Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (2024) Review: Lacks the Magic of Its Predecessors
Rating: 2/5
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 returns to familiar territory with Rooh Baba (Kartik Aaryan) reprising his role as the quirky ghostbuster, but unfortunately, the film’s predictable storyline and technical flaws hold it back from reaching the engaging heights of its predecessors. Directed by Anees Bazmee, this installment attempts to blend horror and comedy but falls short, delivering a formulaic experience that fails to add anything fresh to the franchise.
The story feels largely uninspired, relying heavily on predictable scares and comedic beats that don’t land as well as they should. For a film intended to bring suspense and laughter, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 ends up feeling tedious. This lack of excitement was so prominent that I found myself stepping out during the movie to move my car undercover in the hail, which says a lot about how little the movie managed to engage me.
While Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 attempts to capitalize on the nostalgia of the original, technical issues—particularly in CGI—undermine its potential. The climactic scenes, where high-quality effects could have added tension, suffer from poorly executed CGI, making moments that should be visually intense feel cartoonish instead. This is especially evident in the climactic showdown, where the low-quality effects take away from the eerie atmosphere the film tries to create. For a horror-comedy that leans on supernatural elements, the inconsistent CGI is a big miss, leaving the finale feeling flat and unconvincing.
Kartik Aaryan reprises his role as Rooh Baba with his usual style, bringing the same brand of humor and quirky expressions that audiences have come to expect from him. While his portrayal brings some light-hearted moments, it lacks the versatility needed to add depth to the character. Much like his performances in previous films, Aaryan relies on his typical comedic timing and familiar gestures, which can feel repetitive, especially for those hoping to see a new side to his acting in a horror-comedy. In Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, his character’s journey feels stagnant, with Aaryan offering little variation to make Rooh Baba’s ghostbusting persona evolve or adapt to the new challenges he faces. This sameness might appeal to fans of his style, but for others, it underscores a missed opportunity to bring more complexity or innovation to the role. As a result, while Aaryan’s performance keeps the film moving, it doesn’t do much to elevate the overall experience.
The performances by Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit, however, do add some depth to the film. Vidya Balan’s portrayal of Manjulika brings back the unsettling energy that made her role in the original so memorable, though her character doesn’t get the screen time it deserves. Madhuri Dixit brings elegance to her role, but her potential feels limited by a script that doesn’t allow her to fully showcase her emotional range. Both actresses offer strong performances that momentarily elevate the film, yet the narrative doesn’t give them enough room to shine.
The iconic "Ami Je Tomar" dance sequence returns, but this time, it incorporates Bharatnatyam and Kathak styles in a way that feels mismatched and awkward. While the intention might have been to create a hauntingly beautiful moment, the choreography feels disjointed, making the scene uncomfortable rather than captivating. The fusion of these distinct classical dance styles lacks harmony, detracting from the emotional impact of the sequence and leaving it feeling out of place.
In summary, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 struggles to find its footing, with a predictable plot, poorly executed CGI, and a dance sequence that feels awkward rather than haunting. Despite the efforts of Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit to bring depth to their roles, the movie fails to deliver the thrills and engagement fans might expect.