“Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” is a continuation of the popular horror-comedy series, marking the return of Kartik Aaryan as Ruhaan, also known as Rooh Baba. In this installment, the character evolves into a self-proclaimed ghostbuster, capitalizing on people’s fear of evil spirits to make a profit.
However, his usual scam encounters something he isn’t prepared for: a real ghost, this time a genuine spirit of Manjulika. The film adds another layer to the mystery and complexity of Manjulika, shifting from the psychological themes explored in previous installments to an actual haunting.
The movie takes place in a dilapidated royal palace in Raktaghat, West Bengal, owned by a struggling royal family. The ancestral home is believed to be haunted by the ghost of Manjulika, and the family lives in poverty as a result. Ruhaan is hired to rid the palace of the ghost in exchange for a large sum of money, as the family hopes to sell the palace and regain their fortune. What seems like another scam for Ruhaan quickly spirals into a supernatural nightmare that forces him to confront the reality of an ancient evil.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (Photo: AA Films)Introduction of Ruhaan and His Role
Ruhaan, portrayed by Kartik Aaryan, is a charming yet fraudulent ghostbuster who makes a living by exorcising ghosts for clients. His character is introduced to swindling people for monetary gain, relying on superstition to sell his ghost-hunting services. However, when he is threatened by Meera (Triptii Dimri), a member of the royal family, to perform a genuine exorcism, Ruhaan is thrust into an unexpected confrontation with the paranormal world. His journey from skepticism to terror marks the film’s central arc.
The lore surrounding Manjulika takes a darker turn in “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.” According to a priest (Manish Wadhwa), Ruhaan is revealed to be the reincarnation of Prince Debendra Nath, Manjulika’s brother. In the backstory, Manjulika was a royal princess who murdered her brother out of jealousy over his claim to the throne. After her execution by burning, she became a vengeful spirit. The film builds upon this myth, revealing that Ruhaan, with royal blood, is destined to end Manjulika’s reign of terror.
As Ruhaan embarks on his mission to banish Manjulika’s spirit, the film takes a psychological turn. Ruhaan begins experiencing nightmarish visions, including seeing Meera’s death and encountering a ghostly presence. The movie keeps the audience guessing whether the supernatural events are real or merely a figment of Ruhaan’s imagination. The introduction of the trio of scheming priests adds to the tension, as their involvement in the ghost’s apparent existence comes into question.
Ruhaan, portrayed by Kartik Aaryan (Photo: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3/AA Films)The Mystery of the Royal Palace and Hidden Secrets
As Ruhaan investigates the palace, strange events occur, leading him to question the very nature of Manjulika’s haunting. He discovers that some of the bizarre occurrences are linked to the trio of priests—Chhota Pandit, Bade Pandit, and Panditayeen—who have been secretly living in the palace. The priests had previously sealed off a room where Manjulika was supposedly trapped. However, upon opening the door earlier than expected, they uncover a series of bizarre and unexplained events, blurring the line between reality and illusion.
In a twist, two women—Mallika and Mandira—enter the scene, both claiming connections to the royal family and the palace. Mallika, a heritage restoration expert, and Mandira, a wealthy woman seeking to buy the palace, raise suspicions with their odd behaviors and uncanny resemblance to ghostly entities. Their mysterious actions, such as anger over the throne and strange laughter, point to a deeper connection with the supernatural. Ruhaan remains skeptical, yet the presence of these women signals the rising tension around the haunting.
As the mystery unfolds, a hidden door is uncovered in the palace basement, leading to the revelation of a startling truth. The priest uncovers that the royal family had two daughters: Manjulika and Anjulika. Both Mallika and Mandira are reincarnations of these sisters, possessed by the spirit of Debendra Nath, who was falsely assumed to be a female ghost. The revelation exposes the complex history of the royal family, shedding light on how Debendra, a transvestite prince, became the real source of the haunting.
Manjulika and Anjulika (Photo: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3/AA Films)The Final Confrontation and Resolution
The climactic battle unfolds as Ruhaan attempts to rid the palace of the vengeful spirits. After a series of confrontations, it is revealed that Mallika and Mandira are not actual ghosts but are possessed by Debendra’s spirit, who sought vengeance for the betrayal and murder he suffered. The two women, now freed from the possession, seek forgiveness for their actions. The ghost of Debendra is finally laid to rest, bringing an end to the curse that had haunted the royal family for centuries.
Despite the intriguing twists, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” falters in its execution. The film’s pacing is uneven, and the humor feels forced, making the storyline difficult to fully engage with. Kartik Aaryan’s performance as Ruhaan falls short of comedic charm, and the lackluster choreography during the dance sequences between Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan detracts from the film’s potential. Ultimately, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” serves as a reminder that sometimes it’s best to leave the ghosts of the past undisturbed, rather than resurrect them for another round of formulaic horror-comedy.
