Kartik Aaryan made headlines recently with his return to the big screen through the much-anticipated Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, the third installment of the beloved horror-comedy franchise. Released theatrically in November 2024, the movie quickly transitioned to the digital platform Netflix, where it premiered on December 27, 2024. Directed by Anees Bazmee, the film continues the legacy of its predecessors, the original Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022), both of which were substantial box office successes.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 showcases Aaryan as Rooh Baba, who embarks on a daring adventure through haunting experiences within a mansion located in Kolkata. The plot thickens as he encounters two spirits, both claiming the identity of the notorious Manjulika. Rooh Baba's challenge lies in discerning which of the apparitions is genuinely Manjulika before the unsettling fable escalates its terror. The gripping storyline has undoubtedly kept audiences on the edge of their seats since its debut.
Interestingly, upon its release, the film was pitted alongside Ajay Devgn's Singham Again, yet Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 emerged as one of the year's remarkable cinematic endeavors, garnering positive responses primarily from audiences who favor horror-comedies, similar to Munjya and Stree 2. Its enthralling narrative and sufficient thrills have made it one of the most talked-about films of 2024, clearly establishing itself as a notable addition to the franchise.
For many movie enthusiasts who either missed the theatrical release or simply prefer to watch films streaming, the arrival of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 on Netflix was met with enthusiastic anticipation. The film's streaming confirmation brought about considerable excitement, with fans eager to binge-watch the newest chapter of this celebrated series.
Yet, after its debut on Netflix, the reaction shifted significantly, portraying the film in a less favorable light. Viewers took to social media to express their disappointment, with many lamenting over Aaryan's acting choices and labeling them 'cringe'. Criticism didn't stop at the performance, as poor writing and questionable plot developments were also highlighted. A user expressed their frustration saying, "Watched #BhoolBhulaiyaa3, and honestly, isko Bhool hi rehna chahiye tha! Forced horror, cringe comedy, and a story so illogical it made my popcorn sad," which sums up the sentiment of many critics online.
Another viewer chimed in with more pointed disdain, declaring, "Just watched Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 on Netflix, and it's a total disaster. Kartik Aaryan's overacting is unbearable, trying to mimic Akshay Kumar without the charm or skill. The storyline? Cringe and predictable, a horror-comedy with neither horror nor comedy." This sentiment resonates widely, as many share similar complaints about the film not living up to the legacy of its predecessors.
Critics have been vocal about the film's lack of depth, and Aaryan's portrayal has particularly come under fire. Several commenters categorized the acting as embarrassing, highlighting the stark differences when compared to former lead Akshay Kumar. "Pathetic acting and worst storyline. Kachra movie. Don't waste your time," ranted another disappointed viewer on X, conveying the frustration experienced after watching the film.
Whether it was due to the high expectations set by the original or the perceived promise of horror-comedy, many audiences found themselves disenchanted with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. After managing to watch only the first 30 minutes, one viewer articulated, "...I haven't cringed this much in a long time. What an absolute shitfest!" Such negativity isn’t surprising, especially when considering the impressive bar set by its two popular predecessors.
The mixed reactions to Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 reflect the film's struggle to find its footing under the weight of legacy and audience expectations. While it initially performed successfully at the box office, the divisive reception on streaming demonstrates how challenging it can be for sequels, particularly to iconic films, to resonate with both new and veteran fans alike. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, as it stands, may invoke more discussions about its failures and successes, potentially influencing the direction of future horror-comedy endeavors.