The Hindi horror comedy drama "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3," featuring Kartik Aaryan and Tripti Dimri, has sparked significant reactions from viewers after its digital debut on Netflix. Released theatrically on November 1 and streaming since December 27, the film initially generated buzz among fans but has since faced backlash online.
Upon hitting the streaming platform, viewers expressed strong discontent through various comments on social media, particularly on X. Many users criticized the film's failings, calling it a letdown for the "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" franchise. One user lamented, "Sir same goes for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Zero comedy & overacting by the entire cast. Don’t know how these movies collect 250 cr; they are unbearable on the OTT as well.” Another user wrote, "The only funny or rather unexpected thing in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 was the jawan wala thing."
While some fans enjoyed elements of the film, praising its visuals and performances, the majority voiced disappointment. Comments highlighted the movie's bland screenplay and excessive length, with one critic noting, "Kitni lambi movie hai bhool bhulaiyaa 3 bhai, khatam hone ko ni aa rahi!" referencing the film's pacing.
"Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3" was produced with a budget of Rs 150 crore and managed to earn Rs 260.04 crore at the box office, but the mixed reviews on OTT have prompted discussions about its merit as part of the series. Many netizens remarked on how the film failed to meet the expectations set by its predecessors.
Despite the negative feedback, there were pockets of support for certain aspects of the film. One enthusiastic viewer defended the project, stating, "The entry of Rooh Baba, That HARE RAM HARE RAM, and some iconic places of Kolkata—ufffff! The Visuals, the chosen locations were so good… and #KartikAaryan your sweet speaking Bengali was the cherry on top." This comment encapsulated the mixed feelings surrounding the movie.
Notably, the film faced significant competition, clashing at the box office with Ajay Devgn’s cop drama "Singham Again," which is now available on Prime Video. This rivalry put additional pressure on the release and reception of "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3," potentially influencing viewer sentiments.
Critics were also quick to draw parallels between "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3" and other films. One tweet suggested the plot closely resembles the Tollywood film "Om Bheem Bush," indicating possible originality issues. Another user bluntly stated, "Don’t forget to keep your brain in the fridge when watching Reincarnated 'Shehzada'," implying the film did not require much thought.
With its turbulent reception, many are questioning whether the iconic characters Rooh Baba and Manjulika can continue to thrive within the franchise. Some comments indicated doubts about future installments, with one viewer expressing, "I hope the franchise doesn’t continue after this." Users criticized the roles, particularly highlighting Tripti Dimri's character as insignificant.
The variety of reviews showcases the divided nature of audience reaction. One tweet noted, "Just turn off your brain to enjoy this reincarnation of ‘Shehzada.’" This highlights the sentiment among many viewers who found humorous yet frustrating similarities to previous works. Overall, the responses to "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3" demonstrate how viewer expectations greatly affect their enjoyment of sequels.
Despite the backlash, it remains clear the movie attracted attention and generated discussion among audiences—an indication of its impact on the horror comedy genre, even if it did not meet everyone's expectations. Whether or not this film will influence the future of the "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" series remains to be seen, but it's evident it has sparked extensive conversations among fans old and new.
