Why 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' Is a Must-Watch for Movie Lovers

Anees Bazmee's 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' is creating a stir in the minds of horror and thriller-loving audiences as it gears up for its Diwali release on November 1st, 2024. As everyone knows the film stars Kartik Aryan, Vidya Balan, and Madhuri Dixit in the lead roles and it has such an explosive mixture of horror and comedy which has never been seen in any film till now.

Anees Bazmee has written a unique, hair-raising story of the film, centering on Rooh Baba's encounter with the spirits in the backdrop of Kolkata. The teaser of the film was released on 27 September 2024 and the title track featuring Pitbull and Diljit Dosanjh was released on 16 October 2024.

No matter what the occasion, interviewing Anees Bazmee has always been a beautiful feeling. And Anees ji has also been loving Mayapuri since childhood.

Today, Anees Bazmee is considered one of the best Indian director and writer of India. Despite reaching this height, the way he treats everyone with humility, gentleness and respect, is rarely seen in today's times. It is because of his family values ​​that despite being so virtuous, so rich and so powerful, he remains down to earth even Today, when most of the celebrities keep their, online last seen disabled on WhatsApp, Anees, despite being such a great director and writer, did not keep himself unseen. I am proud that I have a long and friendly acquaintance with Anees and I have managed to interview him time and again, now that 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' is on the verge of release, I took the liberty to have a long conversation with him for Mayapuri, although he was so busy with the release of the film but he skipped his lunch to give me interview.

Here are the highlights of my interview with Anees:

"Thanks for joining us, Anees. 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' is set to release on November 1, what can audiences expect from this installment?"

Anees Bazmee: Thanks Sulena, the film is a fusion of horror and comedy, which continues the story of Rooh Baba in a haunted mansion in Kolkata. Our goal is to balance thrilling scares with humor.

How did this film, combined with its mysterious and shocking story, make the filming process different, especially after your injury?

Anees Bazmee: Yes, it was definitely challenging. I suffered a fracture in my leg, so that the shooting of the film could go on smoothly and I could continue to participate in it, I opted for a minor surgery. I, after being injured, directed the entire film from a wheelchair, ensuring that the vision of the film as I had envisioned it remained intact.

The cast includes super and notable names of Bollywood like Kartik Aryan, Trupti Dimri, Vidya Balan, and Madhuri Dixit. So I asked "How did their presence shape the film?

Responding to my question, Anees Bazmee emphasized that the casting process was done carefully, focusing on actors who could embody the duality of comedy and horror. For example, Kartik Aryan, who plays Rooh Baba, immersed himself in the character of his role and even worked closely with a mental health expert to bring authenticity. His seriousness about his role prepared him to effectively navigate the comedic and serious aspects of his character.

Anees Bazmee: "These superstars really bring incredible performances and high energy levels. Kartik as Rooh Baba brings an infectious energy, His comedic timing is amazing, which makes him perfect for this role. The charisma of Kartik as Rooh Baba and the strong acting and presence of Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit Nene as Manjulika take the story to exciting and hair-raising turns, making it a must-watch for both new viewers and fans of the franchise. This story becomes very attractive. Working with such talented actors was a creative joy.  Vidya balan's role as Return of Manjulika brings excitement and nostalgia, connecting the new generation with the legacy of the original film. Her chemistry is palpable which takes the essence of the film to the next level. I believe her performance will not only entertain but also evoke nostalgia among longtime fans of the franchise. Not to mention Madhuri Dixit Nene ji, the world recognizes her talent. People will be stunned to see the tremendous joint dance between Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit in this film."

Give some updates about the music of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 with Pitbull and Diljit Dosanjh.

Anees Bazmee: It's a unique blend that adds a modern twist to our traditional themes. The title track of the film is the result of their collaboration which is very catchy and I am sure the audience will love it.

What can the audience expect to get from 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3'?

Anees Bazmee: I hope they enjoy a fun-filled experience filled with rollicking laughter and hair-raising thrills, making this Diwali celebration even more enjoyable for everyone. 
I want such opportunities only. On this festive occasion, the audience waits for a film that brilliantly combines horror and comedy. In this new story, we continue Rooh Baba's journey, this time as we see Rooh Baba grow into a more complex character, as he faces new challenges that test his courage and intelligence. But this time, the second schedule of the film has been set in a haunted mansion in Kolkata. The story of the film creates sparks of laughter while presenting spine-chilling moments. The film is actually a delicate balance of scares and laughs, but I believe we have created something that will appeal to both fans of the franchise and new audiences seeing Labyrinth for the first time. My goal has been to create an immersive experience where the audience can scream in fear, laugh, joy and be thoroughly entertained.

I heard that you have shot two climax scenes in this film, 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3', and that too with a big pretext so that the cast and even the team members of the film do not know about it. Come on, which climax among those two will you show in the theatre?

Anees Bazmee: Yes, yes, I have shot two climax scenes in the film Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, and no one knows which one will be shown to the audience,  you people can find out this secret by going to the theatre and watching it.

(Director Anees Bazmee shot two climaxes to create an atmosphere of mystery for the audience and the actors. He did not give the last 15 pages of the script to the actors at all and only two or four crew members were present on the set during the shooting of both the climaxes. Now the question arises that how did this happen? 
Anees initially shot the final climax, but then called the team back and said, "It's not fun, we'll shoot again." The team thought this was necessary, but in reality, it was just to keep the ending a secret from them. Had an excuse for.)

You faced significant challenges during filming due to your injury. How did it affect your direction?

Anees Bazmee: Actually, it was a difficult time. Just days before the filming of the last schedule began, I broke three bones in my foot and the doctors advised me to take rest for six months. But I felt a strong commitment to our release date and to our team who had worked tirelessly and sweated on this project. I directed from a wheelchair, which probably no one had done before but this experience was also enlightening. This taught me the importance of collaboration. My team moved forward with me with full devotion, and ensured that we were able to complete and release the film on schedule. This experience strengthened my belief that filmmaking is a collaborative effort. Everyone's dedication brings this vision to life.

Why did you choose to continue your 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' franchise in the horror-comedy zoner rather than returning to the psychological thriller zoner of the original 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' film? Can you elaborate on that decision, that is, what inspired you to shift the focus of the genre away from psychological thriller elements to horror-comedy in this installment?

Anees Bazmee: That's an interesting question. Yes, of course, the original Bhool Bhulaiyaa has struck a chord with its psychological thriller, beautifully delivered by Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar. But I wanted to honor the legacy of the original while creating a different genre for my franchise. As we developed the script of 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' it became clear that our story was leaning more towards horror-comedy rather than thriller. This is a delicate balance, to deviate from it would have been unfair to both the story and the audience's expectations. Our aim was to create something new without disturbing the original film.

What and how much do you think the audience is expecting from 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3'?

Anees Bazmee: I hope the audience walks out of the theater feeling very thrilled and completely entertained. This film is specially designed to enjoy the festive season to the fullest. Perfect for Diwali. We want audiences to experience goosebumps, suspense and thrills through joy, laughter. This film is sure to bring together friends and family to share the laughter, joy and thrill and cherish these memorable moments while enjoying a cinematic experience that will remain in their hearts and minds long after they have left their theater seats.

If we can evoke this joy in the minds of our audiences, then we have succeeded in our mission with 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3'.

Talking about Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Anees said, “I believe we have created something that will appeal to both the old loyal fans of the franchise and the new audience alike. Everyone Will like it. My goal is to create an immersive experience where the audience can laugh, scream, and be thoroughly entertained.

"How is 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' different from 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2'?

  Anees Bazmee: "This film is even bigger and better, pushing the boundaries of the horror-comedy genre while maintaining the essence of the original franchise."

Can you share some information about the creative process behind developing the script of 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3'?

Anees Bazmee: Absolutely, we worked together with our team and made many changes to create something new. We started with brainstorming sessions where we thought about how to evolve the character of Rooh Baba, how to present Manjulika in a new way by introducing different elements that would engage the audience from beginning to end. Will keep audiences thrilled. We wanted there to be plenty of light moments along with the scares. It was important for us to create a story where every turn of the event felt organic rather than forced, a story that would surprise our audience but also give value for money satisfaction.

What inspired you to direct 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3'?

  Anees Bazmee: I am always thinking of presenting something new. This inspiration came from my travels, especially staying in cave hotels abroad. I wanted to reflect our Indian story in the set design with intricate carvings and sculptures.

How did you maintain the comedic elements of the film along with the horror? 

 Anees Bazmee: It was important to balance comedy and horror. We created many unexpected twists and turns in the film, creating scenes that allow humor to emerge naturally from the tense moments of the story."

How was it working with Vidya Balan again?

 Anees Bazmee: Vidya Balan is one of the best Indian actresses and working with her has been a beautiful experience. Vidya coming back as Manjulika was fantastic. She was able to bring depth and charisma to each of her expressions which added value to the film.

What role does Madhuri Dixit play in the film, and how does she fit into the story?

 Anees Bazmee: “Madhuri's role is very important. Her character brings an interesting twist to the story and takes the fear and mystery to a different level. Madhuri ji is playing the character of the new Manjulika in a different guise."

As it is known that Madhuri Dixit has made a wonderful pair with Vidya Balan in this film. However, It is said, in the film that Manjulika (Vidya Balan) has been wreaking havoc for centuries. In this film, Vidya Balan's character shouts, "I am Manjulika" as soon as she returns. Kartik Aryan's character Rooh Baba explains to everyone how people should take advantage of ghosts instead of fearing them. It has some humorous moments from Kartik
With Sanjay Mishra, Rajpal Yadav and Ashwini Kalsekar.

As soon as Manjulika returns, the situation becomes dire and serious. However, she is seen cleverly holding Madhuri Dixit's body hostage to create a ruckus. After this Madhuri's character shouts, "I am Manjulika." Amidst the romance and comedy, Rooh Baba tries to deal with Manjulika. But then he faces another challenge as both Vidya and Madhuri's characters are seen as Manjulika.

Trupti Dimri's character is in a romantic angle who tells Rooh Baba that both of them will get married soon. After smiling at this for a while, Baba walks away screaming because Trupti is playing a character who is dead. 

Anees said, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is a project that is very close to my heart. We have taken the boundaries of the horror-comedy genre to the third level to bring something new and entertaining. It has been an absolute pleasure working with such a talented cast and crew, from the stars and technicians to the entire team, and I am confident that the audience will enjoy the journey we have created for them.”

How do you feel about the release of your much talked about and much awaited film 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' coinciding with another much talked about film 'Singham Again'?  Do people think that a war is about to break out?

  Anees Bazmee: "Don't believe such things. I see it as a healthy competition the films released together can give the audience double the joy of Diwali, and I am excited for the audience to enjoy both. To be honest, I will be the first one to watch 'Singham Again'."

What are your expectations from the audience's reaction to this film? 

  Anees Bazmee: "When we started working on the script, the beats that emerged were more horror than thriller. This understanding guided us in creating characters, that would complement the horror-comedy of the film without straying into psychological thriller territory. Underlining the style, hope the audience will appreciate our efforts and enjoy the mix of scares and laughter that will give them a different experience. We have introduced unexpected twists and shocking events in the story but also ensured that the viewers get comedic relief in between.

What was your perspective on the film's visual style and cinematography?  

   Anees Bazmee: “My goal was to give the audience a visually entertaining experience that complemented both horror and comedy, using light creatively to make each layer of the scene extraordinary and enhanced.”

Can you share any memorable moments from the filming process of 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3'?  

 Anees Bazmee: There have been so many memorable moments, like how my team carried me up the stairs during the shoot when I was wheelchair-bound after my leg fracture, their dedication was heart-touching. "

How do you feel about the legacy of 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' as a franchise?

Anees Bazmee: Now the 'Franchise' Legacy has become well-known. My goal is to honor its legacy while delivering new stories that fans will enjoy and get entertained .”

How do you balance your creative freedom with the audience's expectations in your films? While making a film, do you go according to your skill and specialty or according to the taste of the audience?

 Anees Bazmee: I focus on telling compelling stories keeping in mind the audience's preferences, which also requires my creativity and expertise. It's a delicate balance but necessary."

Which project are you starting after 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3'? 

People have already started waiting for 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4'. Anees Bazmee (laughing): “Yes, you are right, this is also under consideration, although I have many more projects on which we are working like ‘No Entry 3’ but before I get into the new project. I Want to focus on 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3'."
(Let me tell the readers that director Anees Bazmee did not do the film 'Welcome to the Jungle' as he was committed to Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3) 

What inspires your creative process in comedy?

Anees Bazmee: I believe it is important to understand the mindset of the audience. Comedy is really a process of building a relationship with the audience, and I try to create humor, that people will like. When I write, I think about what makes them laugh and how my stories can provide them with a moment of escape from the struggles of their daily lives. Making people laugh is truly a gift to them, and I take that responsibility seriously. When I write a story or direct a film, I examine myself from the audience's point of view whether I, as an audience, will like the film or not. ,

How do you handle criticism of your work?

Anees Bazmee: Criticism is proof of survival in this industry, and I have learned to embrace it. Every feedback helps me refine my art, even if it stings in the beginning. The truth is that, in the beginning, it can sting a sensitive mind, but, I see it as an opportunity for growth. Every comment and feedback helps me hone my craft and become a better film writer and director. It's important to listen, reflect, and use that insight to improve future projects."

What legacy do you hope to leave in the world of cinema?

Anees Bazmee: I stress the importance of understanding the mindset of the audience, I believe humor should resonate immediately, as people often want to move away from their daily struggles for a while by watching entertaining movies. Making people laugh is a gift, I hope I will be remembered as a film director, writer, and producer who brought joy and laughter to the audience. My aim is that through my films the audience gets a brief escape from the sorrows and challenges of life. When people can walk out of the theater after watching my film with a smile on their faces and a feeling of satisfaction, then I feel like I have done my job well."

Moving on, what would you like to say to the readers of Mayapuri and your viewers?

Anees Bazmee: I would like to say to my dear readers of Mayapuri and my dear viewers, that on Diwali, enjoy the Diwali festival by watching my film Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 with your entire family. Happy Diwali to all of you. And yes, lots of love and Happy Diwali to the readers of my favorite children's magazine since childhood, 'Lotpot'.

The costumes and visual design also played a very meaningful role in this film. 

The costume designers took inspiration from traditional Indian textiles, incorporating subtle and horror elements through color palettes and fabric textures, and this vision cemented each character and their roles within the film's supernatural narrative.

The film is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishna Kumar, and Murad Khetani. Scheduled for release in Diwali 2024, the film marks Vidya's return to the franchise. She played the iconic role of Manjulika in the 2007 blockbuster.