Anee Bazmeez’s Bhool Bhulaiya 3 released this Diwali on November 1, 2024. The story is penned by Akash Kaushik.
Plot of the film
The plot of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is a true Diwali treat. The deadly ghost of Manjulika haunts the kingdom of Raktoghat in ancient Bengal, where the royal court is set up. The iconic song “Ami Je Tomar” plays in the background as a woman dances to it. The king arrives with his guards and ultimately has the woman burned alive.
The present story picks up exactly 200 years later. Rooh Baba (Kartik Aaryan) works with a friend to con people by pretending to rid them of ghosts. He then meets Meera (Tripti Dimri), who lures him to Raktoghat with the promise of money. Once he reaches the palace, Rooh Baba discovers shocking new secrets.
He learns that the palace is inhabited by the spirit of a witch named Manjulika, who seeks revenge for her death. As the story unfolds, two new characters—Mallika (Vidya Balan) and Mandira (Madhuri Dixit)—enter the scene. Their actions mirror those of Manjulika, and they both start following Rooh Baba, convinced that he is responsible for Manjulika’s death in a past life. In the end, a major twist changes the entire story, a secret that you’ll have to watch the film to uncover.
The Technical Review of the film
The film excels with strong synchronization and well-written scenes. The cinematography is impressive, and the director manages to present the story effectively, building suspense in just the right places. The star-studded cast truly brings the film to life, as director Anees Bazmee had promised in a previous interview.
Performances
Kartik Aaryan captures the essence of Rooh Baba, embodying the younger, vibrant character with charm. His casting works well, as his youthful look suits the role. Tripti Dimri as Meera complements him, playing her role with conviction.
The real standout, however, is Vidya Balan, the “king of spades” in the story. She seems born to play Manjulika, also known as Mallika in this version. If Vidya is the “king of spades,” then Madhuri Dixit is the “ace of hearts,” embodying fierceness, humor, and mystery in equal measure. It’s worth noting that she does not play Manjulika. Vijay Raaz shines as the Maharaj, and Manish delivers a solid performance as the Purohit. The comedic trio—Sanjay Mishra as Bade Pandit, Rajpal Yadav as Chotiwale, and Ashwini as Panditayen—keeps the audience entertained with perfect comic timing.
The film is well-written, with a powerful message that hits the mark in the climax. It’s a movie worth watching multiple times, offering full-time entertainment.
