Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3: Kartik Aaryan’s Horror Comedy Hits OTT, Sparks Mixed Reactions from Fans

The highly anticipated Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 brought back Kartik Aaryan as Rooh Baba, promising a mix of horror, comedy, and nostalgia.

Released alongside Ajay Devgn’s Singham Again, this film became a crowd-puller during the festive Diwali season. Adding to the excitement, Vidya Balan reprised her iconic role as Manjulika, joined by Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri.

After its impressive theatrical run, the film finally made its way to Netflix on December 27, leaving fans divided in their opinions.

Fans Celebrate Rooh Baba’s Return

Fans of Kartik Aaryan were thrilled to see him donning the role of Rooh Baba again. The movie brought back memorable elements, such as the haunting “Hare Ram Hare Ram” theme and the eerie locales of Kolkata. A social media user exclaimed:

“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… #KartikAaryan your sweet speaking Bengali was the cherry on top.”

Another fan highlighted the film’s strong points, including its unexpected twists and brilliant performances:

“#BhoolBhulaiyaa3 A solid twist elevates this entertainer. @TheAaryanKartik show all the way. @vidya_balan & @MadhuriDixit are absolute scene stealers & stunners.”

Criticism from Viewers

While many celebrated the film’s horror-comedy elements, others were less impressed. Critics took to social media to express their disappointment, accusing the movie of lacking originality. One user remarked:

“Don’t forget to keep your brain in the fridge while watching. #BhoolBhulaiyaa3 is eerily similar to the Tollywood film – Om Bheem Bush.”

Another review criticized the movie as a one-time watch with little replay value:

“Average movie. Good one-time watch, but nothing memorable. Triptii Dimri has to be the most underwhelming part of the film.”

A Star-Studded Cast

Directed by Anees Bazmee, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 boasts an impressive ensemble cast. Kartik Aaryan plays the fearless Rooh Baba, Vidya Balan returns as the iconic Manjulika, Madhuri Dixit lends her charm, and Triptii Dimri adds a romantic subplot.

One of the film’s highlights was Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit performing the classic “Mere Dholna” song. This nostalgic moment tied the third installment to its predecessors.

The franchise began in 2007 with Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan in lead roles, followed by Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 in 2022, which starred Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani, and Tabu.

Record-Breaking Box Office Success

Despite mixed reviews, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 shattered records at the box office. The film opened to ₹36.60 crore, marking Kartik Aaryan’s biggest opener to date. It went on to gross ₹389.27 crore worldwide, with ₹311.27 crore earned domestically.

Netflix Premiere

Following its theatrical success, the film made its OTT debut on Netflix on December 27. Netflix announced the release with a humorous video featuring Kartik Aaryan. Sharing the news, Kartik took to Instagram and wrote:

“BHOOL BHULAIYAA 3 Now Streaming On NETFLIX.”

The OTT release gave fans a chance to relive the thrills, laughter, and drama of the big screen from the comfort of their homes.

Competing with Singham Again

Releasing alongside Ajay Devgn’s Singham Again, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 faced stiff competition at the box office.

Anees Bazmee acknowledged the challenge, stating that the simultaneous release of these two big-budget films during Diwali affected their overall collections.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 continued the legacy of its beloved franchise, blending lighthearted comedy with spooky thrills.

While its mixed reception revealed divided opinions, the film’s stellar cast, box office success, and OTT release ensured its place as a memorable entry in Bollywood’s horror-comedy genre.