Film: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
Cast: Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri, Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav, Sanjay Mishra, Ashwini Kalsekar, Rajesh Sharma, Arun Kushwah, Manish Wadhwa.
Director: Anees Bazmee
Rating: 4 Moons

Frontbench Filmwallah

You want an entertainer packed with a powerhouse cast including Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit, Rajpal Yadav, Sanjay Mishra, Vijay Raaz and Triptii Dimri that giftwraps horror, comedy and suspense for Diwali, then go and Anees Bazmee’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 that releases today. Especially do that if you are haunted by the franchise’s bewitching female ghost Manjulika. She continues from where she was left in the earlier films. Locked centuries ago in a spooky palace’s forbidden underground chamber behind heavily padlocked doors. As evil, sinister and beautiful as ever. Only thing, Anees Bazmee has cleverly introduced a masterful switch in the third part. He has brought in the lovely Madhuri Dixit; seductively delicious and distractingly scary as she teases the captivated audience into thinking she is Manjulika. Is she the loathsome ghost that haunted the palace now set free? Or is it Vidya Balan, the palace conservator who shows up dressed in black like the Ace of Spades, with a mysterious and chilling smile and the eerie habit of turning up when she is least expected? Anees Bazmee stretches the suspense till the end. And when you know who Manjulika is, you will realize why this horror comedy needs no spoilers.

The hero of the film is undoubtedly the cute and unshaven Kartik Aaryan, innocently swashbuckling as the con man Ruhaan aka comic ghost buster Rooh Baba. He also carries on from the earlier film, talking to ghosts and exorcising aggressive spirits from families that are terrorized by possessed loved ones. That is until Rooh Baba comes face to face with not one but two evil forces in the avatar of Manjulika in the haunted palace where he has been tricked into coming by the royal family forced to live in a cow shed. Now, he has to put his charade of analytical skills to the test of saving his own life. Joining him in this supernatural thriller is the daughter of the royal family, Triptii Dimri looking beautiful in a limited but spirited role.   Rajpal Yadav, Sanjay Mishra and Ashwini Kalsekar provide comic relief, as does Vijay Raaz as the bewildered patriarch of this haunted palace. The film pays ample homage to the legacy of the earlier Bhool Bhulaiyaa films with equally good music, spine-chilling VFX, and outstanding performances by all the actors. Especially Kartik, Vidya and Madhuri who fill every frame. It is good entertainment all around. There is fun, comedy and drama and a surprisingly shocking twist to the suspense at the climax. Kartik is Prince Charming. Vidya and Madhuri, who fans do not get to see much of these days, add layers of super acting to this good festival entertainer. Go see it with the family. Give yourselves a Diwali treat and surprise.