Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Review: Nostalgia Meets Meme Culture In A Mixed Bag Of Horror Comedy

The latest horror comedy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, directed by Anees Bazmee and produced by T-Series, marks the latest addition to the franchise. Kartik Aaryan returns as Ruhaan, the ghostbuster, joined by Madhuri Dixit, Vidya Balan, Triptii Dimri, Vijay Raaz, and Sanjay Mishra in an ensemble that’s just as vibrant as it is varied. But while the film comes with the promise of nostalgia and comic horror, it’s clear from the get-go that this one might be more about getting laughs from meme culture than crafting a classic. 

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For fans of the original, there’s a different premise to adjust to, with the franchise pivoting from a narrative rooted in mental health to a full-fledged supernatural story. The film itself is set against the backdrop of Diwali festivities, aiming to blend horror with humor, though the spirit of Bhool Bhulaiyaa sometimes gets lost in translation. Bollywood’s love for sequels isn’t new, but this one highlights the challenge: not every addition can recreate the magic of the original. It feels like Bollywood’s currently running with the “if it makes money” mindset, adding A-list cameos or public favorites as a shortcut to box-office success. And while the casting lineup is undoubtedly appealing, it sometimes feels like a spectacle more than a film.

The plot follows Ruhaan’s return to a palace haunted by Manjulika. With his sidekick Tilu (Arun Kushwah) and a skeptical Meera (Triptii Dimri), Ruhaan faces a labyrinth of supernatural happenings and ancestral drama. It’s a plot filled with familiar thrills, though the comedic scenes sometimes feel like they’re taking inspiration from social media memes rather than building original humor. The laughs here are more topical than timeless, making you wonder if the comedy will still land a few years down the line. 

Kartik Aaryan does his best to make Ruhaan his own, bringing a playful confidence reminiscent of Akshay Kumar’s original role but with his own spin. That said, some details feel lacking, particularly in his character’s depth. Madhuri Dixit as a bold, mysterious character definitely brings intensity to her role, and Vidya Balan, reprising her iconic role, is as magnetic as ever, although there were moments that veered into melodrama. But let’s be clear, Vidya’s got the chops, and it was more of a technical shortfall than a flaw in her performance. And while Madhuri’s costumes deserve a special mention, Triptii Dimri’s character felt like an afterthought—a missed opportunity, really, given her strong presence in past roles. Coming off her work in Bulbbul, I expected more from her character, which ends up feeling like a good actor sidelined, with only glimpses of what she’s truly capable of delivering.

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Now, let’s get to the song everyone’s buzzing about Ami Je Tomar 3.0. This dance-off between Madhuri and Vidya is high-energy, and while Madhuri’s experience as a dancer shines, Vidya matches her, pushing the choreography into an exciting, almost theatrical territory. Yet, the film steps away from the traditional dance roots, blending it with a more commercial flair. Shreya Ghoshal’s haunting voice and Pritam’s music do manage to capture that old magic, taking me back to Mere Dholna—a track that still has a hold on audiences. The remaining songs, though? Pretty forgettable. They felt more like filler than fuel for the plot. The romantic tracks were redundant, barely adding anything to Kartik and Triptii’s dynamic, and the title track, despite featuring big names, isn’t something you’d find yourself humming years down the line. Hukkush Phukkush, originally a Kashmiri tune, also felt out of place with the Bengali setting, adding a jarring element that just didn’t sit right.

On the technical side, the cinematography does capture the eerie charm of the haveli, with dimly lit corridors and a few solid jump scares that keep the horror alive. The background score nods to the classic Zee Horror Show vibe, which is a nice touch for fans of vintage horror. But some of the visual effects start to feel formulaic, and the editing drags in parts, especially in the first half, which could’ve been done with some trimming to keep the pace more engaging.

In the end, with meme-culture-inspired comedy, underdeveloped characters, and a few too many plot detours, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 doesn’t quite hit the mark that the original set. It’s a film that tries to balance the legacy with novelty, but ultimately, the heart and humor of the first film remain unmatched. It’s a nostalgic nod but lacks the lasting impact to become the classic it aims to be.

Image Credit: IMDb