Reviving the Enigma: Vidya Balan Returns for Bhool Bhulaiyaa’s Third Installment

Actress Recounts Her Swift Acceptance of the Iconic Role and Priyadarshan’s Influence

Vidya Balan’s lightning-fast acceptance of the role of Manjulika in the 2007 blockbuster Bhool Bhulaiyaa remains a testament to her passion for storytelling. Without even perusing the screenplay, she embraced the opportunity with gusto, marking it as the quickest decision she ever made in her career. Balan’s journey into the eerie realm of Manjulika began with her avid admiration for Priyadarshan’s work, particularly his directorial finesse in the Malayalam classic, Manichitrathazhu.

Recalling the pivotal moment of acceptance, Balan reminisces about her rendezvous with Priyadarshan amidst the hustle of a Mumbai ad shoot featuring Sunny Deol. Prompted by Priyadarshan’s invitation to visit the set, Balan found herself thrust into a whirlwind of nostalgia and anticipation. Having been captivated by Shobhana’s portrayal in the original film during her childhood, Balan’s excitement was palpable, albeit tinged with a hint of trepidation. She confesses, “I remember I went to meet Priyan sir…and I said yes instantly.”

The absence of a script did little to deter Balan’s enthusiasm, for her familiarity with the source material sufficed to fuel her conviction. In her own words, it was “probably the shortest meeting I had for a film and that was the shortest time I took to say yes to a film because I loved the original.” Such was the magnetic pull of Manjulika’s character, drawing Balan into a realm where fear and fascination coalesced seamlessly.

As the narrative unfolds, Balan’s portrayal of Avni, a character grappling with dissociative identity disorder, adds layers of complexity to the storyline. Alongside her, Akshay Kumar assumes the role of a paranormal investigator, while Shiney Ahuja essays the part of her husband, weaving a tapestry of suspense and humor. Balan’s return for the third installment of the comedy-horror franchise attests to her enduring connection with the character and the cinematic universe it inhabits.

Reflecting on her collaboration with Priyadarshan, Balan emphasizes his pivotal role in shaping her artistic journey. For her, he was the embodiment of trust and vision, the only choice to bring Avni’s character to life. Through his adept storytelling, Balan found herself ensnared in the enigmatic allure of Manjulika’s tale, a testament to the enduring power of cinematic storytelling.