Released on November 1, 2024, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has generated significant buzz due to its star-studded cast, featuring Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, and Madhuri Dixit. The film blends horror and comedy, though it faces challenges in sustaining audience interest throughout its runtime. However, the last 30 minutes reveal an exhilarating climax that rekindles excitement, directed by Anees Bazmee. As a sequel to the popular franchise, this installment aims to balance humor with supernatural elements, yet often stumbles in its execution.
Plot Overview
The narrative centers around Roohan, also known as Rooh Baba (played by Aaryan), a ghostbuster who runs schemes in Kolkata. When Princess Meera (played by Triptii Dimri) requests his help to expel the vengeful spirit Manjulika, Rooh Baba embarks on a humorous quest filled with unexpected twists. As he navigates through comedic hurdles, he encounters two potential forms of Manjulika: Mallika (Vidya Balan), passionate about restoring the palace, and Mandira (Madhuri Dixit), eager to purchase it. This intriguing premise, unfortunately, takes time to become fully engaging.
The First Half: A Slow Burn
The film’s initial half has received criticism for its sluggish pace, relying heavily on familiar humor and predictable jump scares. Aaryan’s portrayal often invites comparisons with Akshay Kumar’s performances in preceding films, leading to a sense of overshadowing. The narrative frequently lacks direction, making it a challenge for viewers to maintain their engagement.
- Character Development: The supporting cast, featuring seasoned actors like Vijay Raaz and Rajpal Yadav, is significantly underutilized, resulting in a feeling of lost potential.
- Triptii Dimri’s Role: Although Dimri showcases a strong performance in a pivotal scene, she largely takes a backseat for most of the film.
The Climax: A Turning Point
As viewers begin to lose hope, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 surprises with a gripping climax. The final 30 minutes introduce bold narratives and emotional depth that had been missing from earlier segments. Critics noted that this portion feels distinct from the rest of the film, allowing Aaryan to shine in a powerful performance.
- Vidya Balan’s Performance: Balan stands out in this sequel, captivating audiences with her depiction of Mallika, while her chemistry with Madhuri Dixit enhances the film’s overall appeal.
- Madhuri Dixit’s Limited Screen Time: Dixit’s brief but impactful role provides refreshing moments that balance the narrative’s chaos.
Movie Ratings: How It Stands Across Platforms
The reception of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 varies across different movie rating platforms, showcasing a divided audience reaction:
- IMDb: Currently holds a rating of 6.8/10, indicating mixed responses from viewers who appreciated its humor but criticized its pacing.
- Rotten Tomatoes: The film has a 65% approval rating from critics, suggesting a mix of entertainment and critiques regarding its substance.
- Metacritic: With a Metascore of 58, it reflects average reviews from critics focused on both strengths and weaknesses in storytelling.
- Letterboxd: Users rate it an average of 3.5/5, commending Balan and Dixit’s performances while expressing dissatisfaction with the first half.
This array of ratings illustrates the audience’s divided sentiments concerning the film’s effectiveness as both a horror-comedy and a sequel.
Final Thoughts
While Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 features moments of brilliance, especially in its thrilling climax, it ultimately suffers from issues regarding pacing and inconsistent tone. Critics have unfavorably compared it to other successful horror-comedies like Stree 2, which skillfully maintained coherence throughout.
- Nostalgia Factor: The film attempts to evoke nostalgia with callbacks to previous installments, yet fails to forge meaningful connections.
- Overall Rating: Critics’ assessments vary, with ratings spanning from 3 to 4 stars, emphasizing the entertaining features while acknowledging notable shortcomings.
In conclusion, while Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 may not elevate to the heights of its predecessors, it provides sufficient entertainment value—particularly in its finale—to justify watching 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.