Plot Overview:
Rooh Baba (Kartik Aryan), a cunning scam artist who convinces people that their loved ones are possessed, finds himself in uncharted territory when he takes on a ghostbusting job at a mysterious palace without knowing its sinister past. Hired by Meera (Tripti Dimri) to exorcise a spirit in her family’s haunted palace, Rooh Baba stumbles into a supernatural tangle involving her father, Raja Saab (Vijay Raaz), who has been plagued by the ghost of Manjulika for centuries.
As Rooh Baba begins his investigation, he learns that the palace’s dark history is linked to two enigmatic women: Mallika (Vidya Balan), who wishes to restore the property, and Mandira (Madhuri Dixit), a determined buyer. Both women seem connected to the spirit haunting the palace, but no one is quite sure who—or what—is behind the terrifying events. As the mystery builds, the film culminates in a surprising revelation about the true identity of the spirit.
Performance & Review:
Kartik Aryan brings his characteristic charm and energy to the role of Rooh Baba, but director Anees Bazmee’s direction seems to lean heavily on trying to recreate Akshay Kumar’s iconic portrayal from the previous films. This choice detracts from Kartik’s unique style, making parts of his performance feel somewhat forced and repetitive. Tripti Dimri also struggles to make a strong impression, delivering a performance that falls short of expectations.
The film benefits from a talented ensemble cast, including Sanjay Mishra, Vijay Raaz, Ashwini Kalsekar, and Rajpal Yadav, who all add valuable humor and depth, although they don’t have enough screen time to leave a lasting impact. While the first half moves at a sluggish pace, testing the audience’s patience, the film gains momentum in the second half, delivering a more engaging narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Veteran actors Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan elevate the experience with powerful performances that bring weight to the climax.
Final Verdict:
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 mixes horror, comedy, and suspense, but its inconsistent pacing and occasional predictability hold it back from reaching its full potential. The second half is far more engaging, thanks to solid performances from its legendary cast, but ultimately, the film leaves you wanting more. 2.5/5 for a sequel that entertains but doesn’t quite live up to its predecessors.
