Bhulbhulaiyaa 3: A Tragedy for Bollywood's Creative Future

The release of Bhulbhulaiyaa 3 marks a somber moment in Bollywood's cinematic journey, one that highlights a growing issue in the industry's creative evolution. While the first Bhulbhulaiyaa (2007) was a thriller that captivated audiences with its intriguing mix of suspense, comedy, and psychological depth, its sequel Bhulbhulaiyaa 2 (2022) turned into a commercially successful but artistically hollow film. Unfortunately, Bhulbhulaiyaa 3 represents a further decline—a tragedy for the industry that once prided itself on storytelling innovation but now seems trapped in a cycle of nostalgia-driven mediocrity.

Directed by Anees Bazmee, Bhulbhulaiyaa 3 leans heavily on the well-worn formula of its predecessors, relying more on slapstick humor and over-the-top action than the cerebral, chilling atmosphere that made the first film stand out. While audiences flocked to the theaters in droves, the film fails to break any new ground, instead recycling familiar tropes without offering much substance. The tragedy here lies not only in the creative bankruptcy that this installment represents but in the missed opportunity to elevate Bollywood’s horror-thriller genre to new heights.

Despite the return of beloved characters like Avni (played by Vidya Balan) and the enduring presence of Akshay Kumar in a comedic role, the film struggles to justify its existence. The charm and suspense that defined Bhulbhulaiyaa have been replaced by a barrage of predictable jump scares and clichéd jokes that do little to contribute to the story’s emotional or intellectual depth. What was once a film that kept audiences on the edge of their seats is now just another forgettable entry in an overcrowded franchise market.

The core issue with Bhulbhulaiyaa 3 lies in Bollywood's increasing reliance on franchises and remakes, an issue that has plagued the industry for over a decade. Rather than venturing into fresh territory and offering something original, filmmakers are leaning on the safety net of established IPs, prioritizing brand recognition over creative risk-taking. The Bhulbhulaiyaa franchise, once a beacon of possibility, has now become an example of how comfort zones stifle artistic growth. Bollywood, which has long been lauded for its capacity for reinvention, now appears trapped in a loop of regurgitated ideas that fail to push the envelope.

The film’s focus on commercially viable formulas—replete with mindless action, exaggerated humor, and predictable plot twists—also speaks to the growing disconnect between Bollywood’s commercial imperatives and the creative aspirations of its audience. The industry seems to be catering less to the discerning filmgoer and more to the masses who are content with recycled material, as long as it promises entertainment in the most conventional sense. In this race to secure box office numbers, the essence of good storytelling is lost, and with it, the cultural richness that once defined Bollywood cinema.

Moreover, the failure of Bhulbhulaiyaa 3 underscores a larger crisis in Bollywood: the inability to evolve with the changing tastes of global audiences. With the rise of streaming platforms and the growing influence of international cinema, Indian filmmakers must now think beyond the formulaic, embracing new narratives, innovative styles, and diverse genres. Instead, Bollywood continues to churn out sequels and remakes that reflect a lack of ambition, as seen in this third installment of a franchise that peaked a decade ago.

In conclusion, Bhulbhulaiyaa 3 is more than just another lackluster sequel—it is a symbol of Bollywood's reluctance to break free from the shackles of the past. While some franchises may have the longevity to continue entertaining, this particular series is a glaring reminder of the tragedy that occurs when creativity is sidelined in favor of nostalgia and commercial success. If Bollywood is to reclaim its legacy as a global powerhouse of cinematic innovation, it must learn to leave behind the ghosts of the past and embrace the future of storytelling. Unfortunately, Bhulbhulaiyaa 3 shows just how far the industry still has to go.