Not Much Punch, Fizz in BB3

BHOOL BHULAIYAA 3

Cast: Tripti Dimri, Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit, Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav, Parth Siddhpura, Sanjay Mishra, Manish Wadhwa

Director: Anees Bamzee

Beyond a point, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is a huge yawn and far from befitting the Diwali space at the box office. Marketed and packaged as a “horror-comedy” after the stupendous response to the ‘Stree’ franchise, it lacks the punch of the former and the fizz of the latter. Yes, as a combination, it fights to establish a space, a genre that concentrates just that much more on tickle than scare.

Interestingly, the coming together of Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit Nene has not got the marketing space it deserves. Madhuri has been with Aishwarya, Juhi, Karishma, Shabana and is now with Vidya Balan. This is an important space. Two talented mainstream actors in a film not exactly in the space of their repute or convenience, warrants mention, notice and acknowledgement. A decade or so ago this would have been a rallying point of discussion. The matter-of-fact reaction is perhaps in keeping with times that miss out on niceties.

BB3 has tough competition at the box office. Like Rohit Shetty, Anees Bazmee too has his fingers in multiple franchises. The competition is hotting up in the midst of the seasonal fireworks. It appears that the initial responses are favouring BB3 more. Too early. The trend can shift fast.

The royal family has seen prosperous days with king (Denzil Smith) in 1824, but our narrative begins two centuries later when it is in penury. It now has the king (Vijay Raaz), brother-in-law (Rajesh Sharma), niece Mee-ra (Tripti Dimri), Bada Pan-dit (Sanjay Misra), Chota Pandit (Rajpal Yadav), Pan-ditayan (Ashwini Kalsekar). The problem is that the haveli is haunted. The services of the fraudulent exorcist Rooh Baba (Kartik Aaryan) who comes in with his assistant Tillu (Arun Kushwah) are sought. He is also recruited for his resemblance to the former prince Raj Kumar Debendranath. Two women are prime suspects as ghosts: Mallika (Vidya Balan) and a prospective purchaser of the palace, Mandira (Madhuri Dixit Nene). What possible connection do they have to the palace? Well, in an earlier birth, the prince is announced as the heir apparent, much to the anger and dislike of his sibling.

To invest in a comedy is never an easy challenge. Given Anees Bazmee’s track record, there is a type of humour that he is convenient with. His viewers know what to expect. What they do not expect could well be the twist to the tale. This and a few moments spread far between keeps you marginally engaged in the three-hour exercise. Keeping you constantly engaged is Kartik Aaryan in yet another satisfactory outing. Caught in the commercial framework, he is learning its nuances fast and soon. Vidya Balan has a very small role in her return vehicle with the franchise. Madhuri is too starry. The support cast is a good ensemble including the likes of Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav, Sanjay Misra, Denzil Smith but none have roles worth mentioning.

At the end of it all like a character warns in the film cautioning about opening the forbidden door in the palace. “Pralay Ka Aana Nischit Hai.”

The coming of the disaster is inevitable.