Released on November 1, 2024, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has generated buzz for its star-studded cast, including Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, and Madhuri Dixit. While the film struggles for much of its runtime, the last 30 minutes deliver a thrilling climax that elevates the overall experience. Directed by Anees Bazmee, this horror-comedy attempts to blend humor with supernatural elements but often falls short in execution.
Plot Overview
The story follows Roohan, also known as Rooh Baba (played by Aaryan), a ghostbuster who cons people in Kolkata. He is summoned by Princess Meera (played by Triptii Dimri) to rid her kingdom of the vengeful spirit Manjulika. As Rooh Baba navigates through a series of comedic misadventures, he encounters two potential Manjulikas: Mallika (Vidya Balan), who wants to restore the palace, and Mandira (Madhuri Dixit), who aims to buy it. The film sets up an intriguing premise but takes a long time to deliver on its potential.
The First Half: A Slow Burn
Critics have pointed out that the first half of the film is sluggish, filled with stale humor and predictable jump scares. Aaryan’s performance feels overshadowed as he is often compared to Akshay Kumar’s portrayal in earlier installments. Despite his efforts, the narrative meanders without much direction, making it challenging for viewers to stay engaged.
- Character Development: The supporting cast, including veteran actors like Vijay Raaz and Rajpal Yadav, are underutilized, leading to a sense of wasted talent.
- Triptii Dimri’s Role: Although Dimri shines in a single impactful scene, she is largely relegated to a background character throughout most of the film.
The Climax: A Turning Point
Just when audiences begin to lose hope, the film’s climax takes an unexpected turn. The last 30 minutes introduce bold choices and emotional depth that were absent from earlier scenes. Critics noted that this segment feels like it was crafted by a different director, showcasing Aaryan’s ability to deliver a powerful performance when given the chance.
- Vidya Balan’s Performance: Balan emerges as a standout star in this installment, effortlessly commanding attention with her portrayal of Mallika. Her chemistry with Madhuri Dixit adds an exciting dynamic to the film.
- Madhuri Dixit’s Limited Screen Time: Although her role is brief, Dixit holds her own against Balan, providing moments of levity amidst the chaos.
Movie Ratings: How It Stands Across Platforms
The reception of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 varies across different movie rating platforms:
- IMDb: Currently holds a rating of 6.8/10, reflecting mixed reviews from general audiences who appreciated its humor but criticized its pacing.
- Rotten Tomatoes: The film has garnered a 65% approval rating from critics, indicating that while many found it entertaining, others felt it lacked substance.
- Metacritic: With a Metascore of 58, it suggests mixed or average reviews from critics who noted both strengths and weaknesses in storytelling.
- Letterboxd: Users have rated it an average of 3.5/5, with many praising the performances of Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit while expressing disappointment in the first half.
This range of ratings reflects how audiences are divided on the film’s effectiveness as both a horror-comedy and a sequel.
Final Thoughts
While Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has its moments of brilliance, particularly in its climax, it ultimately suffers from pacing issues and an inconsistent tone. Critics have compared it unfavorably to other horror-comedies like Stree 2, which managed to maintain coherence throughout.
- Nostalgia Factor: The film attempts to capitalize on nostalgia with references to previous installments but fails to establish meaningful connections.
- Overall Rating: Critics have given the film mixed reviews, with ratings ranging from 3 to 4 stars, highlighting its entertaining aspects while acknowledging its shortcomings.
In conclusion, while Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 may not reach the heights of its predecessors, it offers enough entertainment value—especially in its finale—to warrant a viewing for fans of the franchise. Disclaimer: Ratings and opinions expressed in this review are based on early critiques and may vary as more audience reactions come in.
