Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 review: How the film reignites Manjulika’s iconic legacy!

In this review, @moviesandcharacters aka Devesh Hasija ponders upon on Anees Bazmee's star-studded Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and the legacy of Manjullika!

While watching Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, directed by Anees Bazmee, I found myself pondering what makes Manjulika as a character so compelling. Is it the nostalgia attached to the song "Mere Dholna" from Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), or is it the depth of Manjulika's origin story? Ultimately, I realised that it is indeed her story that makes her iconic—the tale of a dancer whose pride and love were stripped away from her simply because she chose to follow her heart. This story sparked anger and emotions in 2007, and it resonates even now. We’ve all had moments where our freedom to express ourselves was limited, where our choices were questioned, and that makes her story feel all the more personal.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 powerfully explores these themes of individuality and self-expression through Manjulika's perspective, revealing the profound impact of being stripped of one’s freedom to be oneself. The only issue with the movie is that it takes a long time to deliver its message. That’s why, when people ask me if they should watch the third instalment of Bhool Bhulaiyaa, my answer is: just for the climax! The finale brings back the Manjulika I grew up watching—a character whom we can empathise with, resonate with, and connect with because of the injustices she has faced.

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I’m not saying this third part is any near or as good as the original Bhool Bhulaiyaa. However, it does feel like a meaningful exploration of Manjulika’s character, offering a fresh perspective on her story while still keeping alive the essence of what made this character so iconic in the first place. Kartik Aaryan tries his best to make every scene work, and you can see his efforts. However, in front of Sanjay Mishra, Rajpal Yadav, and Ashwini Kalsekar, his comic timing falls flat. These three actors have the talent to make the whole theater erupt in laughter, even with the simplest of scenes. Meanwhile, Tripti Dimri, much like Amisha Patel’s Radha in the original, serves more as a catalyst, introducing layers of confusion regarding Manjulika's true identity. Unfortunately, her role lacks significant impact in the larger narrative.

Though Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit attempt to infuse the story with a lot of mystery, unfortunately, apart from just doing that they hardly have anything else to do. Due to the nature of the plot, they don’t have many scenes together as well or much there to leave a lasting impact. Despite its many flaws, the ending redeems much of what came before. This film is like a friend you weren’t sure about at first, but by the time they left, they did something memorable that stayed with you. Whether you love it or hate it, this movie delivers an ending that is impossible to ignore or forget!

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has been an ode and a significant revelation of what Manjulika represents in the Bhool Bhulaiyaa cinematic universe for me, and I hope they continue to preserve this essence moving forward! 

BB3 is currently running in theatres near you! 

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