As the third instalment of the successful “Bhool Bhulaiyaa” franchise approaches its Diwali (Nov. 1) release, star Kartik Aaryan sat down with Variety to discuss the evolution of his character Rooh Baba and working alongside Bollywood legends Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit.
“‘BB’ is one of the first successful franchises of horror-comedy and yet it is more than just horror and comedy,” Aaryan says of the films’ enduring appeal. “Whether it is Rooh Baba or the epic Manjulika’s dance – the audiences have latched onto every aspect of this movie as its staple-need.”
The actor notes that the franchise’s musical elements have contributed significantly to its success, citing collaborations with international artist Pitbull and Indian singers Diljit Dosanjh and Shreya Ghoshal. In the new film, Aaryan’s character Rooh Baba faces fresh challenges. “His motivations are clearer, revealing a deeper backstory that adds layers to his personality,” he explains. “Now he has two Manjulikas to deal with – so double the trouble, double the fun.”
The addition of Madhuri Dixit alongside returning star Vidya Balan brings two generations of Bollywood talent together. “It still feels so unreal and so special to work with two of the icons of Hindi cinema,” Aaryan says. “Vidya ma’am is fun-loving, she always jokes around and her laughter is infectious. Even Madhuri ma’am is so chilled out. She has such a calming and great aura around her.”
Madhuri Dixit, Vidya Balan – “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3”
T-Series
Addressing the film’s Diwali release alongside Rohit Shetty’s cop universe film “Singham Again,” also featuring a galaxy of stars including Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Jumar and Tiger Shroff, Aaryan expresses confidence in the market’s capacity to support simultaneous major releases. “Over the past many years we all have witnessed such big clashes at the box-office and at times both have done great,” he notes. “If the audiences are loving both the films then it’s going to make the business it’s meant to make.”
“Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” also features Bollywood star Triptii Dimri in a lead role.
On the evolution of horror-comedy in Indian cinema, Aaryan observes that the genre has matured beyond traditional tropes. “When you mix horror and comedy – there is calling out to a larger audience and bringing in not just two adults to the theatres but an entire family,” Aaryan says. As for the possibility of a fourth instalment of the “Bhool Bhulaiyaa” franchise, Aaryan defers to the audience: “They are the boss and they shall decide soon on Diwali.”
“Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” was initiated by Indian studio T-Series’ Bhushan Kumar and directed by Anees Bazmee. It releases internationally Nov. 1 via AA Films.