Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 was a game-changer, not for its craftsmanship but for breaking the box office inertia caused by the pandemic. This film propelled Kartik Aaryan to superstardom, replacing Akshay Kumar in this spiritual sequel to the 2007 hit. While the story and performances were solid, what stood out was the effective distribution of roles. Aaryan contributed star power, while Tabu, playing twin sisters Anjulika and Manjulika, carried much of the narrative weight. Kiara Advani added glamour and a romantic subplot to the horror-comedy mix.
Following the success of his previous films like Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Aaryan took on diverse roles, but it was Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 that truly broke barriers for him. The film, made on a ₹70 crore budget, grossed ₹267 crore globally, marking it as the fourth highest-grossing film of the year. This success earned Aaryan India’s first McLaren GT, valued at over ₹3.7 crore, cementing his status as a hitmaker and saviour of Hindi cinema.
The Big Question for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
As Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 gears up for release, many wonder if it can revive the careers of Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit, much like the second instalment did for Aaryan. Since Aaja Nachle, released in 2007, Madhuri Dixit has primarily focused on television and dance reality shows, while her film ventures have not restored her past glory. Vidya Balan’s last major box office success was Mission Mangal in 2019. Her subsequent films, including Shakuntala Devi and Sherni, have struggled to make a significant impact.
Both actresses, despite their talent, are currently experiencing a career lull. Joining a successful franchise like Bhool Bhulaiyaa could inject new life into their careers. However, the film also needs their star power to succeed. The trailer suggests that Balan and Madhuri Dixit might take on roles similar to Tabu’s in the sequel, navigating through cringe humour and low-hanging jokes. Their charisma could lend credibility to the film, preventing it from descending into mediocrity.
Moreover, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 can benefit from the box office success of Stree 2, another multi-starrer horror-comedy that has recently resonated with audiences. This surge in interest in the genre means that Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is likely to attract a crowd eager for another big-screen spectacle.
As the release of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 approaches, the real test will be whether it can rejuvenate Vidya Balan’s and Madhuri Dixit Dixit’s careers. Such a revival would be a true triumph for the film and its cast.
