropes and introducing a contemporary edge often feels forced, resulting in a story that struggles to find its footing.
Kartik Aaryan Shines in a Dim Narrative
At the heart of the film is Kartik Aaryan, reprising his role as Ruhaan, the ghostbuster-turned-charlatan. With his natural flair for comedy and charm, Kartik manages to inject life into an otherwise uneven narrative. His portrayal of Ruhaan, a man tasked with handling the vengeful Manjulika, is entertaining and reminiscent of Akshay Kumar’s iconic performance in the original.
Ruhaan’s character is once again placed in a palatial setting, navigating a labyrinth of ghosts, secrets, and long-buried family conflicts. The storyline explores themes of patriarchy, pride, and suppressed desires, but these elements remain surface-level, failing to add meaningful depth to the plot. While Kartik’s comedic timing and screen presence keep the film afloat, even his efforts can’t compensate for the script’s shortcomings.
Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan: A Missed Opportunity
When powerhouse performers like Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan grace the screen, expectations naturally skyrocket. Unfortunately, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 squanders their immense talent, relegating them to underdeveloped roles that fail to make a lasting impact.
Madhuri Dixit’s rare portrayal of a character with grey shades hints at untapped potential. In one particular scene, she showcases her ability to embody a deeply flawed and conceited individual, leaving viewers wishing the script had explored her character further. Vidya Balan, reprising her role from the original Bhool Bhulaiyaa, is another casualty of the weak narrative. While her character has evolved, the script doesn’t do justice to her formidable talent, leaving her presence overshadowed by the film’s chaotic focus on Kartik Aaryan.
A Disjointed Blend of Horror and Comedy
The hallmark of a successful horror-comedy lies in its ability to seamlessly merge humor with scares. While Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 makes several attempts at this balance, the results are often uneven. At 157 minutes, the film overstays its welcome, stretching its humor and horror elements beyond their limits.
The narrative often feels like a patchwork of ideas rather than a cohesive story. For instance, the film mocks Bengali stereotypes for easy laughs, only to make an abrupt pivot towards inclusivity in its climax. This inconsistency not only undermines the film’s message but also alienates the audience.
Nostalgia Meets Missed Opportunities
One of the film’s redeeming qualities is its nod to Bollywood’s horror-comedy legacy. The inclusion of elements reminiscent of the Ramsay Brothers’ films and the iconic Zee Horror Show is a delightful touch for fans of classic Indian horror. These moments evoke nostalgia and provide fleeting glimpses of what the film could have been.
However, these nostalgic callbacks are not enough to compensate for the film’s lack of originality. The screenplay, penned by Aakash Kaushik, feels more focused on catering to younger audiences with juvenile humor than delivering a well-rounded narrative. Several promising plot points are introduced but remain underdeveloped, leaving viewers frustrated with the untapped potential.
Supporting Cast Struggles to Shine
The supporting cast, including seasoned actors like Vijay Raaz, Sanjay Mishra, and Rajpal Yadav, works hard to fill the gaps in the script. While their performances bring occasional moments of levity, the humor often feels forced and lacks the sharpness that defined earlier installments of the franchise.
Triptii Dimri, cast as the film’s female lead, is another underutilized talent. Her role is primarily confined to musical sequences and promotional material, with little effort to give her character depth or agency. This trend of sidelining female characters in favor of the male lead is disappointing, especially in a film that claims to explore progressive themes.
The Struggle Between Tradition and Progress
One of the most significant challenges Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 faces is its attempt to balance traditional comedy with modern storytelling. While the film hints at progressive ideas, such as questioning societal norms and addressing deeper issues, these themes are often overshadowed by the reliance on outdated stereotypes and slapstick humor.
This lack of commitment to either approach results in a film that feels neither traditional nor modern, leaving audiences confused about its intent. The climax, in particular, is emblematic of this struggle, with its sudden shift in tone feeling more like an afterthought than a deliberate narrative choice.
Conclusion
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is a film that had all the ingredients for success but fails to blend them into a cohesive whole. Kartik Aaryan’s performance is undoubtedly the highlight, providing much-needed energy to an otherwise lackluster script. However, the underutilization of talented actors like Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan, coupled with inconsistent writing, leaves the film feeling disjointed and unsatisfying.
While the film delivers occasional moments of humor and nostalgia, its inability to maintain a consistent tone ultimately diminishes its impact. For fans of the franchise, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 may offer some fleeting entertainment, but it is unlikely to leave a lasting impression.
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