"Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3" is the much-anticipated third installment in the Bhool Bhulaiyaa film franchise, set to release in 2024. Directed by Anees Bazmee, who also helmed the blockbuster Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022), this movie continues the blend of comedy, psychological thrills, and supernatural elements that the franchise is known for. Fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Kartik Aaryan, who reprises his role as Rooh Baba from the second film. After the huge success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, the stakes are high for the filmmakers, and they are promising an even bigger, scarier, and funnier spectacle with this third entry.
Production and Development
The Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise began with the first film in 2007, directed by Priyadarshan, starring Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Shiney Ahuja, and Ameesha Patel. The film was a remake of the 1993 Malayalam film Manichitrathazhu, and it was praised for its clever mix of horror, comedy, and psychological intrigue. Vidya Balan’s portrayal of the character Manjulika, a woman with dissociative identity disorder, was highly lauded, and Akshay Kumar’s performance as a psychiatrist who unravels the mystery behind the haunted haveli was iconic.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022), while not a direct continuation of the original, retained many of the thematic elements of the first film, such as a haunted mansion, the presence of a ghostly figure, and a protagonist who uses wit and humor to navigate the supernatural chaos. Kartik Aaryan’s portrayal of Rooh Baba, a quirky and mischievous character who can see and interact with ghosts, was a fresh take that resonated with audiences. The sequel also starred Kiara Advani and Tabu, and it was a box office hit, grossing over ₹250 crore worldwide.
The success of the second film made Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 almost inevitable. Announced in mid-2023, the third film aims to expand on the mythos introduced in the first two films while bringing back the fan-favorite elements of horror-comedy that have defined the franchise. Anees Bazmee, known for his expertise in directing comedy films with a dash of suspense and thrill (No Entry, Welcome, Singh Is Kinng), is once again at the helm, and he’s been tight-lipped about the film’s plot, promising audiences a fresh and unpredictable experience.
Plot and Themes
While the exact plot details of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 are being kept under wraps, Bazmee has hinted that the film will take the story of Rooh Baba to new and unexpected places. Fans speculate that the third installment could delve deeper into Rooh Baba’s abilities to communicate with spirits, possibly exploring the origins of his powers. The setting is likely to remain in line with the first two films—a large, eerie haveli with a dark past—but Bazmee has suggested that this time, the supernatural threats will be even more terrifying.
One key theme that has been central to the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise is the blurring of lines between psychological conditions and supernatural phenomena. In the first film, the character of Avni (Vidya Balan) was revealed to be suffering from dissociative identity disorder, which explained her actions as the ghostly Manjulika. The second film, however, leaned more into the supernatural side, with the existence of real ghosts and spirits being a significant part of the narrative.
In Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, it’s expected that the filmmakers will continue to explore this tension between the rational and the paranormal. Rooh Baba’s unique gift allows him to see and interact with ghosts, but his humorous and often irreverent personality brings levity to what could otherwise be a dark and sinister premise. This balance of horror and comedy is a signature aspect of the franchise, and fans can expect more of the same in the third film, with perhaps even more twists and psychological complexities than before.
Cast and Characters
Kartik Aaryan returns as Rooh Baba, the ghost-busting hero who stole the show in the second film. Aaryan’s performance in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 was praised for its energy and comic timing, as well as his ability to bring emotional depth to the character. In Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, he is likely to explore new aspects of Rooh Baba’s personality, including his relationship with the spirit world and his personal backstory. While the first two films were relatively self-contained, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 could provide a deeper look into Rooh Baba’s life outside of his ghost-hunting adventures.
The supporting cast has not been fully revealed, but rumors suggest that Kiara Advani might reprise her role as Reet from the second film, though this has yet to be confirmed. Other returning cast members could include Rajpal Yadav, who played the comic relief character Chhote Pandit in both previous films, and Sanjay Mishra, who joined the cast in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 as Bade Pandit.
There are also reports that the filmmakers are in talks with several big-name Bollywood actors to join the cast for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, potentially adding a new layer of star power to the film. Speculation includes names like Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar, and even Tabu returning in a new role, though nothing has been officially confirmed.
Direction and Cinematography
Anees Bazmee’s direction is expected to follow the high-energy, visually dynamic style of the previous films. His ability to blend jump-scares and comedy ensures that the tone of the film remains entertaining while still delivering moments of genuine tension. Bazmee has said in interviews that Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 will push the boundaries of what audiences expect from the franchise, both in terms of scares and humor.
The film’s cinematography, likely handled by a top-tier Bollywood DOP, will continue to emphasize the eerie, atmospheric setting of the haunted haveli, with shadowy corridors, hidden rooms, and dramatic lighting playing key roles in creating a sense of unease. In Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, the visuals were a standout aspect, with the use of CGI and practical effects to create spooky apparitions and supernatural events. It’s expected that Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 will up the ante, using state-of-the-art technology to create even more impressive and terrifying visual effects.
Music and Soundtrack
Music has always played an important role in the Bhool Bhulaiyaa films. The first film’s soundtrack, composed by Pritam, included the chart-topping track "Hare Ram Hare Ram," which became an iconic part of the film’s identity. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 also had a strong musical presence, with songs like "Bhool Bhulaiyaa Title Track" becoming hugely popular.
For Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, it is likely that Pritam will return as the composer, given his association with the previous films. Fans can expect a mix of catchy dance numbers and eerie, atmospheric background scores that enhance the horror elements of the film. Music will once again play a pivotal role in setting the mood for key scenes, whether it’s to heighten the tension or provide comic relief.
Release and Expectations
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is scheduled for release in Diwali 2024, a prime holiday slot in Bollywood, which suggests that the filmmakers are confident the film will draw large audiences. The release timing also indicates that the film will likely have a big-budget marketing campaign, with promotional tie-ins, music videos, and possibly even a promotional tour featuring the stars.
Given the success of the previous two films, expectations for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 are sky-high. Fans are hoping for more of the clever writing, hilarious performances, and spine-chilling moments that have defined the franchise, and the film’s creators have promised that the third film will be the most ambitious yet. With Kartik Aaryan’s star power, Anees Bazmee’s directorial expertise, and the rich legacy of the Bhool Bhulaiyaa name, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is poised to be one of the biggest Bollywood releases of 2024.
