Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (2024)

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Directed by:
Anees Bazmee

Written by:
Farhad Samji, Anees Bazmee, and Akash Kaushik

Produced by:
Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Murad Khetani, and Ashwin Varde

Starring:

  • Kartik Aaryan as Ruhaan and Manav
  • Tabu as Avni Chaturvedi / Manjulika
  • Kiara Advani as Radhika
  • Rajpal Yadav as Chhote Pandit
  • Sanjay Mishra as Pandit Ji
  • Anil Kapoor as a special appearance
  • Paresh Rawal as Batuknath Pandey
  • Neha Dhupia in a special role
  • Johnny Lever in a cameo appearance

Cinematography:
Ravi Yadav

Edited by:
Kunal Mehta

Music by:
Pritam Chakraborty

Production Companies:

  • T-Series
  • Cine1 Studios
  • Murad Khetani Productions

Distributed by:
T-Series Films

Release Date:
November 1, 2024 (India)

Running Time:
150 minutes

Country:
India

Language:
Hindi

Budget:
₹100 Crore (estimated)

Box Office:
₹350 Crore (estimated, and still counting)

Plot Overview:

The highly anticipated third installment of the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise opens with an eerie mystery as an archaeologist investigating the dark history of a haunted palace in Rajasthan mysteriously vanishes. As the investigation unravels, it’s revealed that the mansion’s curse is tied to the tragic tale of Manjulika, a vengeful spirit with deep ties to the royal family’s dark past.

Ruhaan (Kartik Aaryan), now a reluctant hero, is brought in to help his wealthy uncle, who inherits the estate. When he, along with his wife Radhika (Kiara Advani) and friend Chhote Pandit (Rajpal Yadav), steps foot inside the mansion, they find themselves in a terrifying web of supernatural forces. The mansion itself seems alive with strange happenings and ominous signs, drawing them deeper into a mystery that could unlock the terrifying secret behind Manjulika’s curse.

In this sequel, the stakes are higher, and the supernatural elements are even more terrifying. Manjulika, played once again by the ever-chilling Tabu, is the heart of the horror in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. The ghostly figure is both feared and misunderstood, her tragic backstory slowly unfolding throughout the film. To make matters worse, a spiritual leader named Batuknath Pandey (Paresh Rawal) comes into the picture, presenting himself as the only one who can defeat Manjulika’s wrath with his arcane knowledge. As tensions rise, Ruhaan is forced to confront his deepest fears, with old and new allies helping him face the horrors of the past.

The film is a mixture of comedy and horror, with the charming Kartik Aaryan bringing his signature humor to a plot that sees both lighthearted moments and terrifying sequences. The narrative expertly blends suspense with comic relief, as Ruhaan often finds himself in over-the-top situations.

Production:

The production of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 continues the tradition of grand visuals and high stakes. The film’s set design is larger than ever, with the eerie mansion being the centerpiece of the action. Filming took place across multiple majestic heritage sites in India, and the production crew used innovative cinematography techniques to make the ghostly mansion feel both vast and claustrophobic, enhancing the tension of the horror sequences.

Director Anees Bazmee, known for his ability to juggle comedy and drama, returns to craft a thrilling narrative that emphasizes the balance of both genres. Bazmee’s direction is filled with dark humor that makes light of otherwise terrifying situations, ensuring that the audience remains engaged even in the most intense moments. He also delves deeper into the legacy of the mansion, revealing a history that ties the supernatural elements to the very fabric of the royal family’s downfall.

The film’s budget of ₹100 crore was allocated to creating stunning visual effects that bring Manjulika and the other ghostly apparitions to life in terrifying ways. The mansion’s ghostly hallways, twisted staircases, and dark corners are brought to life with digital enhancements that make every shadow feel menacing. The special effects team used cutting-edge technology to create the supernatural phenomena, blending them seamlessly into the film’s live-action sequences.

Music by Pritam Chakraborty, whose compositions range from haunting melodies to upbeat numbers, complements the atmosphere of the film. The soundtrack shifts from spine-chilling background scores to lighthearted tunes during comedic scenes, mirroring the narrative’s tonal fluctuations. The music is an integral part of the movie, enhancing its emotional range and intensifying the tension during pivotal moments.

Cast and Performances:

The cast of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 continues the tradition of exceptional performances that blend horror with humor. Kartik Aaryan takes center stage with a dual role, playing Ruhaan and Manav. His performance is both humorous and emotional, capturing Ruhaan’s internal struggle between confronting the supernatural and protecting his loved ones. Aaryan’s comedic timing is on full display, particularly during sequences where he is forced to face his fears head-on. He effortlessly balances the terror with humor, ensuring that the audience never loses interest.

Tabu’s return as the enigmatic and vengeful Manjulika is a highlight of the film. Her portrayal of the tragic spirit remains deeply unsettling, and her ability to switch between moments of rage and sorrow creates an emotional depth that goes beyond a typical horror movie villain. The layers she brings to Manjulika’s backstory make her a sympathetic yet terrifying figure.

Kiara Advani, as Ruhaan’s wife Radhika, provides a grounding presence amid the chaos. Her character plays a pivotal role in supporting Ruhaan through the supernatural events, and Advani delivers a nuanced performance that complements the more comedic elements of the film.

Rajpal Yadav’s return as Chhote Pandit brings a much-needed lightness to the story. His antics and interactions with Ruhaan offer a comedic relief that balances out the horror sequences. Yadav’s quirky performance adds a layer of charm to the proceedings, making him a fan favorite once again.

Paresh Rawal’s Batuknath Pandey is a standout addition to the cast. His character, which is both mysterious and authoritative, brings gravitas to the film. Rawal’s performance is filled with moments of tension and wisdom, and his character’s role in defeating Manjulika is critical to the storyline. His balance of humor and seriousness creates a memorable character who adds depth to the supernatural narrative.

Cinematography and Visual Effects:

Ravi Yadav’s cinematography is integral to the film’s success, using sweeping shots of the mansion to convey its eerie scale. Yadav employs clever use of lighting and shadows to enhance the unsettling atmosphere of the haunted palace. Every hallway, every corner of the mansion, and every shadowy figure adds to the film’s growing sense of dread.

The mansion, which almost becomes a character in itself, is shot with a sense of grandeur and foreboding, drawing the viewer into its mysterious depths. Scenes that take place in the vast, dark corridors are beautifully framed, using stark contrasts between light and dark to make the supernatural presence palpable.

The visual effects team brings the paranormal elements to life, especially with Manjulika’s chilling manifestations. The ghostly effects are top-notch, with the film using CGI to craft terrifying apparitions, phantom shapes, and mystical symbols that plague the mansion. The visual effects are seamlessly integrated into the live-action sequences, creating a believable supernatural world.

Music:

Pritam’s music plays a significant role in enhancing both the horror and comedy of the film. The haunting, ethereal tracks underscore the mystery surrounding the mansion and its dark past. During intense moments, Pritam uses a blend of traditional Indian instruments with eerie undertones, building up the suspense before the inevitable supernatural encounter.

Conversely, when the film switches to lighter moments, Pritam’s playful, quirky compositions perfectly match the comedic tone of the film. The balance between the two worlds is achieved through the music, and it is one of the film’s standout features.

Themes:

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 explores multiple themes, including the timeless struggle between good and evil, the impact of history and legacy on the present, and the breaking of generational curses. Manjulika’s tragic past highlights how actions from the past can affect future generations, and how breaking free from these chains can be both liberating and dangerous. The film also delves into the importance of confronting one’s fears and overcoming obstacles, no matter how terrifying they may seem.

The theme of family is also central to the film, particularly in how Ruhaan must protect his loved ones from the malevolent forces haunting the mansion. His bond with Radhika provides an emotional core that balances out the supernatural chaos, and the love between the characters gives the film a deeper emotional resonance.

Reception:

Upon its release, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 garnered widespread acclaim for its perfect blend of horror, humor, and emotion. Critics lauded the film for staying true to the franchise’s unique mix of supernatural intrigue and lighthearted comedy. The performances of Kartik Aaryan and Tabu were particularly praised, with Aaryan’s ability to juggle comedy and terror being highlighted as a major strength.

Tabu’s portrayal of Manjulika was universally praised for being both terrifying and emotionally complex, while Kiara Advani’s grounded performance offered a much-needed counterbalance to the madness.

The film’s success at the box office, grossing ₹350 crore within its first few weeks, is a testament to its popularity. The visual effects, gripping storyline, and memorable performances have made it one of the biggest films of 2025.

Conclusion:

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is an outstanding continuation of the beloved franchise, offering a thrilling blend of supernatural horror, suspense, and comedy. The film’s performances, direction, cinematography, and music work together to create an unforgettable cinematic experience. With its perfect balance of scares, laughs, and heartfelt moments, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is a must-watch for fans of the series and anyone who enjoys a good horror-comedy.