Release Date: November 1, 2024
Director: Anees Bazmee
Cast: Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 marks the eagerly awaited return of one of Bollywood’s most beloved horror-comedy franchises. Slated for release on November 1, 2024, the film is directed by Anees Bazmee, a master of the genre, and promises to deliver the perfect combination of supernatural thrills and lighthearted comedy. Produced by T-Series Films and Cine1 Studios, this third installment comes with an ensemble cast and is set to release during the Diwali season, making it one of the most anticipated movies of the year.
A Stellar Cast Reprising Iconic Roles
Kartik Aaryan returns as Rooh Baba, the fan-favorite ghostbuster from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. His character, known for his humor and bravado, is back to confront supernatural challenges once again. Adding to the thrill, Vidya Balan reprises her iconic role as the haunted Manjulika, a character that captivated audiences in the original 2007 film. But this time, there’s an exciting twist—Madhuri Dixit joins the cast as a second, equally mysterious Manjulika. This duality raises the stakes, as both characters claim to be the real Manjulika, setting the stage for a storyline filled with mystery and psychological tension.
Joining Aaryan, Balan, and Dixit is Triptii Dimri, who plays Meera, adding fresh energy to the cast. The film also features seasoned actors like Vijay Raaz, who portrays Maharaj, the King of Raktaghat, and Rajpal Yadav as Natwar, aka Chhota Pandit, who has been a comedic highlight throughout the series.
The Haunting Premise of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
Set in the fictional kingdom of Raktaghat in West Bengal, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 introduces Rooh Baba to a haunted mansion steeped in legends and ghostly lore. Here, he encounters two vengeful spirits—both claiming to be Manjulika. This intriguing premise brings an added layer of suspense and mystery, creating a supernatural labyrinth for the characters to navigate.
The storyline takes a deeper, darker dive into psychological horror while retaining the laugh-out-loud moments that the series is known for. This unique approach promises a fresh and terrifying experience, with Anees Bazmee carefully blending horror, humor, and drama to create a thrilling cinematic experience.
A Cinematic Marvel with Stellar Production
The film has been meticulously crafted, with cinematography by Manu Anand bringing Raktaghat and its haunted locales to life. Filming took place across multiple locations, including Mumbai, Kolkata, Orchha, and Leh, and spanned from March to September 2024. The visuals aim to immerse viewers in a world of eerie atmospheres, particularly with scenes shot at historic landmarks in Orchha and haunting sites around Kolkata like the Mallick Ghat flower market and Park Street Graveyard.
Despite an injury that required him to continue filming in a wheelchair, Bazmee demonstrated his dedication to the project. The extensive production design and careful attention to detail reflect the franchise’s commitment to blending traditional elements with fresh, engaging horror-comedy.
The Musical and Dance Extravaganza
With music playing a significant role in the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise, the film’s soundtrack brings together popular names like Tanishk Bagchi, Sachet-Parampara, Amaal Mallik, Aditya Rikhari, and the duo Lijo George-DJ Chetas. The film score, composed by Sandeep Shirodkar, adds a haunting layer to the scenes, enhancing the suspense and mood.
One of the highlights is a special jugalbandi sequence between Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan set to the tune of “Mere Dholna.” Choreographed by Chinni Prakash, this sequence revives the soulful classic with a new twist, adding an emotional and thrilling moment to the story.
The Anticipation Builds: Diwali Release
Slated for release during Diwali, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 promises a captivating cinematic experience that will resonate with audiences of all ages. The Halloween season release adds an extra layer of excitement for fans eager for a horror-comedy treat. With Bazmee’s signature storytelling and a cast that includes some of Bollywood’s most celebrated names, the film is likely to draw crowds looking for both laughs and scares.