Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (2024) Movie Review – Kartik Aaryan, Two Queens, One Unforgettable Twist

Rooh Baba Returns with Double the Haunting

When Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 revived the iconic horror-comedy franchise in 2022 and became a runaway box office smash, fans wondered how director Anees Bazmee could possibly top it. The answer delivered in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is delightfully bold: you bring back the original franchise icon, Vidya Balan, pair her with the legendary Madhuri Dixit, and pit two formidable screen queens against Kartik Aaryan beloved Rooh Baba in a high-stakes supernatural showdown.

Released nationwide as a grand Diwali blockbuster in November 2024, the third installment delivers a rollercoaster ride of laugh-out-loud slapstick, genuine jump-scares, lavish dance sequences, and a clever climactic twist that completely redefines the franchise mythology.

The Plot: A 200-Year-Old Curse Unfolds in Kolkata

Set against the atmospheric, fog-laden backdrop of West Bengal, the story follows Ruhaan — the charming conman known as “Rooh Baba” (Kartik Aaryan) — who makes his living staging fake exorcisms. His lucrative scam takes a terrifying turn when he is hired by an aristocratic royal family to clear a centuries-old curse from their sprawling ancestral palace in Raktaghat.

Legend holds that 200 years ago, a vengeful spirit named Manjulika was burned alive following a royal betrayal. Upon entering the mansion, Rooh Baba quickly realizes that this ghost is very real — and far more dangerous than anything he has ever encountered. The mystery deepens when two distinct women in the household (played by Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit) begin exhibiting eerie, possessive behavior, leaving Rooh Baba and the audience guessing until the very end which woman harbors the true spirit of Manjulika.

Performances: Star Power Operating at Peak Level

Kartik Aaryan has thoroughly mastered the Rooh Baba persona. His comic timing is sharper than ever, effortlessly carrying the film lighthearted moments while bringing believable terror when the supernatural stakes escalate. His physical comedy during the palace investigation scenes draws consistent laughs.

However, the true highlight of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is the legendary duo of Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit. Vidya, making her triumphant return to the franchise, brings back all the theatrical intensity and unhinged fury that made her 2007 performance iconic. Madhuri Dixit matches her intensity move for move, bringing regal grace, sharp wit, and terrifying presence. Their face-off dance sequence — a fiery reinterpretation of “Aami Je Tomar” — is pure cinematic magic that drew standing ovations in theaters.

Supporting comedy veterans Rajpal Yadav, Sanjay Mishra, and Ashwini Kalsekar provide dependable comedic relief, ensuring the energy rarely flags.

Horror, Comedy, and Technical Execution

Balancing horror and comedy is a notoriously difficult tightrope act, but Anees Bazmee navigates it with seasoned confidence. The atmospheric set design of the dilapidated Raktaghat palace — complete with creaking corridors, flickering oil lamps, and eerie shadow play — creates genuine tension before releasing it with well-timed comedic punchlines.

Pritam soundtrack, complemented by Sandeep Shirodkar background score, keeps the energy soaring. The visual effects, while occasionally theatrical, serve the film genre-blending style effectively.

Criticisms: Exposition Heavy First Half

Despite its many crowd-pleasing highlights, the film isn’t flawless. The first half feels noticeably bloated, spending an excessive amount of time establishing royal subplots and side jokes that could have been trimmed. At 158 minutes, tighter editing in the opening hour would have given the film a sharper narrative drive.

Additionally, Triptii Dimri character is somewhat underwritten compared to the central trio, serving primarily as a plot device rather than a fully realized character.

Box Office Triumph and Franchise Legacy

With a staggering worldwide box office total exceeding 423 Crore, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has officially cemented itself as one of the most profitable Bollywood releases of 2024. The film massive commercial success proves the enduring strength of horror-comedy in Indian cinema when backed by stellar music and genuine star power. The clash between Rooh Baba and the dual Manjulika persona dominated social media discussions for weeks, generating millions of fan theories and viral dance recreations across TikTok and Instagram Reels.

Cultural Impact and the Future of Bhool Bhulaiyaa

By successfully bringing together three generations of stars — Vidya Balan from the 2007 original, Madhuri Dixit as cinema royalty, and Kartik Aaryan as the contemporary box-office lead — producer Bhushan Kumar and director Anees Bazmee have created a blueprint for sustainable franchise longevity. With a fourth installment already in early development, the Bhool Bhulaiyaa cinematic universe shows no signs of slowing down.

Final Verdict: Pure Diwali Entertainment

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 delivers exactly what a festive Bollywood blockbuster should: big stars, genuine laughs, thrilling scares, magnificent music, and a climax that leaves you thoroughly satisfied. Anchored by the spellbinding presence of Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit alongside Kartik Aaryan box-office charm, it stands as a triumphant addition to India premier horror-comedy franchise.

MovieOn Rating: 7.5 / 10