Vidya Balan, who immortalized the eerie character of Manjulika in the 2007 blockbuster Bhool Bhulaiyaa, is back to haunt audiences once again. At the grand trailer launch of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, held at Jaipur’s iconic Raj Mandir cinema hall, Balan expressed her joy about reprising the role that earned her “immense love” and promised audiences another unforgettable ride.
The event was graced by co-stars Kartik Aaryan, Triptii Dimri, and Rajpal Yadav, alongside director Anees Bazmee and producer Bhushan Kumar. Balan’s playful humor lit up the gathering as she thanked the team behind the new film. “A big thank you to Anees Bazmee for bringing me back… Otherwise, I would have possessed Bhushan (Kumar), ” she joked, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Returning to the franchise after 17 years, Balan described the experience as a homecoming. “This film has given me so much love over the past 17 years. I’m overwhelmed to be part of the third installment, and I know the love will continue for the next 17 years,” she said with a smile.
Why Jaipur? The Franchise’s Special Connection
Explaining the choice of Jaipur for the trailer launch, Balan noted the city’s long-standing association with the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise. “The first film was shot entirely in Jaipur, and even the second installment captured the city’s charm. It feels right to unveil the trailer here, in a place that has been a part of our journey,” she shared.
Kartik Aaryan, who reprises his role as the quirky Rooh Baba from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022), echoed Balan’s sentiments. “If you enjoyed the second film, you’ll love this one even more. We’ve worked hard to make this a beautiful blend of comedy and thrilling horror,” Aaryan teased, promising a roller-coaster experience for fans.
Bazmee: “Pushing the Boundaries of Horror Comedy”
Director Anees Bazmee, known for his mastery over the genre, hinted at the surprises in store for audiences. “We’ve pushed the limits of the horror-comedy genre to bring something fresh and entertaining. Expect more chills, more laughs, and a gripping narrative that will stay with you.”
The film also boasts a powerful ensemble cast, with Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri adding their magic to the much-anticipated project.
A Mesmerizing Experience for Kartik Aaryan
For Aaryan, sharing screen space with two industry legends, Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit, was a dream come true. “I was mesmerized watching them work. They make complicated scenes look effortless. We joked around and made reels together, but once the cameras rolled, they became their characters,” he recalled.
He also teased a standout scene featuring the two stalwarts. “There’s a moment in the film where both Vidya ma’am and Madhuri ma’am ask me which one of them I believe is Manjulika. It was thrilling, a bit creepy, and an absolute delight to shoot.”
Triptii Dimri: A Dream Come True
Triptii Dimri, one of the newcomers in the film, described being part of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 as a significant milestone in her career. “I’ve always admired Anees Bazmee sir’s work, and getting the chance to work with legends like Vidya ma’am, Madhuri ma’am, and Kartik was a dream come true. I still can’t believe I’m part of this incredible franchise,” she said.
Dimri revealed that she grew up watching Bazmee’s films with her father and always wanted to work with actors like Rajpal Yadav. “It’s a huge deal for me, and we had an amazing time shooting together,” she added.
A Diwali Release to Look Forward To
With Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 set to hit theatres this Diwali, expectations are soaring. The film promises a captivating blend of spine-tingling horror and laugh-out-loud comedy, staying true to the essence of the franchise while offering fresh thrills.
With Vidya Balan returning as the unforgettable Manjulika, Kartik Aaryan reprising his role as Rooh Baba, and Madhuri Dixit joining the ensemble, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is shaping up to be a festive treat for moviegoers.