Bhool Bhulaiyaa's new scare

Comedy-horror franchise drops trailer for third instalment

It is time for Bolly-horror fans to prepare for a trip to the cinema as the trailer for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has finally dropped. This glimpse into the film marks the return of Kartik Aaryan as the boisterous Ruhaan, who is back to conning superstitious folks with his paranormal abilities. Unlike its Rajasthan-based prequel, this film is set in Kolkata and offers a fresh touch to the previously resolved plotlines.

The most exciting news for longtime fans is that Vidya Balan will reprise her role as Manjulika in the third installment of the franchise for the first time since her appearance in the original 2007 film. As per The Week, the actor is "overjoyed" to once again take up a role that has earned her "immense love".

In other exhilarating news, fellow veteran actor Madhuri Dixit has also joined the line-up, and that's not all. She is set to star parallel to Vidya's iconic ghastly character. Aided by luxurious set designs and the nostalgic song Hare Ram, the film is hoping to revive the joint mystique of its predecessors by blending both humour and horror to recreate the narrative we know and love.

The trailer offers a confusing mix of plot elements that reveal everything and nothing at the same time. Driven by a new ghost mystery, Ruhaan sets up camp in a royal palace to put his services to use. While hilarity colours the longer part of the trailer, it soon cuts to the dreary and frightening residence of the haunting spirit as she emerges across the large, forbidden doors.

While Vidya and Madhuri both explicitly introduce themselves as Manjulika, it is difficult to assess their intentions or what they stand for. Vidya's charm is evergreen, but Madhuri's striking presence stands out against the dread of the other characters as she gracefully observes them.

Speaking of grace, while the music is muted by the trailer's score, the viewer is offered a brief look into the recreation of Vidya's classic Ami Je Tomar performance, this time with Madhuri's traditional expertise in tow. In less graceful moments, the two characters are observed mysteriously at odds with one another or laughing hysterically as they taunt Ruhaan.

Based on the glimpses packing this trailer, it appears to borrow inspiration from the Akshay Kumar starrer of 2007. From Ruhaan's happy-go-lucky attitude to the performance of certain rituals, this trilogy marker is reminiscent of the one that started it all. Granted the original was inspired by the Malayalam horror film Manichitrathazhu, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has still a big legacy to live up to.