The latest addition to the ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ franchise, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’, directed by Anees Bazmee, attempts to blend horror and comedy yet struggles to deliver a cohesive narrative. While the film boasts a star-studded cast including Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, and Madhuri Dixit, it ultimately falls short of expectations due to its formulaic writing and uneven pacing.
The film follows Rooh Baba, played by Aaryan, a conman masquerading as a ghostbuster who is summoned to a haunted mansion. The premise is promising, but the execution lacks depth. The first half of the film is bogged down by tedious exposition and predictable humour that fails to engage the audience.
Aaryan’s performance, although energetic, often feels like a mere imitation of Akshay Kumar’s portrayal in the earlier films. His character lacks the necessary development to make him relatable or compelling.
Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit shine in their roles, bringing charisma and gravitas to the screen. Their performances are undoubtedly the highlights of the film, particularly during their climactic dance-off. However, their talents are underutilised in a script that prioritises gimmicks over substance.
The chemistry between the characters is superficial, and the romantic subplot involving Aaryan and Triptii Dimri feels forced and uninspired.
As the film progresses into its second half, it finally introduces some intriguing twists that could have salvaged the experience. Unfortunately, these moments come too late to redeem the preceding monotony. The climax attempts to elevate the narrative with bold choices and emotional stakes, but by this point, much of the audience’s investment has waned.
Moreover, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ suffers from pacing issues; it takes far too long to establish its plot while rushing through critical developments in the latter part. The film’s reliance on nostalgia from previous instalments does not compensate for its lack of originality or coherence.
In summary, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ offers glimpses of potential with its talented cast and some clever ideas but ultimately succumbs to lazy writing and a disjointed narrative. It may entertain die-hard fans of the franchise for its familiar elements, but for those seeking a well-crafted horror-comedy experience, this film may leave them wanting more.
