Synopsis
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022), directed by Anees Bazmee, is a horror-comedy which brings back the beloved Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise after a 15-year gap. While the original 2007 film was more of a psychological thriller, this sequel disproportionally leans towards the supernatural horror. The film features new characters and a new storyline, while retaining the spooky charm of Manjulika, laughing all the way.
Set in the aged backdrop of a haveli laden with secrets, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 offers a thrilling and entertaining ride for old fans of the franchise and new-age audiences.
Plot Summary
The film opens with Ruhan Randhawa aka Rooh Baba (Karthik Aryan), a young and vibrant free-spirited traveler. Rooh Baba crosses paths with Reet Thakur (Kiara Advani), a young lady from a traditional Rajasthani family. By strokes of fate, Ruhan pretends to have supernatural powers transforming himself into the self-proclaimed “Rooh Baba.”
Things are bound to take a turn for the worst when Reet wants to spend the night at her family’s ancestral “haunted” mansion. Ignoring all the warnings, the pair venture into the “forbidden” rooms, where they are supposed to be haunted by Manjulika’s spirit. Manjulika’s presence becomes stronger as they unleash the chaos.
As the haunting intensifies, deeper family mysteries come to the surface, culminating a clash of good and evil forces. Manjulika’s fury places Ruhan, a former phony ghostbuster, in genuine peril. The franchise’s signature blend of horror and humor is preserved in the climax, which is full of shocking revelations and high-spirited comedy.
Cast and Performances
Kartik Aaryan as Ruhan / Rooh Baba – He blend the best of charm and comedy. His lively portrayal and solid comic timing made him a standout performer in the film.
Kiara Advani as Reet Thakur – Elegance and a commanding presence on screen marked her performance, which added to the emotional depth of the movie.
Tabu as Anjulika / Manjulika – The true showstopper is her. Casting her was a brilliant decision as her chilling and intense portrayal of the double role has been praised as the film’s best performance.
Rajpal Yadav as Chhote Pandit – He reprises his role from the first film and is still a fan favorite for his side-splitting jokes and comic timing.
Supporting Cast – Including Sanjay Mishra, Amar Upadhyay, Ashwini Kalsekar and the rest, they enrich and elevate the family comedy drama.
Direction and Cinematic Style
Anees Bazmee takes a different stylistic approach for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, considering the 2007 original film. Rather than exploring psychological intricacies, this sequel opts for a broader and louder approach, falling into the category of mainstream Bollywood horror-comedy. The film’s cinematography includes expansive shots of the palace, the eerie Rajasthani corridors, and the corridors themselves, all of which enhance the ghostly ambiance. The blend of horror with slapstick comedy keeps the film entertaining without a descent into darkness.
Music and Soundtrack
Tracks from the soundtrack of “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2”, composed by Pritam, include the hit songs:
“Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 – Title Track” – The original song was a huge success, and its remix is now adored by the younger generation. It gained immense popularity online.
“Hum Nashe Mein Toh Nahin” – A romantic number depicting the chemistry between the central characters, Kartik and Kiara.
“Ami Je Tomar” – Acclaimed artists Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal uplifted this song with their renditions and pay homage to the 2007 classic which features eerie elements that blend seamlessly into the Chakraview.
In particular, the background score during the appearances of Manjulika greatly contributes to the suspense and fear.
Themes and Symbolism
- The Return of Manjulika – Illustrates the anger, vengeance, and haunting elements of the past that remain unresolved.
- Truth versus falsity – Ruhan’s ghostbuster wannabe character is juxtaposed with actual haunting supernatural elements.
- Family Secrets – The haveli serves as a metaphor for concealed truths that lie beneath the surface and cannot remain disguised forever.
- Comedy in fear – This highlights the coexistence of laughter and horror, thus broadening the film’s appeal.
Reception
Among the Bollywood films released after the pandemic, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 emerged as one of the most successful, achieving a box office collection of more than ₹250 crores globally. The film was praised for its entertainment value, with explicit mention of Tabu’s performance and Kartik Aaryan’s energetic contribution. While a portion of the audience missed the psychological brilliance of the 2007 version, consensus seemed to accept that the sequel disguised its roots and succeeded in rebooting the franchise.
Final Thoughts
The commercial success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 reinforced Aryan’s stature as one of the leading comedy actors of Bollywood and reintroduced the tale of Manjulika to newer audiences. It laid the groundwork for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (2024), in which Vidya Balan from the original will reprise her role, allowing for a blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling.
