Bhulbhulaiyaa 3:

 Bhulbhulaiyaa 3: A Rollercoaster of Thrills, Laughter, and Horror – Audience Reactions

As the credits rolled on Bhulbhulaiyaa 3, fans across theaters nationwide erupted with applause, laughter, and a collective sigh of relief. This third installment of the Bhulbhulaiyaa franchise was one of the most awaited films of 2024, thanks to its legacy as a cult horror-comedy. Directed by Anees Bazmee, who helmed the second installment, the movie promised a mix of spine-chilling scares, rib-tickling humor, and a twist of psychological drama. But did it live up to expectations? Here's what the audience is saying.

1. Plot Expectations: Keeping the Legacy Alive

From the moment the trailer dropped, fans of the series were buzzing with excitement. The return of Kartik Aaryan as the quirky yet endearing protagonist, Ruhaan (Rooh Baba), raised hopes that Bhulbhulaiyaa 3 would be a worthy successor to both its predecessors. The question everyone had was, “Can the third film match the balance of horror and humor that the franchise is known for?”

In terms of plot, the film stays true to its roots with its classic mix of supernatural elements and comic relief. Audiences appreciated the fact that Bhulbhulaiyaa 3 maintained the mysterious mansion as the setting, a hallmark of the series, while introducing a new twist involving ancient curses and a darker, more sinister spirit.

2. Kartik Aaryan Steals the Show – Again

Kartik Aaryan’s performance in Bhulbhulaiyaa 2 was a major highlight of the film, and in this third installment, he takes his portrayal of Ruhaan to a new level. Audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive about his ability to balance humor with moments of sheer terror.

Viewers noted how his comic timing remains impeccable, and his chemistry with the rest of the cast, especially the new additions, was a treat to watch. However, what surprised many was his more serious and intense moments, particularly when confronting the spirit. Aaryan’s nuanced performance, blending fear with bravado, has been widely praised as the heart and soul of the film.

One fan on social media even called it "Kartik's best performance to date," emphasizing how he's managed to make Rooh Baba a beloved character in Indian cinema.

3. Humor vs. Horror: A Delicate Balance

The Bhulbhulaiyaa franchise has always been celebrated for its successful fusion of comedy and horror, a blend that’s often hard to perfect. Audience members expressed their relief that the third film managed to retain that delicate balance.

While the jump scares were effective, they were often followed by moments of humor that diffused the tension. The supporting cast, including Rajpal Yadav as Chhota Pandit and Sanjay Mishra as the eccentric spiritual guru, provided much of the comic relief, eliciting laughs from the audience even during the tensest moments.

Some fans felt that the horror scenes in Bhulbhulaiyaa 3 were more intense than the previous installments, with a deeper sense of psychological tension. "It’s scarier than I expected, but in a good way," one viewer commented, noting how the film doesn’t shy away from darker themes.

4. The Supernatural Element: Does it Deliver?

The ghostly presence in Bhulbhulaiyaa 3 is arguably the most terrifying yet, drawing comparisons to Manjulika from the original film. The audience was thrilled by the fresh take on the supernatural, with a new backstory that felt both compelling and chilling.

Social media has been flooded with reactions about the ghost, with fans commending the film for creating a haunting villain that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Some viewers compared it to the original’s Manjulika, saying that this time, the spirit felt even more dangerous and unpredictable.

One particular scene, where Ruhaan has a face-off with the ghost in a crumbling part of the mansion, has been the subject of many online discussions. Audiences noted how this moment was one of the most tense and nerve-wracking scenes in the entire series.

5. Cameos and Easter Eggs: A Treat for Fans

One of the most exciting aspects for die-hard fans was the inclusion of subtle callbacks to the original Bhulbhulaiyaa and the second installment. Whether it was a familiar tune playing in the background or a brief appearance by Vidya Balan’s Manjulika, these moments were met with cheers in the theater.

Fans also loved the return of some familiar faces from the previous films, even if only in cameo roles. These small nods to the earlier movies made Bhulbhulaiyaa 3 feel like a true continuation of the franchise rather than a standalone film.

6. Audience Reviews: What Are Fans Saying?

Online reviews have been largely positive, with fans praising the film for staying true to the franchise’s spirit while also offering something fresh. Many commented that it was "the perfect movie to watch with friends," combining laughs with just the right amount of scares.

One Twitter user wrote, “Bhulbhulaiyaa 3 is the perfect blend of horror and comedy. Kartik Aaryan’s comic timing is on point, and the ghost gave me chills! Totally worth the wait.” Another reviewer shared, “Loved every moment of it! The plot twists kept me guessing, and the spooky atmosphere was on point.”

While some critics pointed out that the film's pacing lagged in parts, the overall consensus seems to be that Bhulbhulaiyaa 3 is a fun and thrilling experience that will satisfy fans of the franchise.