The much-anticipated Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has hit screens, with Kartik Aaryan and Vidya Balan reprising roles that captivated audiences in previous installments. Early reviews suggest the movie delivers some thrills and laughs, but falls short of the iconic appeal that made the original a cult favorite. The film was released on 1 November 2024.
The main cast of the film includes Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri, Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav, Sanjay Mishra , Ashwini Kalsekar, Rajesh Sharma, Shataf Figar , Manish Wadhwa, Saurabh Dubey, Denzil Smith, Suresh Menon, Kanchan Mullick, Prantika Das, Parineeta Borthakur, and Rose Sardana.
Kartik Aaryan steps into the role once made famous by Akshay Kumar, bringing his unique charm and modern-day comedic timing to the film. According to initial reviews, Aaryan “does his best” to balance the mix of horror and humor that the series is known for. Audiences and critics alike have appreciated his dedication to the role, praising his commitment to reviving the character while adding his own flair.
Vidya Balan, who was iconic as Manjulika in the original Bhool Bhulaiyaa, returns to the franchise, this time in a nuanced cameo. Known for her effortlessly captivating presence, Balan reportedly “steals the show” with a performance that brings both nostalgia and gravitas to the sequel. Critics describe her as “effortless,” and many are calling her portrayal a highlight of the film.
Despite the strong performances, early reactions suggest that Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 lacks the magnetic charm of the original. Viewers have pointed out that the film, while entertaining, struggles to recreate the magic that made Bhool Bhulaiyaa an instant classic. The storyline, which once combined horror and comedy seamlessly, now leans more heavily on clichés, leaving some fans wanting more.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 still offers enough to entertain both die-hard fans and newcomers, thanks to the compelling performances of Aaryan and Balan, along with a supporting cast that keeps the film engaging. While it may lack the originality of its predecessor, the film delivers on its promise of a spooky, laugh-out-loud experience.
Despite mixed reviews, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is expected to draw in audiences, especially those who have followed the franchise from the beginning. The curiosity around Kartik Aaryan’s performance and Vidya Balan’s return could give the film a strong opening weekend.