The Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise has always been a curious blend of horror, comedy, and mystery, anchored in its unique ability to keep the audience on the edge of their seats while eliciting frequent bursts of laughter. With the release of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, the film promised more of the same — thrilling moments, chilling atmospheres, and of course, the return of Kartik Aaryan as the charismatic, quick-witted protagonist. But how does the third installment fare compared to its predecessors? Does it live up to the legacy of its predecessors, particularly Akshay Kumar’s iconic turn in the first film, or does it crumble under the weight of its ambitions? Here’s a breakdown of the good, the bad, and the ugly takeaways from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. When it was first announced that Kartik Aaryan would be taking over the role of the protagonist in the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise, there was a fair amount of skepticism. How could anyone match the comic timing and intensity of Akshay Kumar, who had left an indelible mark in the original film? However, Aaryan, with his impeccable charm and infectious energy, has managed to make the role his own. In Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Aaryan channels the same humor and wit that Akshay Kumar brought to the table, but in a style that feels more youthful, perhaps even a little edgier. His portrayal of Ruhaan Randhawa — a suave, charismatic man who is forced to confront a haunted past — works well because of his timing and natural flair for slapstick. He seamlessly balances the supernatural tension with comedy, often finding himself in hilarious situations that keep the audience entertained without detracting from the storyline’s gravity. The climax of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is hands down one of the most intense sequences in recent Hindi cinema. Building on the film’s labyrinthine structure and the creepy atmosphere, the final moments deliver a jaw-dropping twist that ties together the narrative threads in a spectacular fashion. The suspense and the gradual unraveling of the mystery are gripping, and the film does a commendable job of keeping the audience guessing until the very end. This twist — while unexpected — manages to tie in themes from the earlier films while offering something new. What makes the climax particularly satisfying is the perfect blend of the supernatural with psychological thriller elements. The film does not shy away from its horror roots, yet it keeps the audience grounded with sharp dialogues and fast-paced sequences that leave them at the edge of their seats. The visual effects during the climax add to the eerie atmosphere, and the stunning performances — particularly from the supporting cast — heighten the suspense further.
While Kartik Aaryan is undeniably the star, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 benefits from a strong ensemble cast. The return of actors like Rajpal Yadav and Paresh Rawal ensures that the humor stays consistent throughout the film. Rajpal Yadav’s character of Chhote Pandit provides the much-needed comic relief, his eccentricities balancing out the tension-filled moments, while Paresh Rawal’s portrayal of the mysterious Dr. Bhoomi plays a key role in maintaining the film’s eerie mood. Moreover, the presence of talented performers like Tabu, who is back in a pivotal role, adds a layer of gravitas to the film. Her enigmatic presence keeps the audience captivated, even as her character evolves. There’s also a nuanced performance by the newcomer — or perhaps more accurately, the supporting cast member — whose role is critical in moving the narrative forward, especially in the final scenes. One of the core strengths of the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise has always been its ability to walk the fine line between horror and humor. However, in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, this balancing act occasionally falters. At times, the film veers too far into slapstick territory, detracting from the tension that should define a horror-comedy. While Aaryan’s charm ensures that the comedy does not fall flat, the over-indulgence in humorous sequences sometimes undermines the genuine scares. The audience may find themselves laughing at a moment when the film should be sending chills down their spine, breaking the overall mood. Some of the comedic sequences — particularly the ones involving unnecessary misunderstandings and over-the-top reactions — seem forced, as if the film is trying to maintain the light-heartedness of the earlier installments without knowing when to tone it down. The result is a tonal inconsistency that occasionally distracts from the central plot. While Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 excels in many areas, the plot itself often feels like a rehash of what we’ve seen in the previous films.
