Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Movie Review: Twists, turns and red herrings

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*Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3* continues the adventures of Kartik Aaryan’s Ruhaan Randhawa / Rooh Baba, who has evolved into a conman with a comedic sidekick. He is hired by Meera (Triptii Dimri) and her uncle (Rajesh Sharma) to fake an exorcism at their haunted Bengal palace, home to the ghost Manjulika. The plot thickens when Ruhaan encounters a portrait of himself as a prince, fueling suspicions of reincarnation, and when Vidya Balan, playing a curator, arrives with a hidden agenda. A rival group of con artists, led by Sanjay Mishra, adds to the chaotic narrative.

Director Anees Bazmee crafts a horror-comedy with mystery elements, filled with red herrings and twists. The film keeps viewers guessing with dream sequences, con games, and genuine scares. Comedy is central, featuring humorous scenes tied to the royals' financial woes and standout performances by Vijay Raaz and Rajesh Sharma. The Pandit family adds slapstick humor, while the romantic subplot between Ruhaan and Meera feels extraneous and could have been trimmed.

A highlight is the dance-off between Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan on *Ami je tomar*, which showcases their talent and charisma. Both actresses shine, maintaining the suspense and delivering memorable performances. Subtle de-aging effects enhance their presence without distraction.

Triptii Dimri brings charm but has limited scope compared to her past roles. Kartik Aaryan embraces the comedic tone, excelling in his reactions to horror elements and showing great comic timing. More scenes of Rooh Baba's cons would have been welcome.

Overall, *Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3* blends genres effectively, maintaining a family-friendly tone without crude humor. It emphasizes inclusivity and acceptance, adding an emotional layer. The film, however, faces competition from *Singham Again*, and only time will reveal which will prevail at the box office.