Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (2024) is the third installment in the popular Indian horror-comedy franchise, directed by Anees Bazmee. The film intertwines elements of supernatural intrigue with comedic sequences, set against the backdrop of a haunted palace in Kolkata.
The narrative begins in 1824, introducing Manjulika (Vidya Balan), a princess and skilled dancer who is wrongfully executed by her father, the Maharaja of Rakhtghat, for practicing Kathak. Her vengeful spirit returns to haunt the palace, leading to a series of mysterious deaths, including that of the Maharaja himself. Fast forward to 2024, we meet Ruhaan Randhawa, also known as Rooh Baba (Kartik Aaryan), a con artist posing as a ghostbuster in Kolkata. He is approached by Meera (Triptii Dimri) and her uncle, who seek his help to rid their ancestral palace in Rakhtghat of the malevolent spirit of Manjulika. Enticed by a lucrative offer, Ruhaan agrees to take on the challenge.
Upon arriving at the palace, Ruhaan is struck by his uncanny resemblance to Prince Debendranath, the Maharaja’s son from two centuries ago. The royal family, now living in poverty due to the palace’s haunted reputation, believes Ruhaan to be the reincarnation of Debendranath, destined to end Manjulika’s curse. As Ruhaan delves deeper, he encounters two enigmatic women: Mallika (Vidya Balan), a historian intent on restoring the palace, and Mandira (Madhuri Dixit), a royal interested in purchasing the property. Both exhibit peculiar behaviors, leading Ruhaan to question their true identities and connections to the haunting.
The plot thickens as the Rajpurohit (Vijay Raaz) reveals that the Maharaja had two daughters, Manjulika and Anjulika, who harbored deep-seated animosity towards their half-brother, Debendranath. Their jealousy culminated in a tragic betrayal, resulting in Debendranath’s death and a curse that has plagued the palace ever since. Ruhaan’s investigation uncovers hidden passages, ancient rituals, and the realization that the true vengeful spirit might not be Manjulika after all.
As Durgashtami approaches, the day when the spirit is believed to exact its revenge, Ruhaan, Meera, and the royal family prepare for a final confrontation. The climax unveils unexpected twists, challenging perceptions of good and evil, and delves into themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” combines humor, suspense, and drama, offering audiences a fresh perspective on age-old legends and the enduring impact of past actions on the present.